MovieChat Forums > The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) Discussion > Too hokey for serious analysis?

Too hokey for serious analysis?

posted 15 years ago by starcommand
24 replies | jump to latest

This movie is pure escapism, nothing more. Much of the dialogue sounds forced, Flynn's performance is far from his best, and it just doesn't hold up to repeated viewings (I watched it a 2nd time tonight; 1st time was about 20 years ago).

I would bet that almost all of those who are giving this movie a 10 rating are youngsters who get excited watching a sword fight.

That said, "Captain Blood" still kicks a$$, possibly because it was made when Errol still had to prove himself. After he became a star, he got lazy rather rapidly.

"Any lie will find believers as long as you tell it with force."

[–] TheManInOil 13 years ago

It's a children's movie.

"I'll book you. I'll book you on something. I'll find something in the book to book you on."

[–] cwente2 13 years ago

In a manner of speaking, it's a children's "story". And . . . we're all kids at heart. Then, again, there are plenty of stories aimed at both children "and" adults (Eg., "Treasure Island", "Huckleberry Finn", etc.) with straight-forward points of view about the human condition and what's right and what's wrong. I think "Adventures of Robin Hood" is one of those. Need a few more like it these days, imo!

[–] raphael65 13 years ago

I don't even feel that it is hokey. Unlike modern "historical" films, it has a very literate script, not polluted with current colloquialisms. It remains one of the greatest films of all time. Perfect cast, perfect music, and great screenplay, with some historical facts worked in, such as Prince John's attempted usurpation of the throne while Richard is held captive by Leopold of Austria. Also the matte paintings are FANTASTIC, and the castle seen in the distance when Robin first escapes from the Great Hall of Nottingham is as convincing as any CGI. As for the 3-strip Technicolor, remastered, the film is pure eye-candy.

[–] IndianaMcClane 11 years ago

I'll put it his way. I judge each movie by what it intends to do and how much it succeeds at that goal. In that regard, this film succeeds in spades.

[–] devansarty-1 11 years ago

Hokey, pure escapism? This is the genesis of the modern action movie so you're seeing what countless others have imitated since. It's the Hollywood studio system at its best with absolutely everybody involved at the top of their game.

And 'serious analysis?' Well there's the anti-Nazi sub text, the New Deal sub text, the sexual sub text(s)...

Above all there's the sheer bloody joie de vivre of the thing!

Taking painting to the pictures ...
www.thepicturepalace.co.uk

[–] jellyree 10 years ago

Goodbye.

[–] liscarkat (18992) 3 years ago

I feel sincere pity for anyone who has such a stick up their ass that they can't enjoy this movie.

[–] marktayloruk (2558) 2 years ago

Should have won Best.Picture.