Robin Hood: Men In Tights

Image courtesy of IMDB 

MAV Rating: 4.25 Horseshoes [MAV Approved]

Director: Mel Brooks

Movie Rating: PG-13

Length: 1 hour and 44 minutes

Cast

Cary Elwes…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Robin Hood

Richard Lewis………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Prince John

Roger Rees………………………………………………………………………………………………….Sheriff of Rottingham

Amy Yasbeck………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………..Marian

Mark Blankfield……………………………………………………………………………………….………………………Blinkin

Dave Chappelle………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………..Ahchoo

Isaac Hayes……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Asneeze

Megan Cavanagh………………………………………………………………………..…………………………….Broomhilde

Eric Allen Kramer……………………………………………………………………………………………………….Little John

Matthew Porretta…………………………………………………………………………………….Will Scarlet O’Hara

Tracy Ullman…………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………Latrine

Patrick Stewart…………………………………………………………………………….………………………….King Richard

Dom DeLuise…………………………………………………………………………………………………………Don Giovanni

Mel Brooks creates a fun, light-hearted, comedy poking fun at the Robin Hood lore (more specifically, the 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”). The musical elements add to the enjoyment of the movie. However, some of the jokes will likely be missed if the viewer is not familiar with the Robin Hood lore and the spoofs on other Robin Hood films. 

A spoof on the Robin Hood folklore, Robin of Locksley (Elwes), the most skilled archer in the land, teams up with Blinkin (Blankfield), a blind servant; Ahchoo (Chappelle), the son of Asneeze; Little John (Kramer), whose name is ironic given that he is anything but; and Will Scarlet O’Hara (Porretta), a dagger master; to save Marian of Begelle from the Sheriff of Rottingham and Prince John.

Cary Elwes does a great job at playing a witty, slightly foolish Robin Hood. Richard Lewis conveys the scared-of-everything Prince John with the perpetually moving mole very well. One of the best parts of the film is Roger Rees’ portrayal of the eccentric Sheriff of Rottingham.

Overall, if you like satirical, parody movies, this movie is definitely for you.

Shaun of the Dead

Image courtesy of IMDB

MAV Rating: 3.5 Horseshoes 

Director: Edgar Wright

Movie Rating: R

Length: 1 hour and 39 minutes

Cast

Simon Pegg………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………Shaun

Kate Ashfield……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Liz

Nick Frost…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Ed

Lucy Davis…………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………….Dianne

Dylan Moran……………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………..David

Bill Nighy…………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………Philip

Penelope Wiltion…………………………………………………………………………………….……………………..Barbara

Edgar Wright creates a unique take on the idea of a zombie apocalypse in Shaun of the Dead, the first movie in the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy. It is a British comedy, which means that there is a lot of dry humor. However, there is some slightly more American humor thrown in through physical comedy. 

After a bad day, Shaun (Pegg) decides to turn his life around and get his ex back and it just so happens that a zombie apocalypse has just started. Shaun attempts to lead a small group of survivors to a stronghold: their local bar.

Simon Pegg is great at playing the average human turned zombie apocalypse survivor. While Nick Frost portrays the role of the lazy best friend that just wants to go to the pub. 

Among the comedy and zombie killing, there are moments that prove to be heartwarming. Overall, while the Shaun of the Dead might not be for everyone, I highly recommend that you give it a shot.