Robin Hood: Men in Tights Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy in tights steals from a whiny prince with a shifting mole to give to people who probably won’t manage their money any better, all while trying to get a girl’s chastity belt unlocked.

🍿 Robin Hood: Men in Tights: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Robin’s Return and Discovery

Robin of Loxley, a skilled archer, returns to England after fighting in the Crusades. He discovers that Prince John, King Richard’s brother, has usurped the throne and is oppressing the people with the aid of the Sheriff of Rottingham. Robin’s family home has been seized, and the land is in disarray, setting the stage for his heroic quest.

Recruiting the Merry Men

Robin sets out to assemble a band of merry men to oppose Prince John. This includes Blinkin, his loyal blind servant, Ahchoo, the son of a man who helped Robin escape from prison, Little John, a towering figure despite his name, and Will Scarlet O’Hara, a master of daggers. The group’s diverse skills and personalities form the core of Robin’s rebellion.

Romance and Rivalry

At the palace, Robin falls for Maid Marian, who is searching for the man with the key to her heart (and chastity belt). The Sheriff of Rottingham also desires Marian, creating a romantic rivalry. The film parodies traditional romance tropes while highlighting the absurdity of the characters’ situations.

The Archery Tournament

Robin participates in an archery tournament, an event rife with comedic opportunities. Disguised, he reaches the final round and reveals himself. The scene includes self-aware humor, with characters consulting the script to determine the plot’s progression, breaking the fourth wall in classic Mel Brooks fashion.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Robin Hood (Cary Elwes): The skilled archer and nobleman returns from the Crusades to fight against the corrupt Prince John and restore justice to England.
• Prince John (Richard Lewis): The greedy and inept brother of King Richard, he rules England with a childish tyranny in his brother’s absence.
• Sheriff of Rottingham (Roger Rees): The corrupt and conniving Sheriff serves as Prince John’s enforcer, implementing his cruel policies while lusting after Maid Marian.
• Marian (Amy Yasbeck): The beautiful and resourceful Maid Marian seeks a hero to unlock her heart (and chastity belt) and stands against the injustices of Prince John.
• Ahchoo (Dave Chappelle): The son of Asneeze, Ahchoo joins Robin’s merry men and provides comedic relief while fighting for the oppressed.
• Blinkin (Mark Blankfield): Robin’s loyal and comically blind servant, offering unwavering support (despite his limited vision).

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Robin Hood: “Unlike some other Robin Hoods, I can speak with an English accent.” – A direct jab at Kevin Costner’s American accent in ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’.
• Prince John: “I’ve got a mole… warty, warty.” – Prince John complains about his mole that moves around his face throughout the movie.
• Ahchoo: “A black sheriff? I like it! I love to see Negroes in positions of power!” – Ahchoo responds sarcastically after being appointed Sheriff, referencing ‘Blazing Saddles’.
• Rabbi Tuckman: “It’s good to be the king!” – Rabbi Tuckman exclaims this after King Richard arrives and kisses Marian, referencing Mel Brooks’ earlier film ‘History of the World, Part I’.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $35,739,755
• Worldwide Gross: $35,739,755

💥 Robin Hood: Men in Tights Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I admit it, I still laugh at this movie! Maybe it’s nostalgia, but ‘Robin Hood: Men in Tights’ hits my funny bone just right. Cary Elwes is perfect as the charmingly clueless Robin, and Richard Lewis as Prince John? Genius! The spoonerisms from the Sheriff of Rottingham always get me. I know some jokes are cheesy, but it’s a Mel Brooks movie – that’s the point! I always have a good time watching this.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Mel Brooks’ comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy parody films”
  • “Those looking for lighthearted, silly humor”
  • “People familiar with the Robin Hood story”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some slapstick violence”
  • “Anachronistic references”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Mel Brooks aims for broad laughs and often hits the mark, though the humor can be inconsistent. Cary Elwes shines as Robin, but the film relies too heavily on tired gags and self-referential humor. The supporting cast is game, but the overall result is a somewhat uneven spoof.
• RogerEbert.com: “A delightful send-up of the Robin Hood legend, particularly targeting the Kevin Costner version. While some jokes are predictable, Brooks’s trademark wit and the energetic performances, especially by Cary Elwes and Richard Lewis, make it a consistently entertaining experience. Not a masterpiece, but a solid comedy.
• The New York Times: “Mel Brooks delivers a goofy, lighthearted spoof that provides plenty of silly moments. The film is less sharp than his earlier classics, but the absurdity and self-aware humor offer enough laughs to make it a worthwhile watch for fans of his style. Amy Yasbeck also brings charm to the role of Marian.

Audience Reactions

The absurdity and constant breaking of the fourth wall are hilarious.: Fans love the non-stop jokes and parodies of other movies, especially the blatant references to ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’.

Cary Elwes’s performance is a perfect blend of charm and comedic timing.: Viewers appreciate Elwes’s ability to deliver both physical comedy and witty lines with equal skill.

Overall Consensus: A silly but enjoyable spoof that relies heavily on Mel Brooks’s signature style of humor. While some jokes fall flat, the overall experience is entertaining for fans of the genre.

Awards

1. Young Artist Awards (Best Young Comedian)- 1994
2. ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards (Top Box Office Films)- 1994

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “When Mel Brooks first called Cary Elwes to offer him the lead role, Elwes thought it was a prank and hung up on him.”
• “The film includes numerous references to Mel Brooks’ other movies, such as ‘Blazing Saddles’ and ‘History of the World, Part I.'”
• “Several scenes were improvised by the actors, adding to the film’s spontaneous comedic feel. Tracey Ullman and Roger Rees improvised the scene in Latrine’s bedroom when Rottingham fell through the ceiling.”

🖥️ How to Watch Robin Hood: Men in Tights?

Robin Hood: Men in Tights is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV where it is available for rent or purchase. Check your local cable providers for on-demand options as well. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can often be found at major retailers like Amazon and Walmart, offering a classic viewing experience. Availability may vary by region, so be sure to check local listings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Robin Hood: Men in Tights, you might like these similar films:

• Spaceballs (1987): Another Mel Brooks spoof, this time targeting the ‘Star Wars’ franchise with similar over-the-top humor.
• Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975): A cult classic that similarly satirizes the Arthurian legend with absurd and irreverent humor.
• The Princess Bride (1987): Starring Cary Elwes, it has a similar blend of adventure, romance, and comedic elements.
• Spy Hard (1996): A spoof movie with rapid-fire gags and celebrity cameos.

🛒 Robin Hood: Men in Tights Related Products

• Robin Hood: Men in Tights [Blu-ray]: Own the classic Mel Brooks spoof in high definition. A perfect addition to any comedy movie collection and a great way to relive the laughs.
• Mel Brooks Collection [DVD]: A box set of Mel Brooks films that usually includes ‘Robin Hood: Men in Tights’, this set offers a wealth of comedic genius from one of the masters of parody.
• Robin Hood T-Shirt – ‘Men in Tights’ Inspired Design: Show your love for the movie with a custom-designed t-shirt featuring iconic quotes or imagery from ‘Robin Hood: Men in Tights’. Comfortable and stylish for any fan.
• Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves [Blu-ray]: Own the version of the Robin Hood legend that Men in Tights parodies!

🎧 Soundtrack

Robin Hood: Men in Tights features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Men In Tights” – performed by Mel Brooks
• “Marian” – performed by Jeff Lynne

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Did you know for ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS…

Dive into a treasure trove of fascinating facts and behind-the-scenes secrets that will make you appreciate this hilarious classic even more!

The Funniest Moments of Robin Hood Men in Tights! Best Clips

Prepare to laugh out loud as you revisit the funniest scenes from this beloved comedy. These clips will have you rolling on the floor!

Robin Hood: Men in Tights – Rabbi Tuckman Circumcision

Get ready for a chuckle-fest! This iconic scene from the movie will have you in stitches as Rabbi Tuckman hilariously explains the intricacies of circumcision.

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