Product: Robin Hood [VHS] (1973)
Rating: 4.0
A fun romp, at Prince John's expense
ROBIN HOOD and JUNGLE BOOK were the best of the animated Disney movies to come out during the 1970s and early 1980s -- before the truly outstanding string (except, say Pocohontas) of movies like LITTLE MERMAID, ALADDIN, LION KING, MULAN, etc. It was a shining light amidst fun, but somewhat lackluster movies.The storyline, using animals to tell the story of Robin Hood works well -- using animals to fit into their various roles. Robin Hood is a sly fox who outwits the sheriff, the king, and their men time and again, and Marian is a foxy fox. King Richard and Prince John are lions -- symbol of the king of beasts, and the prince's main counselor is a snake, low creature that snakes are viewed as being. The guards are often rhinos, tough, strong, but not expected to think.I truly enjoy this telling, but there are several places in the movie where it's clear that the animation from one part of the movie was reused in another part of the movie. That detracts somewhat from the viewing experience.The music and characters were fun, and you come to loathe the prince and his snake friend, not to mention OLD BUSHELL BRITCHES the sheriff of Nottingham.A fun show, but not quite up to snuff with more recent Disney offerings. Definitely worth 4 - 4.5 stars!Have a great day!Alan Holyoak