As the Sheriff of Nottingham, Alan Rickman lights up the screen with villainous charm. He's one of the best things about Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Joining him on the roll of honour, composer Michael Kamen provides an exquisite melody, and director Kevin Reynolds fashions a classic tale of chivalry, black magic and romance.
 
Robin of Locksley (Kevin Costner) returns home to England a changed man. His experience fighting in the Crusades has hardened his spirit. Accompanied by Azeem (Morgan Freeman), he discovers his father slain and his only servant badly hurt. It becomes clear that the Sheriff of Nottingham and his cohorts are responsible for this anarchy. To defeat them, he must take command of a band of outlaws hiding away in Sherwood Forest.
 
Reynolds' film definitely shies away from any type of gloss. It's a darker animal in comparison to The Adventures of Robin Hood, starring Errol Flynn. Rickman's conversations with the witch Mortianna (Geraldine McEwan) represent some of the most devilish hors d'oeuvres on offer.
 
Among the other delights you will find here include: The Celts arriving at the outlaws' hideout; Azeem challenging one of Nottingham's soldiers and the latter running away in fear; Friar Tuck's introduction and an incompetent guard being knocked out because he failed to capture Robin Hood.
 
Overall, a strong cast, memorable production values and terrific one-liners help to make Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves more appealing than it might have been in lesser hands.

(Released by Warner Bros. Pictures and rated "PG-13" by MPAA.)