Throughly enjoyable storytelling.

Rating: 9/10 (13 July 2004)

The premise of starting a film and continual flicking to the view of a granddad (Peter Falk) reading a book to his unwell grandson (Fred Savage) isn't new, yet the use of interrupting the story ads a new fresher feel to the mix.
I myself watched this film with my Mother when I was (very rarely) off sick from school in 1991. Whilst watching the film and for the rest of the day after, I cannot once recall feeling ill.
The score was soft, yet magically purposeful and during the most thrilling accepts of the film, notably the fight sequences (in particular involving Mandy as the Spaniard sword fighter) were really captivating.
The vast array of different themes this picture evokes is also a great achievement and stirs up many emotions, leaving few unhappy with the final film. Ultimately its a romance, but its set in fantasy, makes it all the more unusual, but generally more enjoyable. There's a constant act of heroism and revenge, plus humour, wit and gripping thrills (when Westley is still a bit "stiff" in places). Also mystery and intrigue, with the legendary pirate and the tense chase involving the pirate impressively chasing after them up a rope.
Having just re-watched it, it looks as if it must have influenced Gladiator and Shrek. The line "My father was ....." is similar to the Maximus speech in Gladiator and the use of daggers can also be reflected.
The PG rating is a suitable choice, some craving more might think its missing more nastier material, yet the more adult references can be applied to the rating it has been given, allowing one and all to enjoy it.
Finally, the fine choice of actors is great. With typical quick witted humour from Billy Crystal, the continuation of the British theme with Mel Smith and Peter Cook, the reuniting of Christopher Guest with Rob Reiner, a wrestling hero Andre the Giant, the always watchable Cary Elwes, Mandy Patenkin leading the frontier for his respected performance as a Spanish peasant who was recently in The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland (what a waste) and the villainous evil (inconceivable) Wallace Shawn who delivers the line: Vizzini: Ever heard of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates? Westley: Yes Vizzini: Morons.
He says the line so quickly, its perfect, which rightly earns a place on the trailer.
A few people in this film have interesting worked again with others from this film. Billy Crystal was in When Harry met Sally with the director Rob Reiner and also in This is Spinal Tap.