Good, but not Great

Rating: 7/10 (6 May 2000)

"The Princess Bride" is a well-written and acted genre picture. Unfortunately, it's hampered by some significant production problems that keep it from becoming a truly great movie. Don't get me wrong, this is an enjoyable flick, but I had some small problems that really could have been fixed.
First off, the princess' name is Buttercup. Who names their daughter Buttercup? I kept thinking they were talking about a horse when they mention her name. I suppose that if the other names were as bizarre it might have worked, but her love is named Wesley. Wesley and Buttercup? I don't think so.
Second, the wonderful fight scene between Inigo and Wesley is done on a very cheap looking set, complete with fake boulders, gym mats and parallel bars. Almost every other scene is done outside in gorgeous fields, or in far more believable sets. The most exciting scene in the film is on the ugliest set. Very distracting.
Third, the music for this movie is absolutely dreadful. Loud, obnoxious, full of fake synthesized instruments instead of the real thing, it sounds more fitting for a "Naked Gun" retread of the Princess Bride than the actual film itself. A new score would help the film immensley.
I know I sound negative, but this is really only disappointment speaking. The film is charming, filled with wonderful dialogue, delivered with flair by stars Cary Elwes and Mandy Patinkin. I recommend it, but I can't help think this movie could have been perfect. Oh well, close but not quite the whole cigar.