PartTimeCritic Review of Robin Hood: Men in Tights

Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)

Good Parody Film with High Joke Hit Rate

[6/10 · 26 February 2023]

ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS (B-), a 1993 parody film from Mel Brooks, takes aim at the Robin Hood story; well, mostly the immensely popular 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and the 1938 Adventures of Robin Hood. Starring in the titular role is Cary Elwes who is an absolutely perfect fit for the role. Like Leslie Nielsen as a policeman in his Naked Gun role, Cary Elwes is perfectly believable replacement for a "takes the entire story seriously" Errol Flynn esque Robin Hood - his Robin laugh is spot on. Once escaped from imprisonment in the Holy Land while on Crusade, Robin Hood heads back home to find his castle repossessed by the Sherriff of Rottingham and now accompanied by Achoo (Dave Chappelle) and the blind servant Blinkin. Robin eventually hooks up with Little john and his merry men (in tights!) to take on Prince John and the Sherriff as well as win Maid Marion. Along the way we get some fun takes on historic moments like little John protecting a tiny bridge over a small stream ("This ain't exactly the Mississippi") in a fight with ever dwindling sticks to fight with. Additionally, we get a great homage and parody of Robin Hood interrupting Prince John's banquet. As with almost all parodies, it can get bogged down and move slow when a few jokes don't hit in a row and this film has its fair share of lame or dated jokes (air pump shoes, Rodney King, Home Alone, & Godfather (a lengthy scene) references). The high production values and strong casting make this one a joy. Beyond Elwes, Richard Lewis is perfect as Prince John, delivering Brooks' comedy with perfect pace and expression (and a traveling mole). This might not have the most memorable lines or scenes of a Mel Brooks movie, but it's overall a pretty easy and enjoyable watch with a strong hit rate of jokes.