All of the classical fantasy elements remixed in a charming stew

Rating: 8/10 (13 August 2015)

It's funny, as a kid, I always used to watch "The Princess Bride" only to a certain point (the ROUS would invariably result in my turning this off and doing something else). So for years, I'd known this as half a movie. This is my second watch as an adult, and I'm still surprised at how dark this movie gets in the second half (the machine) and delighted by the unrecognizable Billy Crystal and Carol Kane.
Regardless, this is a terrific fairy tale and far more entertaining in its sef-awareness. Tongues don't come as firmly in cheek as they do here. And I can't think of a weak link in this cast, all of whom evidently relish William Goldman's script wordplay. The witty banter is laid on thick here in the best way possible, and keeps things alive when the swords are sheathed (and such swordplay is impressive, at least to this non-fencer).
This is a really fun movie.
8/10