A modern classic

Rating: 8/10 (25 November 2012)

"The Princess Bride" is one of those movies whose stature only grows with time. It did modestly well at the box office during its original run but due to home video and television airings over the ensuing 25 years it has attained the status of cult classic. Multiple quotes have made it into the cultural lexicon and the film enjoys a healthy critical opinion.
The screenplay by two-time Oscar winner William Goldman is an adaptation of his own book. At its heart it's a traditional damsel-in-distress story yet it never feels stale. Goldman injects humour into the proceedings steadily throughout and keeps the action coming, peppering it with some brief forays into romantic territory. There's also a gently satirical tone best appreciated by adult viewers.
The casting is spot on. Cary Elwes has an Errol Flynn-ish vibe that's ideally suited to the role of our dashing hero, Westley. Robin Wright, as the titular princess bride, supplies the heroine with enough spunk to be endearing without becoming irksome (as so many revisionist heroines are). As for the rest, how can you not like a supporting cast that includes Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, Andre the Giant, Christopher Guest, Peter Falk and more besides? Truly, this is one of those films where it's difficult to envision another actor being better suited to these roles.
As for the visuals, I find that they're not top notch but they don't really detract from the story. In any case, it's most likely that the slightly 'fake' look was a calculated choice. So, while the sets & special effects are passable they're nothing to write home about. There is, however, some nice cinematography at times, though Reiner's direction is pretty nondescript.
Musically, the film features some nice work from Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits fame. The love theme is particularly charming and is balanced by some more ostentatious music befitting the adventurous tone. The closing credits also feature a decent Oscar-nominated original song by Willy DeVille (of Mink DeVille).
Ultimately, "The Princess Bride" is an enjoyable film for folks of all ages. It's truly one of those films that has a little something in it for everyone, from comedy to adventure to romance.