Mel Brooks skewers the legend of Robin Hood with his 1993 film Robin Hood: Men in Tights. None of the versions created are safe, and Cary Elwes is perfectly cast as the iconic hero that from its opening moments takes shots at everything, nothing is safe.

Using the classic tale of Robin of Locksley coming home from the crusades, he pairs up with a band of merry men (amidst songs, raps, and gags) to stop the dastardly Prince John (Richard Lewis with a constantly moving mole) and the Sheriff of Rottingham (Roger Rees) and romance the lovely Maid Marian (Amy Yasbeck) and perhaps unlock her Everlast chastity belt.

While not on the same level as Young Frankenstein or Blazing Saddles (or even Spaceballs) this interpretation of the classic legend has some solid laughs, a couple that fall flat, but Elwes is just damned likable, playing it as straight as he can and seeming to have a great time doing it (with the occasional fourth wall break and mugging), and reminding the viewers he can do it with an English accent unlike other Robin Hoods..

Dave Chapelle plays Robin’s companion, Achoo, while Isaac Hayes plays Asneeze, Tracy Ullman shows up as a horrible-looking cook/witch with designs on the Sheriff, Patrick Stewart is King Richard and everyone seems to be leaning into the silliness.

Brooks makes his customary appearance this time as Rabbi Tuckman, and makes sure Robin’s story stays mostly on track. Rees seems to be attempting to lean into Alan Rickman’s performance outfitted in a similar costume. Yasbeck is nothing short of stunning, and there are wonderful riffs on pop culture moments, films, and celebrity.

It’s definitely not Brooks’ best effort, but it is a nice distraction for its runtime, and honestly, I’m sure it’s a number of people’s favourite interpretation of the character. I do like that there are nods to all the previous cinematic incarnations of the character; the costume Robin uses in the archery contest feels very much a nod to the animated Disney film.

Some of the pop culture references are dated at this point though I think everyone gets the Home Alone reference.

Still, for all its trappings, Brooks has made a fairly entertaining film, and Elwes is perfectly cast as Robin Hood, everything else is just gravy. It’s not one I’m gonna visit on a regular basis like Brooks’ other big three, but it serves as an afternoon’s entertainment.