Directed by Mel Brooks
Starring Cary Elwes, Richard Lewis, Roger Reese, Amy Yasbeck, Mark Blankfield and Dave Chappelle and in true Brooks style, lots of others
Released 1993

Ok, Jenn is amused with me. I had no idea that Ahchoo was played by Chappelle only that in recent years Dave Chappelle always seemed really familiar to me. I’m sure when Sloane reads this he’ll be laughing too.

I love Mel Brooks’ movies, especially his satires. And the lampooning of Robin Hood was such a wonderful idea. The first time I saw this one I laughed so hard I was sore the next morning, and I’m sure being a fan of Costner’s Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves helped me find all the humor in this one.

The casting Elwes in the title role was perfection itself. The man is renowned for his roles as arrogant asses and his snobbery blended with the fact he really can do a British accent, probably a good thing since he is British, accelerated his capability of handling the role.

As per usual it’s impossible to truly dissect a Brooks’ film. The humor runs rampant and it has to be seen three or four times just to catch all the references and background pieces. The opening fight scene where Robin rescues Ahchoo (“Bless you”) is just the tip of the iceberg. With everything to see sometimes it’s just as easy to miss something you’re supposed to be listening to. It’s especially easy to get wrapped up in the soliloquies delivered by Robin and miss everything else in the scene.

Still if I had to pick any particular scene in the movie as a favorite I think it’s Latrine (Tracey Ullman) revives the Sheriff of Rottingham (Reese). Though the litany of deaths Blinkin (Blankfield) gives when Robin has returned is a close second.

Yasbeck’s portrayal of Marian as a singing vestal virgin bound in a chastity belt was a whole new outlook on the character. Her assistant Broomhilde (Megan Cavanagh) is one of the better secondary characters in the film, particularly when the horses are involved.

Follow the bouncing mole of Prince John’s (Lewis) face, enjoy a glass of wine with Rabbi Tuckman (Mel Brooks), and see how many references you can catch, not to mention reoccurring Brooks’ alumni cameos.

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