My Top 10 Oscar Nominated Songs that didn’t Win

 

  Just because a song doesn’t receive an award doesn’t mean it goes unappreciated. When it comes to Oscar Nominated songs that didn’t win the Best Original Song award, there’s a number of great ones that have stuck with fans and viewers for years after, despite not taking home the gold. You name it, the “Footloose” theme from “Footloose”, “Papa can you Hear Me?” from “Yentl”, “On the Road Again” from “Honeysuckle Rose”, “The Prayer” from “Quest of Camelot”, and several other hits were nominated for Best song, but didn’t win, and yet are still remembered fondly to this day. So, I felt the time was right to shine some light on my personal favorite songs that were nominated at the Oscars, but didn’t win. I had initially tinkered with the idea to make this a Top 50 countdown, as there’s so many great songs to highlight, but I decided to keep it simple, and rank my own personal top 10 favorite Oscar nominated songs that I most feel deserved the Best Original Song award.     

 

#10 “Everything is Awesome!” (The Lego Movie)

This is arguably one of the catchiest, and most thoroughly joyful songs on my list. I’d honestly go so far as to say it was a generations “Zippity Doo Dah”. In the movie, this song takes place in an everyday work environment, and thankfully our lead characters are the jolliest people every, making every day a big upbeat musical number. The visuals are colorful, the environment is very active, and the lyrics are so simple they're bound to get stuck in your head. Despite loosing to the more sentimental and inspiring song “Glory” from 2014’s “Selma”, I can’t help feeling sad this toe-tapper of a song number didn’t win the award. Still, “Everything is Awesome!” has earned its place in the party-house hall of fame. 

 

#9 “May it Be” (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring)

I didn’t go into the first “Lord of the Rings” movie expecting to be won-over by an original song, but Enya’s cover of the song “May it Be” is one of those special surprises that has stuck with me over the years. It’s a song with a dual nature of being somber and moody in tone, yet blissful and spirited in melody and passion. It perfectly compliments the feel of “The Lord of the Rings” franchise, and still cares this moving effect to this day. For some odd reason, it lost the Best Original Song Award to Randy Newman’s “If I didn’t Have You” from “Monsters, Inc.”, which was fine … I suppose … but for my money, it was not on the same level of either quality or beauty as “May it Be”.   

#8 “Believe” (The Polar Express)

Josh Groban has some terrific Christmas albums, most of which are his versions of already classic songs, but his best original holiday song in my opinion is "Believe". This is one of those songs that can just lift my spirit, and put me in a perfect, joyful holiday mood. The song was featured in the animated 2004 motion picture “The Polar Express”, and that’s when I first took note of how beautiful this song is. I love the theme, I love the melody, I love the message, and Josh Groban just puts his whole heart and soul into this, making it a magical, uplifting song, and one that should definitely be heard around the holidays. It lost that year to Jorge Drexler’s song “Al Otro Lado Del Ril” from the 2004 picture “The Motorcycle Diaries”, and while it’s cool that a lesser known, foreign language song won the award … I still love Josh Groban’s “Believe”, and it has a secure place among my favorite contemporary Christmas songs.

#7 “The Power of Love” (Back to the Future)

Huey Lewis's opening song “The Power of Love” was rightfully nominated at the Oscars for Best Original Song, but it lost to Lionel Richie Double-Dagger’s “Say You, Say Me” from the movie "White Knights" … who else remembers that one? Anyway, Huey’s Lewis’s “The Power of Love” still went on to become a record-breaking hit, toping numerous Billboards, and it’s absolutely one of the films many musical highlights. Just like the movie “Back to the Future”, I’d also call this opening song a decade staple in its own right, and carries a beat that’s still just as infectiously upbeat today.

 

#6 “This is Me!” (The Greatest Showman)

For all the reservations with this 2017 movie musical, it’s personally one of my favorites of the past decade, and one of my favorite song compilations from any musical. Of course, I can’t forget the Oscar nominated song “This Is Me”, which is exceptionally uplifting, and in my personal opinion should have won the Academy Award … even though the song “Remember Me” from Pixar’s “Coco” was quite good too. Never the less, I found “This is Me!” to be a perfect mix of triumphant, inspiring, and a real toe-tapper all in one package. It’s easily a bright spot in this mixed, yet still favorable movie musical.

 

#5 The “For Your Eyes Only” Theme (For Your Eyes Only)

Of all the classic James Bond Theme songs, Sheena Easton’s “For Your Eyes Only” theme from the 1981 picture “For Your Eyes Only” stands out as one of my absolute favorites. While Sheena Easton’s face is a little to frequently featured in the opening credits, I honestly find this theme song to be the most beautiful and spell-binding of all the Bond themes. This number lost to “Arthur’s Theme (Best that you Can Do)” from the 1981 movie “Arthur”, but for me, I feel this was a year that Bond deserved to take home some Oscar Gold. While this has never been one of my favorite Bond movies, this Oscar nominated song is still hands down the bright spot of the film, and for me is the most captivating of 007 themes.

 

#4 “I’m Just Ken” (Barbie)

The 2023 picture “Barbie” did in-fact take home some Oscar gold for Best Original Song, but it was for Billie Eilish’s song “What was I Made For?”, which is thematically the more rich and beautiful song … but with that said … Ryan Gosling’s big song number “I’m Just Ken” absolutely slaps, and made for one heck of a showstopper presentation at the Academy Awards. It was a big highlight segment of the film, the tempo goes through a number of riveting peaks and vales, it was stuck in my head for weeks on end, and it was honestly my whole inspiration for putting this list together in the first place. Maybe it wasn’t as thoughtful as “What was I Made For?”, but regardless, “I’m Just Ken” was unmistakably my personal favorite original movie song of 2023. 

 

#3 “Go the Distance” (Disney’s Hercules)

There’s a number of great songs from Disney animated movies that were nominated at the Oscars, and didn’t win, but to avoid repetition of filling this list entirely with Disney songs, I just wanted to single out one of my all-time favorites of from their animated musical catalogue. When it comes to Disney’s “Hercules”, “Go the Distance” is a triumphant anthem for a hero, and while it may not be a house hold title like some others, it’s always been one of my most treasured. Even Michael Bolton’s rendition was pretty darn good, and found its way on the top of the hot contemporary tracks chart. It’s initially sung by a young teenage Hercules that doesn’t fit in with the people around him, but it really highlights the better parts of his character. While it had no chance of beating Celine Dion's "My Heart will Go On" from "Titanic", I still find this Disney song to be an inspiring musical piece, with an uplifting tone, a triumphant score, and it’s arguably one of the most underappreciated Disney songs that I really hope gets more attention.

 

#2 “Everything I do, I do for You” (Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves)

Brain Adams hit it out of the park back in 1991 with this Grammy Award winning song, topping multiple charts, and naturally was nominated at the Oscars for best original song, but understandably lost to Celine Dion’s cover theme for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” theme. Regardless, the Brian Adams song still holds up all these years later, and closes the film on a high note. One minor announce I have to address is that when the movie was originally released on VHS, the end credits played over a music video of “Everything I do, I Do for You”, which is awesome, as I’ve always hatted those dull, black backdrops, and I always want something to fill that empty space. Unfortunately, when it was transferred to DVD, the song still played over the credits, but the music video in the background was absent, and that bummed me out. Even the extended cut on Blue-Ray didn’t put the video back in, and I can’t figure why … my guise is that it’s some kind of ownership issue. Regardless, the song is still a decade staple, and one of the biggest highlights to come from the movie.

 

Before I reveal my Number One favorite Oscar Nominated song, here are some quick Honorable Mentions …

“The Ghostbusters Theme” (Ghostbusters)

“Rainbow Connection” (The Muppets Movie)

“The Journey” (Anastasia)

“Blazing Saddles theme” (Blazing Saddles)

“Somewhere Out There” (An American Tail)

 

#1 “Eye of the Tigger” (Rocky 3)

While the song “Gona Fly Now” from the first “Rocky” rightfully won the it’s Best Song Oscar, and is a signature anthem for the franchise … it’s Survivors “Eye of the Tigger” that has always stuck with me as the characters signature theme. Whenever I think back on the character, or the franchise, it’s always mentally linked with this song, and it’s always stuck we me as a personal favorite of mine. Whenever I’m working out, or hard at work on a project, this is one of my top songs to give me that boost to keep pushing myself. Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan wrote a generational hit with this song, and I feel confident in saying it still leaves an impact over the years. It lost the Best Original Song Oscar that year to “Up Where We Belong” from the 1982 picture “An Officer and a Gentleman”, which is another member track in it’s own right … but for me, there’s no looking past “Eye of the Tigger”, and personally, it’s my favorite Oscar Nominated Song that didn’t win the award.

Thanks for reading my countdown … and continue to enjoy both the movies and music you Love! 

Babe (1995) (Movie Review)

  When it comes to popular, family friendly, animal themed pictures, there’s plenty classics including “Old Yeller”, “The Black Stallion”, “Flipper”, “Lassie”, and the list goes on. One of my personal favorites that still means the world to me all these years later is the 1995 classic “Babe”. While people remember it, the film isn’t really discussed anymore, and I think many have forgotten how special the film was. 

Back in the mid-90’s, “Babe” was the talk of the town, was a huge hit with audiences, and was a critical darling, with some referring to it as the "Citizen Kane" of talking animal films. It was also frequently referenced in our pop-culture, and was even nominated at the Academy Awards for Best Picture. While it understandably lost to “Braveheart” that year, it still really says something when a movie about a talking pig was placed in the same category as movies like “Sense and Sensibility” and “Apollo 13”. In general, family movies these days don’t really have as big an impact on either viewers or our pop culture, and it’s really a shame. So, what was it about “Babe” that made it so special for its time, and why do I feel it still holds-up as a great family film … let’s find out.  

  Based on the 1983 novel “The Sheep Pig” by Kick King-Smith, as well as written and produced by George Miller of “Mad Max” fame, “Babe” tells the story of a young pig, whose won at a county fair by the Hoggett family. They take him to their farm with the initial intent to serve him for a Christmas dinner. However, the longer he stays on the farm and socializes with the other animals, the more he makes a home for himself, and gradually over time becomes something of a peace keeper between the sheep and their rough dog herders. The female Border Collie named Fly takes Babe in as a surrogate pup, much to the distain of her mate named Rex. Even Farmer Hoggett takes note of his ability to bond with sheep, and begins to view him as less of a meal, and more of an asset for his sheepherding. After several months of training, Hoggett registers Babe for a sheepdog competition, which his other two dogs Fly and Rex were never able to compete in before.

 The movie plays out like a collection of little vignettes, each with their own title cards, as we follow this pig on his daily slice of life adventures on the farm, and it really gives the film a lot of personality. The film also manages a consistent tone of light-comedy mixed with subtle touches of drama, and the different chapters presented help to juggle the shifting moods. While the film is mostly cheerful and upbeat, there’s also this undercurrent of reserved tension. It never goes too dark, but there is still a little bit of an edge, as we see things from the perspective of these animals, all of whom know that one slip-up or lack of usefulness can result in either punishment or ending-up on the menu. On that note, there are some mature moments when Babe contemplates and discusses the usefulness of a pig’s life, how most of them are raised to be eaten, and that by extent, both his parents and all his siblings were likely fattened-up and eaten. A lesser film would have played this revelation-up with lots of intense melodrama, but instead it’s kept quiet, yet still allows the weight of the discussion to sink in.

 There is of course some comedy, and goofy situations, but once again, it’s just the right amount of hummer and levity without going too far … something current movies should take note of. Even in a sequence when Babe teams-up with the duck Ferdinand to retrieve an alarm clock from inside the house, it’s more charming and cute without too much slapstick on display. The troublesome duck Ferdinand is once again played for laughs, but is downright subtle when it comes to comedic side-characters. Also, I always wondered if he might have inspired the Aflac Duck. Even without big laughs, this film has a consistent charm that just puts me in a good mood, and there’s so many wonderful little moments to single out. One of my favorite details in the opening credit sequence, which is set in a vintage pig-themed-merchandise-display of sorts. As a camera travels down this long display room, all these little objects individually springing to life, and all while matched to a whimsical music score. It’s hard to explain, but there’s something incredibly warm and comforting about this opening, which perfectly sets the mood of the film.

  Of course … the characters in this movie are wonderful, and portrayed by a perfect cast. Babe naturally is at the heart of the film, and is infectiously lovably, largely thanks to the vocal talents of the late Christine Cavanaugh. From the boy genius of “Dexter’s Laboratory”, to Chucky from “The Rugrats”, to Gosalyn from “Dark Wing Duck”, to Bunnie Rabbot from “Sonic the Hedge Hog”, she was the voice of generation of children’s content, and even though I always recognized her voice, she’s always brought a distinct charisma and charm to her individual characters. In the case of our pig Babe, he’s sweet and innocent, but also mature, and filled with a spirited sense of wonder. Babes surrogate mother, the Sheepdog Fly, is a nice mix of both loving and cynical. She was voiced by Miriam Margolyes, who was having quiet the dog year, as at the same time she portrayed Granma Rose in the animated Dog picture “Balto”. Then there’s a trio of singing mice, who are a very cute presence in the movie without upstaging our main characters.

  Another talent who adds to the films distinct atmosphere is the narrator, who’s brilliantly provided by the voice of Roscoe Lee Browne. If you were part of the Fox Kids generation, you may remember him as the voice of Kingpin from the classic animated “Spider-Man” series, or if you were lucky to grow-up with John Wayne movies, you may remember him as Mr. Nightlinger from the 1972 western “The Cowboys”. The late talent had an incredibly unique voice, one that was both comforting, yet also quiet intimidating … like there’s importance behind what he’s saying, and it always kept my attention. 

Hugo Weaving of course needs no introduction, and he brought his usual talents to the voice of the dog Rex, who has one of the best character arcs of the film. At first, he’s tough, imposing, and very hostel, but as we peal back the layers, we discover a good boy under his wolf-like exterior, and his transition from foe to friend is very satisfying. This is actually a special case in which the film works without the need a villain … although there is a minor antagonist in the form of the house cat named Duchess, who’s metaphorical forked tong is sharper than her claws. The late voice actress Russi Taylor, famous for voicing Minnie Mouse, gave this cat a very malicious presence. While she never quite terrified me as a kid, there was always something to that cat which made me feel uncomfortable. 

  Aside from the animal cast, we also have our two human leads, who I didn’t pay attention to when I was a kid, but really standout in my adult years. Magda Szubanski is delightful as a farmer’s wife, who’s in her own little bubbly world, which is a great contrast to her husband, who’s more reserved and closed in, yet also more mindful and observant to the farm life surrounding him. Farmer Hoggett was played by James Cromwell, who had a number of acting credits beforehand, but this was the role that gave him main-stream recognition. What could have been a one-note portrayal of an emotionally closed-in farmer is suddenly given more layers and charisma thanks to Cromwell’s portrayal, and it earned him a nomination at the Academy Awards for Best Supporting actor. Despite mostly being by himself of set, he still conveys a jubilant sense of energy, and is clearly having fun in the role.

  Personally, my favorite scene in the whole film is when Farmer Hogget nurses Babe back to health after being caught in the rain. As he’s feeding the big, he starts singing, gradually begins to open-up his once closed in emotions, and gets so excited he puts on a little dance. This could have been ridiculously corny, but the way it’s built-up, and again James Cromwell’s performance really elevate this scene into a very touching highlight, with a little slice of hummer added in. Also, the use of the song “If I Had Words” was a brilliant choice. While this song was originally a duet by Scott Fitzgerald and Yvonne Keeley back in 1977, I’ll always remember it best as the theme music for “Babe”. Hard to explain, but there’s a good deal of sentimental value to the song, as it also makes for a decent lullaby for little kids in the family.

  The last thing that shouldn’t go unappreciated about this movie are the special effects, which still look great all these years later. Funny enough, following after “Babe”, there were a number of family films featuring talking animals, but they never looked as convincing as what this film pulled off. While the puppets at times can be a little obvious, mainly for the cat Duchess, I still have no problem convincing myself that these animals are really talking. At the Academy Awards, “Babe” actually won the Oscar for Best Special Effects, beating “Apollo 13” with its impressive zero gravity effects. “Babe” actually had seven nominations overall that year, which also included Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Editing, and Chris Noonan was nominated for Best Director. The success of “Babe” lead to a sequel in 1998 titled “Babe: Pig in the City”, which was both darker and goofier in tone, lacking the simplicity of the first, but is still an underrated achievement in its own right, and worth a review of its own for another time. 

  The one scene I feel might have pushed the corny elements is the closing shot of the film, in which we see a single beam of sunlight bursting through the sky and touching our champion pig … but that’s only at the end of the film. As far as animal themed movies are concerned, “Babe” offered something different from the majority of its peers. We all know the formula of “a boy and his dog”, or “a girl and her horse”, but a middle-aged farmer and his pig isn’t exactly a conventional draw-in for audiences … but this film did it, and left an impression on a decade of viewers. 

The famous line “That’ll do-little pig” is still known and referenced in our pop-culture today. In the end, I feel there’s a simple driving goal for all family pictures to achieve, which is find a way to appeal to both children and adults in equal measure. For my money, “Babe” accomplishes this masterfully. It has the humor, engagement, intelligence and drama to appeal to older viewers, without getting either too sentimental or too silly, and it has the charm, wholesomeness and wonder to appeal to kids, without being to loud and bombastic. Personally, I feel family films these days have lost their simplicity, and are often playing the same notes of either too much comedy or too much fast momentum. “Babe” represents as special time in which a family picture was able to attract a wide audience on its own simple merits, and I feel it still holds-up today.

Thanks for reading my review of the 1995 family movie classic “Babe” … and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!

  

 

Every Robin Hood Movie I’ve seen Ranked

 

 The legendary outlaw Robin Hood has certainly had quiet the history. From his early depictions in English Folklore, to countless movies and TV adaptions, he’s one of those iconic literary figures who’s always remained in the public conscience in one form or another. While the stories of Robin Hood have taken many different narratives, the basic contemporary perception of Robin Hood is the midlevel-times outlaw of Nottingham, who in the absence of King Richard robs from the rich to give the poor. 

Dressed in his signature look of Lincoln Green, he wins the hand of the fair Maid Marian, and along with his equally outlawed band of Merrie Men, revolts against the terrine of villains like Prince John, Sir Guy of Gisborne, and the ruthless Sherrif of Nottingham. There’s obviously a lot more to the Robin Hood legend and character, but these are the basic formula beats that most adaptions like to focus on. There are so many Robin Hood adapted projects in general that it’s impossible to keep track of all them … but I have seen 10 different movie versions of the character. 

So, with March being the month of Saint Patrick's Day … a day for dressing in Green, I wanted to celebrate with one of the most famous Green suited characters, and rank all 10 of the Robin Hood movies I’ve seen, from my least favorite, to my personal favorite. A reminder, these are just the one’s I’ve seen, I’m sure there are several others still worth discovering, and I’m not ranking them based on any objective quality, but how each left an impression on me as a fan.    

 

#10 “Robin Hood” (1922) 

While there were some theatrically released short films beforehand, this marked the very first feature length Robin Hood movie, with Douglas Fairbanks being the first actor to portray the character in a theatrical film. This movie opens with our hero as a decorated Knight named Earl of Huntingdon, who’s the closest friend of King Richard the Lion Heart, and serves as his trusted righthand during the Crusades. 

In their absence, Prince John and Guy of Gisborne orchestrates a cue to take over the land, forcing the Lady Marian to send a message for help. Huntingdon receives the message before the King, abandons his post, and flees back home. Branded as a deserter, Huntingdon changes his name to Robin Hood, and leads his band of rebels in a two-year campaign against Prince John. When it comes to old silent-films, I tend to respect and admire them more then I actually love them. As such, this is the Robin Hood movie I have the least feelings for … but with that said, this was a great production for it’s time, as well as one of the most expensive. 

It may seem dated today, but this really was a marvel for an early 1920’s film, and you really see the money on the screen, with lavish settings, and a massive number of performers. While it takes over an hour before we see Robin Hood as we know him, it still delivers all the classic, harrowing action and adventure … as well as some really goofy moments. Like I said, this is far from my favorite “Robin Hood” movie … but absolutely admirable for it’s time, and required viewing for anyone who still enjoys watching silent movies from this era.       

 

#9 “The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men” (1952) 

Before Disney’s more famous animated feature, Walt Disney produced this live-action film version from the 50’s. This telling of Robin Hood is fairly straight forward in showing how he became an outlaw, and enemy of Prince John, and it’s … well … unmistakably a product of its time. 

Unlike most versions, this film doesn’t rely focus much on action or even a sense of adventure, and is simply trying to be a pleasant little experience for both kids and the family to enjoy together. I’d say about half the time this version is actually quite charming and likable in its own simplistic way … while the other half is a little too silly and sometimes even boring. It’s certainly a good-looking production, shot in Technicolor, making all the green in the film really pop. Richard Todd is an okay Robin Hood, and Joan Rice is likable as Maid Marian. 

Academy Award winning British actor Peter Finch certainly shines as the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham, and most of the supporting cast is suitable in their respected roles. While the film has the charm, it lacks the same forward momentum and excitement of other films, namely the 1938 classic, which dwarfs this by comparison. Kind of a mixed offering, but recommendable to anyone who has a soft spot for vintage Disney movies of this sort from the 50’s.

 

#8 “Robin Hood” (2018) 

In this contemporary version of Robin Hood, we see a much younger rebel played by Taron Egerton, under the training of Jamie Fox, who plays a fusion character of both Azeem and John Little. After gaining respect for one another during the battles of the Third Crusade, they return to Robins home of Nottingham, only to find that everything he held close to his heart has been taken away. 

Instead of leading a revolt against Prince John, this version see’s Robin going against the oppression of the Cardinal, played by F. Murray Braham, along with his main enforcers the Sheriff, played by Ben Mendelsohn, and Guy of Gisborne, played by Paul Anderson. Like many film adaptions these days, this film falls into the trap of being presented as a modern day, comic-book, superhero movie, with lots of flashy action and spectacle at the for front. Also, despite being set in the 11^th century, the film has a very modern look, with weapons, clothing and fashions that look ahead of their time. Robin most notably has gone from his Lincoln Green tights, to a stylish leather jacket and hood. It’s a curious choice, but it compliments the comic-book tone the film is going for, and it certainly gives the film a unique personality over other Robin Hood adaptions.  

Some of the cast is okay, with Eve Hewson being a passable Marian, and Tim Minchin is honestly one of the better Friar Tucks I’ve seen on screen. Aside from that, the film is a safe, one-and-done experience, with surface level enjoyment throughout. It’s a movie that keeps me entertained in the moment it’s on, but I don’t really think about it afterwards either … so, you’ll either take it for the light fluff that it is, or go with something that has a little more staying power. 

 

#7 “Robin and Marian” (1976) 

Focusing on an older version of Robin Hood, the hero has returned home from many battles in France, in an effort to rekindle his love with Maid Marian, only to discover that she’s now a nun in a nearby convent … awkward. Things heat up when she’s arrested by the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham, forcing Robin into one final battle against his longest standing rival. 

Before making a nice cameo as King Richard in 1991’s “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”, Sean Connery actually stared as Robin Hood himself in this frequently overlooked picture from the 1970’s. As one would expect from the title, this version mainly focuses on the romantic qualities of both Robin and Lady Marian … so, the films strength really rests on the actors. Thankfully, both Sean Connery and his co-star Audrey Hepburn display a convincing chemistry on screen, and manage to carry the film. The remaining cast also include Richard Harris as Richard the Lion Heart, and Captain Quint himself, also known as Robert Shaw, is Robins dreaded rival the Sheriff. 

Quick Spoiler warning, but for me, the most memorable thing this movie adds to the Robin Hood filmography (outside of the leads) is the ending, which takes a page from “Romeo and Juliet”, and features our two lovers dying together after sharing a friendly glass of poison … Maid Marian is kind of malicious in this film. It’s all around an okay film, with a bitter sweet ending, and if you’re a fan of both leads, then it’s well worth checking out.   

 

#6 “Robin Hood” (2010) 

Director Ridley Scott and star Russell Crowe, the same winning talents from “Gladiator”, join forces again to bring the same sense of epic grandeur to the Robin Hood legend, resulting in the most war-focused of Robin’s theatrical films, and by extent, it’s a decent movie … but it doesn’t feel like Robin Hood in the slightest. 

On the one hand, this is a refreshingly different narrative, avoiding all the familiar staples and set-pieces frequently associated with the character. In general, I’ve always been a fan of Medieval war-epics, and the battles are certainly engaging to watch, most especially the climactic beach battle under the cliffs of Dover. Also, alongside Russell Crowe is a talented cast, including Cate Blanchett as Lady Marion, Oscar Isaac as Prince John, William Hurt as the Marshal, a young Lea Seydoux as Isabella of Angouleme, and Mark Strong as the film’s main villain Godfrey, who’s one of the rare off-brand Robin Hood villains. Lastly, the films production is impressive, although … I’m not a fan of the films frequently murky lighting and settings. When people say it’s one of the darker Robin Hood films … they mean it’s visually devoid of color. 

My main point of reservation is a lacking sense of closure, as the movie feels like a set-up for a string of sequels that never happened. Granted, the film is aiming to tell the origins of his status as an outlaw against John the King, but even still, I prefer my Robin Hood ventures to be presented in a tight, self-contained, three-act structure. If you like war-epics in the vein of “Kingdom of Heaven”, then this film with deliver what you came for, but if you prefer a more traditionally adventurous Robin Hood, you have plenty other options to choose from.    

 

#5 “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” (1993) 

I’ve loved comedies my whole life, and Mel Brooks film collection has always ranked high on my pillar of lough-out-loud favorites. While “Men in Tights” has never been regarded as one of his best, I can’t help but have a soft spot for it. While not as consistently funny as his early classics, the film still has that infectious, anything goes sense of goofiness, including fourth wall jokes, musical numbers, and a cartoony environment that always wins me over. 

Also, even though this Robin Hood is playing for laughs, Cary Elwes in the lead role is mentally ingrained in my mind as my definitive live-action Robin Hood - “Unlike all the Robin Hoods before me … I speak with a British accent”. Also, I find Amy Yasbeck to be the loveliest Maid Marian I’ve seen, and even Patric Stewart is memorable in his cameo as King Richard – “Put him in the tower of London … make him part of the tour”. Again, it’s not one of Mel Brooks absolute best, but it’s always been a comfort food of sorts to watch, and enjoy for what it is.  

 

#4 “Princess of Thieves” (2001) 

In this often-overlooked Disney production, we get one of the more unique telling’s of the Robin Hood legend, as this time it focuses on Gwen, the daughter of Robin and Marian. After King Richard passes away, and Robin Hood is locked-up in the tower of London, Gwen takes-up her father’s mantel, and leads a revolt against Prince John and the Sheriff. 

Along the way, she finds herself won-over by the disguised Prince Philip, who’s rightful air to the throne of London, and goes on his own personal journey of self-reflection. Seems like a movie Disney would release today, but it was twenty years ahead of its time, and all the better for it. It’s an impressive production for a TV movie from 2001, with great righting, thoughtful characters, and solid performances all around. Before embarking on adventure in “Pirates of the Caribbean”, or fighting battles in “King Arthur”, Keira Knightley shined as the rouge daughter of Robin Hood. 

It is so cool to see her emotional and charismatic talents on display in this film before she became famous. Malcolm McDowell and Jonathan Hyde are also excellent as our sinister pair of villains, as they bring both their trademark theatrics to their respected roles. All around, this is an above average film for its production, and I hope more people take note of it as a worthwhile addition to the Robin Hood filmography.

 

#3 “The Legend of Robin Hood” (1938) 

Here it is, the most classic of all Robin Hood motion pictures, a benchmark in adventure cinema, and the film that set the standard for which future, action-packed swashbucklers would be judged by. Even if this film isn’t one of your favorite action-adventure pictures, it no-doubt inspired one of your favorites. Of course, Errol Flynn’s charisma in the leading role made him the main face of the character in our pop culture, and has yet to be surpassed … at least as far as iconography is concerned. While the first 1922 “Robin Hood” played the long-game of setting-up the hero, this film jumps right-in with the character already living in the forest, dressed in Lincon Green, leading a revolt against Prince John, and making enemies with Sir Guy of Gisborne. 

The movie dose however take it’s time developing Robins romantic relation with Maid Marian, which is one of the best, and most charismatic of their on-screen pairings. Marian was played by Olivia de Havilland, who was one of the great, long-lasting actresses from the golden age of Hollywood. Little John was played by Alan Hale, who previously played the character in the 1922 picture, and would reprise his role for a third time in the lesser known 1950’s “Rogues of Sherwood Forest”. Basil Rathbone, famous for playing Sherlock Homes and the “Son of Frankenstein”, gets to shine as the villainous Sir Guy of Gisborne. Claude Rains, who I’ve always associated with classic monster roles like “The Invisible Man” and “The Phantom of the Opera”, is almost unrecognizable in his portrayal of Prince John, which goes to show how versatile the talent was. Also, predating “The Wizard of Oz” by a year, this was one of the very first movies to be shot in Technicolor, and the colorful imagery leaps off the screen. 

This movie also moves at a brisk pace, from one entertaining set-piece to another, all leading to a climactic sword fight between Robin and Sir Guy, which features one of the most iconic visuals of any swashbuckler … when it cuts to their shadow-silhouettes sword-fighting on the wall. All around, there are still two other Robin Hood movies that I have a little more fondness for … but this is undeniably one of the best, and most recommendable, both to fans of the character, and fans of adventure cinema.   

 

#2 Disney’s “Robin Hood” (1973) 

Like most kids, I was first introduced to Robin Hood through Disney’s animated picture, and it still holds a special place in my nostalgic heart all these years later. It’s the unique Disney offering which features all its characters as animal-morphed-people, and beyond the visual presentation, these characters are exploding with personality and charisma. 

Honestly, the strength of this film isn’t its story or morals, its simply the joy that comes from watching this group of colorful characters work-off each other. It’s about Robin Hood palling around with Little John, Maid Marian bonding with Skippy, Prince John arguing with Sir Hiss, and the Sherif of Nottingham scheming against Friar Tuck and the tows people. It’s all these special connections that make this setting and experience an absolute joy to return too. On top of that, the music is catchy, and the action can get more creative and fun with the advantage of being animated. 

Even the films climax is suitably suspenseful and exciting. It’s also one of the funniest Disney offerings, with Prince John especially delivering some of the biggest laughs on any Disney rouge. While this film has never been regarded as one of Disney’s best, it’s still personally one of my favorite animated pictures from the studio, and will always be one of my most treasured Robin Hood offerings.        

 

#1 “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” (1991) 

After my initial introduction to Robin Hood through the animated Disney movie, 1991’s “Prince of Thieves” followed shortly after, marking my first live-action Robin Hood adventure, one of the very first PG-13 movies I ever saw in my life time, and one of my early introductions to swashbuckling adventure cinema. 

Objectively, I can’t make a compelling argument that this really is one of the great adventure movies, let alone one of the best Robin Hood stories, but it’s always been my special Robin Hood adventure, the one I’ve re-experienced the most, and the one I most fondly look back on. While Kevin Costner is not the best Robin Hood portrayal … not even close … he’s still surrounded by my favorite actors in these respected roles. Morgan Freeman is excellent as Robins best friend Azeem, Nick Brimble is a perfect Little John, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is a fiery presence as Lady Marian, and of course, it’s Alan Rickman who steals the whole show as the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham. Honestly, this film makes my number one Robin Hood picture just for Alan Rickman as the villain alone. Aside from that, the film boasts one of my all-time favorite adventure scores, and features blazing action sequences. 

While it lacks the bright colors of other films, it makes-up for it by making Sherwood Forest feel more like a character than ever before, with Robins freedom fighters utilizing their surroundings for stealth missions, disappearing into their environment, and creating an awesome system of tree houses that are all connected. Still to this day, I find “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” a fun experience, as well as a decade staple, a favorable adventure movie, and it’s what always seems to come to my mind first when I think Robin Hood ... maybe not the objective best … but my personal favorite Robin Hood all the same.

Thanks for reading my countdown … and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!