A Classic from the Eighties

Rating: 9/10 (15 August 2004)

The Princess Bride is worth its weight in gold. Those who find it too 'corny' or otherwise bereft of cinematic perfection are taking the film too seriously - or taking themselves too seriously. The movie's message (and this reviewer's message) contains a nugget we should all remember - lighten up!
Rob Reiner directed this 1987 movie based on the book of the same name, written by William Goldman, who also penned the screenplay. The movie has a very simplistic thrust: true love conquers all, especially in this light-hearted, fluffy comedy. Cary Elwes plays Westley, a poor farm boy in Florin who pines for the farm girl he serves, Buttercup (Robin Wright-Penn early in her career). Their fairy tale of true love and its trials and tribulations are narrated by a Grandfather (Peter Falk) to his sick Grandson (pre-Wonder Years Fred Savage). The unlikely romance between Buttercup and Westley is interrupted when Westley is presumed killed by the Dread Pirate Roberts. Buttercup, left alone and empty, agrees to marry Florin's Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon) when he chooses her to be his bride, until a sinister plot to kidnap her and start a war with a neighboring country leads to a series of odd little discoveries and the introduction of a host of supporting characters that make this film highly witty and truly original.
The plot is simplistic, and the acting is "hammy" - but to a purpose. This is a perfectly executed comedy that creates a lovable cast of characters and a series of memorable one-liners and snappy dialogue. Who can forget Mandy Patinkin's Inigo Montoya and his quest to avenge his father by challenging his slayer, Count Rugen, the six-fingered man (Christopher Guest), to an epic duel: "Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya - You killed my father. Prepare to die!" Or, Wallace Shawn's self-important Vizzini who, in his intelligence, finds everything "inconceivable." Or, a noteworthy appearance by Peter Cook as the Impressive Clergyman using one of his silly voices. More importantly, Westley and Buttercup's romance is touching without being sappy and reminds us all of the importance of true love.
I love this movie. It's a movie the whole family can enjoy, with no objectionable language, violence, or other questionable elements. It's extremely funny (even after watching it dozens of times) with a bit of a screwball flair. It may not be the greatest film of all time, but it's one of those movies I will always cherish for its sweet but simple story. To nay-sayers, skeptics, or movie snobs: give it a chance!