Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 31, 1993 TAG: 9307310092
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: B6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MIKE MAYO CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Otherwise, this is a tepid parody of other movies, and it never comes close to the rapid-fire energy of the "Naked Gun" or even the "Hotshots" comedies.
Most of the film is a simple reworking of Kevin Costner's "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" with Cary Elwes as our hero and Dave Chappelle as his trusty Moorish sidekick, Ahchoo. Comedian Richard Lewis plays Prince John as a neurotic despot with a wandering facial wart. Most of the physical comedy is handled by Roger Rees as the Sheriff. He's the brightest member of the cast, but he's not nearly as funny as Alan Rickman was in the same role.
Perhaps that's the problem. The best Robin Hood movies have never taken themselves very seriously, and it's difficult to make fun of a genre that's already in on the joke. The script by producer-director Brooks, Evan Chandler and David Shapiro is forced to wander far afield to find other targets.
Dom Deluise shows up for a hammy and none-too-original Marlon Brando "Godfather" take-off. At odd times Robin and Maid Marian (Amy Yasbeck) burst into song, spoofing Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald duets. One of the few really good moments is a chorus line production number by the Merry Men concerning their affinity for Spandex.
There is a slight sexual edge to some of the jokes, involving chastity belts and circumcision, so the film really can't be recommended for younger children, but kids who like to see adults acting silly may enjoy the film.
When Brooks is really in top form, his comedy depends on active, aggressive leads, like Gene Wilder and Marty Feldman in "Young Frankenstein," or, as in "Blazing Saddles," a thoroughly irreverent and unpredictable approach to the subject at hand, and to filmmaking in general.
But with this "Robin Hood" he elected to make a nice, safe little movie. That's what he got. And while "nice" and "safe" are admirable qualities in a dog or a station wagon, they don't make for good movie comedy.
\ Robin Hood: Men in Tights: * A Twentieth Century-Fox release playing at the Valley View Mall 6. Rated PG- 13 for mild sexual humor, strong language. 100 min.
by CNB