A Uniquely Charming Fairy Tale

Rating: 9/10 (23 June 2008)

This utterly charming fairy tale for grownups proves that Rob Reiner and Ron Howard must have gone to the same school of film-making -- both are at their best when they're being light-heartedly whimsical, but make absolutely dreadful films when they try to get serious.
This film wouldn't have been anywhere nearly as good if everyone involved had tried to make something more ambitious. Instead, a great cast delivers sweet and funny material, and the emphasis is on characters and story rather than gee-whiz special effects.
In a large ensemble of recognizable faces, the standouts for me are Wallace Shawn, in perhaps the funniest poisoning scene ever made, and (I can't believe I'm saying this) Mandy Patinkin as a swarthy swashbuckler. This is the only time in his woeful career that he has appeared on a screen and not utterly repulsed me. It helps that he doesn't sing.
Grade: A