Robin Hood

 Review

Common Sense Media says

A cuddly, classic take on the folktale.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this video is mostly tame but contains examples of bad behavior, such as greediness, gullibility and, in Robin's case, stealing. But it's also a heartwarming tale about having compassion for those who are less fortunate.

  • Although Robin and Little John are technically outlaws, they are clearly well meaning; they engage in theft, duplicity and pranks, but all in good humor. Prince John is the pinnacle of poor character: vain, greedy, gullible, and temperamental with a habit for thumb sucking.
  • Mostly slapstick fare with medieval weaponry; Prince John has a sadistic tendency to strike his courtier Hiss.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

Walt Disney's animated ROBIN HOOD recounts the story of the famous outlaw and Little John, here depicted as a fox and a bear. Wild animals portray the other folkloric characters, making the story even more engaging for young children. Robin Hood and Little John are uninhibited, mischievous pranksters that "rob the rich to feed the poor". Dressed as female fortune tellers, they pilfer Prince John's money, jewels, hubcaps and even the royal robes off his back. But Robin's antics are countered by his compassion for the impoverished peasants of Nottingham, who benefit from his redistribution of wealth. His romance with Marian is treated with a light hand and resembles school-age infatuation. In her armoire, Maid Marian keeps a cherished picture of Robin -- his wanted poster.


Is it any good?

 

Walt Disney's clever adaptation is entertaining and skillfully animated. Children will enjoy the melodrama and action, as well as musical interludes in a folksong style. Peter Ustinov lends his vocal talent to Prince John, creating a delightfully nefarious screen villain. Prince John is the pinnacle of poor character: vain, greedy, gullible, and temperamental with a habit for thumb sucking. One young viewer laughed out loud with delight to see the infantile tyrant sulk and cry "Mommy" when foiled by his archenemy Robin.

As Disney character animation delights, folksongs add a light-hearted flair. One song, "Love," received an Oscar nomination. As an introduction to swashbuckling comic adventure, this Robin Hood is good fun all around.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about why it was OK for Robin to steal (while reminding them that it wouldn't be OK for them to steal).


This review was written by Rafael Munsi
Parent
July 25, 2010
 
Robin to the rescue!
My daughter has the video and has loved it since she was a toddler. There isn't much point in it but since she loves it, she keeps on watching it.

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
Great movie..
This is one of my favorite Disney movies. I have seen this movie lots of times.

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Parent of 3 and 5 year old
March 11, 2010
 
Fine for young kids to watch WITH a parent
My 3 year old loved this movie. Of course, Dad sat with her and talked her through any iffy parts, explained things and answered any questions she had. As with any movies for young kids, know your child and watch it with them at least the first time.

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Kid, 9 years old
September 12, 2010
 
I liked it, but the part I did not like that robin hood was stealing. But the the part I did like was that there was a lot of action and helping. It was good!

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Teen, 15 years old
October 28, 2010
 

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Teen, 14 years old
August 5, 2010
 
Consumer Advice:
The weaponry can be a bad influence on children, so i say: THE FOLLOWING FILM IS RATED G, Nothing unsuitable for children except some dangerous behaviour and very mild sexual references.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
underappreciated Disney film
Entertaining Disney film that doesn't get the attention it deserves. My daughter loved it when she was about 4.

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Parent of 5 year old
June 29, 2011
 
light and fun animated movie for kids
This is a light, humorous movie that is great for kids. There are some things you will want to talk through with your children such as stealing (is it ever OK to steal?) and the implicit threats/violence. Some children will be frightened during the scene where it looks as though Robin Hood has drowned. This is a pretty fuzzy movie and has some scenes that will make your kids guffaw with laughter.

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Teen, 14 years old
July 1, 2010
 
The funniest, sadest, scariest and violent movie of all time.

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Parent
April 7, 2009
 

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This review was written by Rafael Munsi
Topics:adventures, book characters, wild animals
Studio:Walt Disney Pictures
Director:Wolfgang Reitherman
Cast:Andy Devine, Brian Bedford, Peter Ustinov
Genre:Family and Kids
Run time:93 minutes
Theatrical release date:November 8, 1973
DVD release date:July 4, 2000
MPAA rating:G

This review was written by Rafael Munsi
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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