Review: Robin Hood: Men in Tights

There is a reason why Mel Brooks’ movies are timeless. He has an uncanny knack for making films that no matter when they’re made; they have a quality about them that never feels dated.

1993’s Robin Hood: Men in Tights is no exception.

Starring Cary Elwes (Hot Shots!, Days of Thunder) as the title character, Men in Tights is your typical spoof comedy with a distinct Brooks style to it. The story is no different than your typical Robin Hood tale, but takes most of its cues from 1991’s Robin Hood Prince of Thieves [with Kevin Costner] and 1938’s The Adventures of Robin Hood [with Errol Flynn].

Robin, having returned from the Crusades, has his property seized from the evil Prince John, played by Comedian, Richard Lewis. The Prince, abusing the King’s power, utilizing the Sheriff of Rottingham, played by Roger Rees (Frida, The Scorpion King) to do his evil deeds.

Robin, of course isn’t going to take this sitting down, so he assembles a group of Merry Men which includes his Blind Servant, Blinkin, played by Mark Blankfield, Little John, Played by Eric Allan Kramer (American Wedding, The Incredible Hulk Returns), Will Scarlet O’Hara, played by Matthew Porretta, and in his first role on film, Dave Chapelle stars as Achoo.

Brooks himself has a small role [as he usually does in his movies] as Rabbi Tuckman [a play on Friar Tuck], who is a purveyor of sacramental wine, and professional circumciser. Amy Yasbeck rounds out the principal cast as Maid Marian, love interest of both Robin and Rottingham.

Featuring a series of sight gags, and of course, Mel Brooks’ brand of Jew-humor. Men in Tights is far from Brooks’ best film, but it is quite a funny film. A lot of the regulars of Brooks’ films, such as Dom Deluise, Dick Van Patten and Robert Ridgely [The Hangman]

Brooks also pays homage to a number of his former films, such as Spaceballs, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. Brooks was probably one of the first “Environmental Filmmakers” [because he recycles a lot of his material].

It’s not close to Brooks’ best, but it is a movie that is enjoyable for anyone who loves comedy.

I give Robin Hood: Men in Tights 6 ½ out of 10.