The nostalgia trap and the "spoof" problem
If you grew up in the 90s, you likely have a core memory of the "Men in Tights" dance number or the absurdity of a blind servant named Blinkin. It feels like a safe, goofy choice for a family movie night. But here is the reality check: Robin Hood: Men in Tights is a parody of a very specific cultural moment—the 1991 Kevin Costner blockbuster—that your kids have almost certainly never seen.
When a movie spends 100 minutes mocking the accent, the camera angles, and the plot holes of a thirty-year-old film your kids don't know exists, the humor lands differently. To them, it isn't a clever subversion; it’s just a series of random events. While some of the slapstick is universal, a lot of the runtime is spent on "inside jokes" where the audience is no longer on the inside.
The Mel Brooks style guide
This movie represents Mel Brooks in his later, more scattershot phase. If you're considering this because you want to introduce your family to a comedy legend, it’s worth checking out The Parent's Guide to Mel Brooks to see where this fits in his filmography. His style is built on a high-volume approach: if a joke about a mole moving across a face doesn't work, he’ll throw a musical number or a fourth-wall break at you sixty seconds later.
For a twelve-year-old, this can be hit-or-miss. The humor isn't sophisticated satire; it’s Vaudeville updated with 90s attitude. Expect a lot of "wink-wink" moments where characters look directly at the camera. If your kid thrives on TikTok-style absurdist humor, they might actually vibe with the pacing. If they prefer tight, character-driven stories, they will probably find this messy and dated.
Where the "PG-13" actually lives
The rating here isn't about blood or heavy swearing—it’s about a relentless stream of sexual innuendo. It’s the kind of movie where every other line is a double entendre about "tights" or "wood."
- The "Chastity Belt" subplot is a recurring gag that involves literal locksmiths and a lot of frustrated energy.
- Characters frequently make jokes about "manhood" that will either fly over a ten-year-old's head or trigger a very long conversation you weren't planning to have on a Friday night.
- The "slapstick" includes things like villagers throwing their own ears, which is more weird than scary, but it contributes to the overall "gross-out" vibe of the 90s.
Better ways to do "Classic Comedy"
If the goal is to show your kids why "they don't make 'em like they used to," this might not be the strongest ambassador. It’s a mid-tier entry in the genre. For movies that rely less on 90s-specific references and more on timeless setups, The Ultimate Guide to Classic Comedy Movies offers better starting points.
If you do decide to hit play, don't treat it as a "must-watch" masterpiece. Treat it as a relic. It’s a chance to show your kids how parody works—how you can take a serious story (like the Robin Hood legend) and flip it on its head. Just be prepared for the moment they ask why everyone is obsessed with the lead actor's British accent, and you have to explain a thirty-five-year-old casting controversy.
