Everyone has those films that they were obsessed with as a kid, watching over and over ad nauseum to the point where a) you could probably recite the whole thing word for word and b) you'd drive your parents bonkers. Well, this was one of mine.
Taking the anthropomorphic route, this Disney retelling of the legend of Robin Hood follows Robin as he steals from Prince John to help the poor folk of Nottingham who are struggling to survive. Enraged by being outwitted by Robin time after time, the evil Prince increases the taxes so much most of the townsfolk end up in jail, and when the local friar fights back and is sentenced to death, Robin has no choice but to attempt a jailbreak, knowing that Prince John and his army will be waiting.
By all accounts there were various development issues during the making of this film, so corners were cut and it was somewhat rushed... and in some ways you can tell - animation cells from the Jungle Book are re-used, the moving parts of the animation don't quite blend with the background properly, and the dialog sounds like it was recorded on a dictaphone. The film is also quite short - utterly flying through it's story in the blink of an eye.
However, despite all this the film still shines thanks to its amazing performances from the voice cast, colourful cast of characters, genuine humour and insanely catchy songs. That Whistle Stop opening song is such a huge nostalgia punch in the gut for me that I cry every time I hear it, and Peter Ustinov puts in an absolutely incredible performance as Prince John - the constant banter between him and Sir Hiss is hilarious.
All in all this is a prime example of performances overshadowing technical issues. I am aware that objectively this is far from the best Disney film, but it will always be my personal favourite. Oo-De-Lally!!!
Taking the anthropomorphic route, this Disney retelling of the legend of Robin Hood follows Robin as he steals from Prince John to help the poor folk of Nottingham who are struggling to survive. Enraged by being outwitted by Robin time after time, the evil Prince increases the taxes so much most of the townsfolk end up in jail, and when the local friar fights back and is sentenced to death, Robin has no choice but to attempt a jailbreak, knowing that Prince John and his army will be waiting.
By all accounts there were various development issues during the making of this film, so corners were cut and it was somewhat rushed... and in some ways you can tell - animation cells from the Jungle Book are re-used, the moving parts of the animation don't quite blend with the background properly, and the dialog sounds like it was recorded on a dictaphone. The film is also quite short - utterly flying through it's story in the blink of an eye.
However, despite all this the film still shines thanks to its amazing performances from the voice cast, colourful cast of characters, genuine humour and insanely catchy songs. That Whistle Stop opening song is such a huge nostalgia punch in the gut for me that I cry every time I hear it, and Peter Ustinov puts in an absolutely incredible performance as Prince John - the constant banter between him and Sir Hiss is hilarious.
All in all this is a prime example of performances overshadowing technical issues. I am aware that objectively this is far from the best Disney film, but it will always be my personal favourite. Oo-De-Lally!!!