1991's "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" featured better than average production values and a strong cast in yet another take on the familiar Robin Hood legend. Kevin Costner has the lead as a young crusader returning from captivity in the Holy Land, only to find his father murdered and his family's lands confiscated by the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham (in a wickedly gleeful turn by Alan Rickman). Robin, accompanied by an Moorish warrior (a taciturn Morgan Freeman) who owes Robin his life, is driven into the forest, where he becomes the leader of a group of outlaws.



Kevin Costner's Robin Hood is self-confident, even a little arrogant. His time with the outlaws and a secret romance with Maid Marion (a fiesty Mary Elizabeth Mastriano) will cause him to mature rapidly. When the Sheriff of Nottingham captures some of his men and attempts to force Maid Marion into marriage, Robin must come up with a plan to save his friends. The stage will be set for a frantic fight to the finish in Nottingham Castle. Sean Connery has a priceless cameo as King Richard the Lion-Hearted at the end of the movie.



This movie is recommended as solid entertainment. If it deviates in places from the standard legend of Robin Hood, it does so with enough solid action to make the viewing worthwhile.