Wonderful!

Rating: 10/10 (9 April 2011)

Director Rob Reiner may have created the most endearing romantic comedy of all time in his latest project, "The Princess Bride."
Based on the book by William Golding, the story really begins with a young sick boy (Fred Savage) by his grandfather (Peter Falk) who reads to him "The Princess Bride."
The real story is actually within the story (although we go back to the boy and his grandfather from time to time).
The scenario is not distracting from the funny modern fairy tale. A young girl named Buttercup (Robin Wright) falls in love with the farm boy, Westley (Carey Elwes). They share true love. However, Westley must seek his fortune to marry her, so he becomes a sailor. His ship is captured by the Dread Pirate Roberts and he is no more.
Although heartbroken, she agrees to an arranged marriage with Prince Humperdink (Chris Sarandon). Before the wedding, she is kidnapped by three men, Viccini, Indigo (Mandy Patinkin), and Fezik (Andre the Giant).
Tracking them are two people: Prince Humperdink, and the Dread Pirate Roberts. The Dread Pirate initially wins, revealing himself to be the long-lost Westley. But Prince Humperdink pulls the upper ante to retake his bride and punish Westley.
Westly must escape the torture chamber that awaits him and reunited with his true love. For help, he relies on Indigo and Fezik.
The movie may sound convoluted, but even a young audience watching will understand how things unfold. Even better, they will laugh. Still, this is not the ultimate strength.
The first are the characters that mesh well together like a song and dance. There is chemistry for humor, light-hearted conflict, and battles of wits. One of the best scenes is when Westley has a sword duel with Indigo. Fortunately, mutual respect and quick wits both prevent a duel to the death.
Another is a hand-to-hand combat with Fezik, who is worried that his idea of sneaking up on Westley and crushing his head with a rock is "not very sportsmanlike."
A subplot exists for Indigo as he seeks revenge against the six- fingered man who murdered his father. This leads to another great sword fight and one of the best lines in any movie.
The only gripe is many of these characters talk so fast and with accents, it is had to understand them at some points. Of course, that will make you want to see it again.
Another strength is the writing that gives a good romantic fairy tale as well as some good morals along the story. It is also not as predictable as some might think. What happens to the antagonist may surprise the audience.
In any case, Rob Reiner has done it again. While "Spinal Tap" is still his crowning jewel, "The Princess Bride" serves both as good family fun and the perfect date movie.