Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Movie Review

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)

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Written by: Pen Densham (story), Pen Densham & John Watson (screenplay)
Directed by: Kevin Reynolds
Starring: Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Christian Slater, Alan Rickman, Michael Wincott, Sean Connery
Rated: PG-13
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Plot
Robin Hood decides to fight back as an outlaw when faced with the tyranny of the Sheriff of Nottingham. 

Verdict
It's a grand experience, taking the concept of the Robin Hood legend and transforming it into a fresh take. The production design does a great job of creating and reinforcing the world. We get adventures, battles, one liners, and a range of performances. While Costner feels more like a cowboy, it's Freeman bringing quiet dignity to his role that balances Rickman's scenery chewing as the sheriff we love to hate. This does everything an adventure movie should, creating a world that feels big and intriguing with plenty of moments you want to revisit.
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Review
This was the second highest grossing movie of 1991, eclipsed only by Terminator 2: Judgment Day. It was a blockbuster by all rights, heavily marketed with toys, Kevin Costner's star power, Bryan Adams's song "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You", and even a breakfast cereal.

Imprisoned in Jerusalem during the crusades, we see the courageous and heroic Robin of Locksley (Kevin Costner) falsely claim to have stolen bread to save his friend punishment. He uses that to stage an escape and free a Moor, Azeem (Morgan Freeman) who feels indebted to Robin for the act.

Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman play Robin Hood, Azeem

Robin and Azeem return to England where they discover the Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman) is taking over with the King away. The Sheriff is absolutely villainous, having claimed Robin's father's land. Robin soon finds himself in a fight and requests Azeem fulfill his vow. Azeem is slow to join the fray, arriving as it's over. While Robin is upset, Azeem makes the point that Robin survived. The characters form a great duo with Robin providing humor and Azeem providing commentary. In another moment the blind Duncan decries the Moors and Saracens in conversation with Azeem, unaware Azeem is a Moor.

The costumes look absolutely great, and with the sets that lends a sense of authenticity. It's a fun movie that hits the high points of the classic story while adding enough to make it more than just a remake. It's certainly epic with plenty of quotable lines. It was the tale of Robin Hood for a new generation.

Kevin Costner plays Robin Hood

Upset with the Sheriff, and seeing how many people have been sent to Sherwood Forest to hide, Robin decides to lead the revolt. Robin's arrogant, antagonizing the Sheriff who in turn terrorizes the town, driving even more people to the woods. The Sheriff isn't just bad, he has a witch advising him. While the townspeople initially doubt Robin, his impassioned speech wins them over and inspires them to build huts and forts in the forest.

The legend buys into fighting against unjust rule. The noble outlaw takes from the rich, often portrayed as villainous, and gives to the poor, the downtrodden. While this downplays Robin's marksmanship, we do see him split an arrow, though it's not that big of a moment. To be the hero, Robin does get kicked around and beaten up frequently. Robin is a man of the people, everything the Sheriff isn't. Being the villain, it's fitting, a contrast to Robin and Azeem's staid calm especially. Rickman really brings it in every scene.He makes a character that could easily fall flat into something intriguing. You'd think his overacting would make the Sheriff comical, but it doesn't. He plays the part perfectly.

What legend wouldn't be complete without the blossoming romance between Robin and Marion (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio). While there's initially tension between them, it's clear he's smitten. Then there's the jealousy of Will Scarlett (Christian Slater), another detractor Robin must win over.

Alan Rickman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio play  Sheriff of Nottingham, Lady Marian

An attack on Sherwood Forest kicks off the third act. In his bid to take over, the Sheriff must rid himself of Robin and his outlaws while also planning to wed Marion and join the royal line to cement his position of power. The Sheriff combines a wedding with a public hanging which leads to the big battle. Robin and his remaining followers must attack the castle to save the captured outlaws and halt the wedding.

My only complaint is that in the finale the witch somehow exits the locked room Robin and Azeem are attempting to enter, is stabbed and presumed dead outside the room, then gets up to attack inside the room after we think the battle is over, where Azeem finally opens the door and confronts her. Are we to assume she can teleport? That power isn't substantiated anywhere else, but she's in, out, and then in again while Azeem is trying to get through the door the entire time.

This is a grand adventure, and that's not just nostalgia talking. It's fun in all the right ways, and every character contributes. Costner is criticized as Robin, and not without reason, but I think the fact that he was in so many western type movies at the same time influenced opinion and had people seeing him as a cowboy. While Costner has a limited range, I don't mind him in this. He does well enough as the every man hero.