[.ca] Princess Of Thieves

From Amazon.com:
Robin Hood's legacy seems destined for obscurity due to the birth of his daughter, Gwyn, in The Princess of Thieves. Raised by a devout uncle, Gwyn develops into a headstrong young woman who's resentful of her father's prolonged absences. When Robin Hood at last comes to visit his daughter, Gwyn's impulsive disrespect of his wishes endangers his life and the rightful succession of Prince Philip to the throne of England. Deceit and chance throw Gwyn and Philip together, the pair forms an unlikely alliance, and Gwyn's unique perspective prompts Philip to rethink his beliefs and ambitions, and ultimately changes England's entire future. A talented cast includes Keira Knightly, Malcolm McDowell, Stuart Wilson, Jonathan Hyde, and Stephen Moyer. Adventure, heroism, and folklore reign in this entertaining, 90-minute made-for-TV movie from Disney. (Ages 8-13) --Tami Horiuchi

Good family entertainment.:
From grandma to kids everyone at our house liked this movie. A light hearted portrayal of Gwyn, Robin and Marian's daughter. She been raised and protected for years by her uncle and other friends of the prince of thieves. While her father is away, this "princess" is busy learning the arts of the forest and following in her fathers foot steps more than she might like to admit. This is a pretty clean film. There are no language concerns to think of. Gwyn has a friend that has a special crush on her. He's more like a brother , but dreams that Gwyn might somehow see him for more than he is. Gwyn and Phillip develop a love interest, but there is nothing distasteful about their relationship. The movie offers some very good discussion points and lessons on honor, respect, loyalty, friendship, and obedience. In the end, good prevails and the loving relationship between father and daughter is restored and made stronger. A good film for a family movie night.

surreal kidflicks with anachronistic feminist undertow:
I love the fact that this movie teaches girls to fight and argue for equality, although I wouldn't want to be the one to break it to them that it's impossible to walk through 13th century English woods for days while maintaining flawless mascara, eyeliner, lip gloss, perfect hair...and a slim millenium-era atkins body.

Tired, low-budget, limp children's flick:
The only interesting thing anyone can note about "Princess of Thieves" is the filmmakers savvy in casting soon-to-be famous Keira Knightley in the lead role. God knows, she's stunningly beautiful, oozing star quality from every pore (not unlike an early Julia Roberts) and shown here at only 15, she has a lot of poise and screen presence. But this is the kind of children's film -- presumably made FOR girls -- that I absolutely detested as a child, and I think most pre-teen and adolescent girls would ultimately feel the same way. It sets up a scenario where you THINK you are going to see a high-spirited and adventuresome girl actually getting to ride horses/shoot arrows/fight etc....but what you actually end up with is a super-pretty model-type actress who wears mascara and lip gloss in Sherwood Forest, has a perfect fashion model figure and doesn't actually get to do much in the way of action. Much of the movie's action scenes (and plot) surround Robin Hood (Stuart Wilson) or other characters. The thrust of the plot surrounds not Gwyn's own adventures, but her desire to be with her mostly absentee Dad. Very wholesome, but not very interesting. Obviously this was made for TV or cable and it has a painfully low budget look, with most of the movie shot in close ups (eliminating the need for much in the way of extras or sets). The quality and staging of the fight scenes and archery is especially lame and unprofessional looking. But the lameness is evident in other ways that are really unnecessary, even from a $$ point of view: such as when Gwyn decides to disguise herself as a boy, she has to cut her hair. It appears that Ms. Knightley's own hair at this point was cut in a chin-length bob. So when her character first appears with long hair, we can assume it's hair extensions...therefore, it shouldn't pose any problem to actually SHOW her cutting her (fake) hair! But the director skips this pivotal scene (showing the character transforming from girl to "boy") and just lets us see the strands of hair hitting the floor. I feel a bit mean-spirited picking on a movie so obviously simple and low budget, as they obviously didn't have a lot of resources to work with. But there is a real need for adventure films for girls, and this is just so bland, disappointing, and utterly without personality or viewpoint. Only worthwhile for die-hard Keira Knightley fans, who'd like an early look at her, pre-fame.

Keira Knightley's movie:
Indeed that is what this is. The story is somewhat predictable. The special effects were dismal. (WIth the exception of Keira knightley, the acting was not anything special. The scene which saved the movie was the archery scene. It had a predictable ending but an unpredictable way of getting there. With many plot twists it holds your attention but the ending you can predict. Keira Knightley, in her first of her many outstanding performances is an absolute joy to watch. The movie is saved by her honest and true acting. Just an outstanding effort on her part. This movie is fun to watch and I love watching it over and over.

Good Romantic Adventure:
This is a really good movie with lots of action and some romance thrown in as well. Gwen, the neglected daughter of Robin Hood, decides to prove to her father that she can help him in his quest against Prince John. The King is dying and Robin is trying to make sure the rightful heir, Philip, the illegitimate son of King Richard, is placed on the throne. Gwen cuts her hair and pretends to be a boy. This is the only part of the movie that is somewhat unbelievable because she is a beautiful young woman that could never be mistaken for a boy, hair or no hair, lol. Keira Knightley (Gwen) is just outstanding in this film, and seems older than her 15 years! Stephen Moyer, is also stunning and does an excellent job in his role as the prince. One of the most memorable performances is by Del Synnott as Gwen's best-friend Froderick. Gwen meets Philip and he tells her he is Conrad, the Prince's valet, and that Prince Philip is dead. Little does she know that he is the prince himself! I didn't give this movie the highest rating because the conclusion is somewhat disappointing for someone like me who is such a die-hard romantic. Get the kleenexes! The story is more about Gwen's relationship with her father, and her desire to share his occupation of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, even though she is not a son. It's an interesting movie with good acting, and is a good movie for the whole family. If you want all the romantic loose ends tied up nicely though, I'd suggest you watch a movie such as Ever After instead. The soundtrack of this movie is beautiful. I also liked the creative way that they aged Gwen from a small child to a woman at the beginning of the film.