Robin and the Hoods

"For the tenacious 11-year-old Robin and her loyal band of friends 'The Hoods', the patch of overgrown scrubland at the end of their cul-de-sac is a magical kingdom."

Before I go into any detail I need to say just how much I adore this film. Watching this took me back to my own childhood playing in the woods, and reminded me so much of the films and shows I used to watch when I was much, much younger.

Phil Hawkins brings us a tale of children facing the realisation that their childhood is coming to an end. On the way to that realisation they spend their days using their imaginations to create a magical world based on the stories of Robin Hood. Facing off against their enemies, to protect their Kingdom and their crown, they have a set of rules to follow, but as they do the rules get broken and it's there that things start to change.

The real star of this film is the titular Robin, played by Darcey Ewart. She navigates the river of a child growing up, while trying to hold on to the fantasies of her younger life, with a masterful level of skill and style. While her career to date is but a short one, the future for her is incredibly bright. I really enjoyed the way she commanded the screen, sometimes in the presence of actors who have had decades long careers. She's fabulous.

While the whole cast is a lot of fun the two other standouts are Naomie Harris as Clipboard, and Gwendoline Christie as Aura/The Witch. Two truly wonderful performers that seemed to relish the roles they have in this story. Harris is the villain of the tale and chews the scenery with unabashed glee, creating moments that echoed many a villain from films she is likely to have enjoyed herself as a child. Christie is as Christie does, though here she is a woman of the woods, living in a one-person commune in the forest. She is seen by the children in their fantasy world as a witch, and she happily plays along in the scenes in the 'real' world. Two delightful performances of two extreme characters, by two genuine stars.

The director, Phil Hawkins, has done an admirable job bringing this tale to the screen. He uses sound and the camera like a conductor, and the way he weaves together the 'real' world and The Kingdom bring a genuine level of joy to this cynical old man's heart. I don't know his other works, but after this I'm going to. I look forward to what he's going to bring us in the future.

Overall? This is a truly wonderful film about the joys of youth and the use of imagination to enhance the world around you. Yet it also shows you that the world moves on and, while you might want to, it's not possible to stay a child forever. It has moments of glee, and moments of pathos but it balances them perfectly. The only thing I would say, and this is in no way a real negative, is that it feels like a film for the young. It is wonderful, but it has an air of needing a younger audience who can appreciate it for the immediacy of how it feels to their lives....and not just remembering a childhood long past like I did. It's getting a 4/5, with a massive recommendation to check it out, and watch it with your children to see how much of themselves they recognise on-screen.

There's something undeniably entertaining about this one. It doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, but it embraces its concept with enough warmth and energy to make for a fun watch. The idea of reimagining the Robin Hood story in a more modern, playful way is a solid hook, and while the execution isn't flawless, there's a charm to it that makes up for its shortcomings.

One of the biggest strengths here is the cast. Even the younger actors deliver solid performances, bringing a sense of liveliness and heart to their roles. They make it easy to root for the characters, even when the story treads predictable ground. There's a sincerity to their performances that adds to the film's appeal, making it feel like everyone involved is having a good time. The themes, too, are well-intended-friendship, loyalty, and standing up for what's right, all delivered in a way that's accessible without feeling too heavy-handed.

That being said, there's no denying that parts of it are a bit silly. The story follows a familiar trajectory, and there aren't many surprises along the way. You pretty much know how things will unfold from the start, which takes away some of the tension. But despite that, the film has enough heart and lighthearted fun to keep things enjoyable.

It may not be groundbreaking, but it's an easy, feel-good watch with plenty of entertainment value. The performances, especially from the younger cast, help elevate it, and while it's predictable, it leans into its warmth and charm in a way that makes it worth checking out.

I just watched this movie, and wow, it totally hit the spot! It's one of those feel-good films that lifts your spirits and gets you all excited. The story is packed with emotions, from heartfelt moments that tug at your heartstrings to inspiring scenes that show the sweet rewards of hard work and perseverance, like sugar and honey. The way it balances humor, heart, and motivation is just perfect. I was glued to the screen, smiling and cheering for the characters! The director did an amazing job weaving this story together, and the writer deserves a big shoutout for creating such a vibrant world. The actors, especially Robin, Little Dan, and the Chubby Wizard, were absolutely fantastic-they brought so much charm and energy. This movie left me in such a great mood, and I can't recommend it enough to anyone looking for a dose of joy and inspiration. Huge thanks to the entire team for this gem!

Watching this movie not only made me smile, it also prove that with a strong enough imagination, you can always have a great time with friends.

Couple that with the references to Robin Hood and you got yourself a great family film. As an adult, though; I can't help but feel ashamed by the soft-hearted minds of some of the parents in Longsight. One mother's kid gets a tiny scratch on his forehead and she has him wearing a neck-brace?!

Pathetic!

I DO agree on the "No Hits Above the Shoulders" rule, though (or as some LARPers call it, the "Triangle of Doom.") Overall, this movie was a blast!!!

This is such a beautiful film. First of all I want to say Darcy's professionalism and maturity in leading this film can not go ignored. Watch her future! Exceptionally gifted actress. Of course Naomi Harris is just an incredible actress and enjoy her performance and of course Gwendaline Christie who is a legend. Aura is a wonderful character!

Mark Williams and the rest of the cast, just wonderful.

I enjoyed the connection to nature, the imagination and the generally the storyline. Such a beautifully filmed movie!!

A lovely family film. I would recommend this to anyone. So uplifting and warm.