Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Imaginative story has fantasy fights, positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Robin and the Hoods
What's the Story?
In ROBIN OF THE HOODS, Robin (Darcey Ewart) is on the brink of a lot of change—her parents are expecting a new baby, and she's about to go to senior school. During the summer, she spends her time with her local friends "the Hoods," escaping deep into their imaginations in their local "Kingdom" near the skate park, where they battle daily with other local kids, Henry (Eddison Burch) and his army. But when a local developer (Naomie Harris) unveils plans for a sports complex on their land, all the local kids must come together to prove the existence of a rare bird that may help save their Kingdom.
Is It Any Good?
It feels a bit too long and the transitions between reality and fantasy are a little clunky, but a decent cast and imaginative premise keep this adventure fighting until the end. Kids will likely be enthralled by the Medieval fantasy scenes in Robin and the Hoods, featuring knights, ogres, a witch, and a vampire all exploring the misty, magical Kingdom that is the local children's play area. Ewart is particularly impressive as the central character, strong-minded and adventurous, but with her own lessons to learn. Harris makes for a pantomime-like evil villain, named from the children's POV as "Clipboard," while Gwendoline Christie is cantankerous on the outside but warm in the middle as Aura the "Witch." The messages come thick and fast, and the dialogue, particularly toward the end, forces them in a little awkwardly. But it's a good-natured family film that may not be the most sophisticated out there, but will keep families and pre-teens entertained.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of imagination in Robin and the Hoods. How did the kids use imagination while they played? How did the film portray their imagined Kingdom compared to the "real" word?
The movie showed the importance of teamwork, courage, and perseverance. How did characters use these strengths and why were they important to the story?
Did you think central character Robin was a good role model? Why is it important to see women and girls in strong central roles? Can you think of other movies with a girl as the central character? How do they compare?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 27, 2025
- Cast : Darcey Ewart , Naomie Harris , Gwendoline Christie
- Director : Phil Hawkins
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Shout! Studios
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Activism ( Civic engagement , Racial justice ) , Adventures , Sports ( Archery ) , Dystopia
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 5, 2025
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