An absolute treat

Rating: 9/10 (9 April 2009)

A kindly grandfather (the always delightful Peter Falk) reads a classic fairytale to his sickly grandson (likable Fred Savage). Dashing farmhand Westley (a fine and charismatic Cary Elwes) has to save beloved fair maiden Princess Buttercup (a sweet and radiant performance by the lovely Robin Wright) from the vile clutches of evil, cowardly Prince Humperdinck (a nicely slimy Chris Sarandon). Westley is assisted by vengeful Spanish master swordsman Inigo Montoya (marvelously played with lip-smacking gusto by Mandy Patinkin) and hulking, but friendly behemoth Fezzik (a supremely amiable turn by legendary wrestler Andre the Giant). Director Rob Reiner and screenwriter William Goldman deftly blend elements of comedy, romance, action and comedy into a charming and engaging whole that pokes warm and witty revisionist fun at the conventions of fairy tales in a winningly respectful and affectionate manner. The cast are all uniformly excellent in their colorful roles: Elwes and Wright make for extremely attractive and appealing leads, Patinkin has you rooting for his honorable vendetta all the way, Christopher Guest positively oozes smarmy malevolence as serenely wicked sadist Count Tyrone Rugen, Wallace Shawn is smug perfection as pompous sniveling intellectual toad Vizzini, plus there are terrific cameos by Billy Crystal as crotchety old magician Miracle Max, Carol Kane as his equally irascible wife Valerie, Mel Smith as an albino, and Peter Cook as a mush-mouthed clergyman. The gentle humor and pure, innocent, good-natured tone give this picture an extra irresistible kick. Best of all, there's a wonderfully uplifting and positive central message about the unbeatable power of true love. Kudos are also in order for Mark Knopfler's graceful, harmonic score and Adrian Biddle's golden, sparkling cinematography. A totally enchanting jewel.