Truly magical.

Rating: 9/10 (25 June 2004)

THE PRINCESS BRIDE is the story told to a sick boy (Fred Savage) by his grandfather (Peter Falk) one day. In it, a woman named Buttercup (Robin Wright Penn) and her love Westley (Cary Elwes) are separated by cause of him having to go out and seek his fortune. Buttercup is led to believe that Westley is dead, but he returns five years later, dressed as the Dread Pirate Roberts, and rescues her from three thieves. Westley defeats the first, Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), in a fencing duel; the second, Fezzik (Andre the Giant), in a battle of strength; and the third, Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), in a battle of wits. He then claims his prize and they head off to marry, but there is one problem: Buttercup is already arranged to be married to Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon). Westley is captured by the Prince's men and held captive for the ten days prior to Buttercup and the Prince's wedding. Does Westley defeat the men and get the girl?
THE PRINCESS BRIDE is one of those movies that is essentially perfect. The story is amazing and romantic, all of the characters are developed and acted to perfection, and all of the other creatures are just fantastical and scary enough to seem real. There are literally almost no flaws in this movie. Just the right bits of humor, romance, action, and fantasy are mixed in, and the result is spectacular. The love story is one of the most romantic and realistic I've ever seen, while the fantasy bits are practically unmatched. Nearly every scene is considered a classic in some way, and the build-up makes the end thoroughly satisfying and amazing. My particular favorite scenes include all of Westley's battles with the men, the ROUSes and the rest of the Fire Swamp, and Mandy Patinkin's classic scene: "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." Rob Reiner is a marvelous director.
As for the acting, everyone is... well, perfect. Mandy Patinkin plays probably the most famous character, Inigo Montoya, to perfection, and Andre the Giant is wonderful as the big, but kindhearted, Fezzik. Their accomplice Vizzini is brought well to life by Wallace Shawn. Robin Wright Penn is spectacular, as is Cary Elwes as probably my favorite character of the movie. Wonderful cameos are made by countless celebrites; among them, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Peter Cook. The cast is virtually perfect--every part is acted to a tee and brings the story more to life than you'd expect was possible.
THE PRINCESS BRIDE is a delightful movie. Hilarious, fun, romantic, charming, thrilling, magical... in a nutshell, almost perfect. It's not the best film I've ever seen, but it ranks right up there and is pure enjoyment in what filmmaking should be. 9.5/10.