A Tale of Wit and Fantasy

Rating: Null/10 (14 October 2003)

With adventure, fantasy, and romance, "The Princess Bride" is the perfect movie for those who like films with the aforesaid content. This movie smoothly combines fairytale and wit. Directed by Rob Reiner, this fairytale has unique twists, with swordplay, giants, and a six-fingered man. The film originates from the book by William Goldman. It was also Goldman who wrote the screenplay. Like most great films, "The Princess Bride" needed to have appropriate cast members to play those characters created by Goldman. Those who hired the cast certainly did a good job. Wesley, played to perfection by Cary Elwes, was very heroic, witty, and believable. He is the perfect "knight in shining armour", though in this film he is in black and sporting a mask. Buttercup (Robin Wright) has her flaws, such as not being quite convincing enough, but is otherwise played well, considering the type of acting needed. Other well-known actors are hidden throughout the film, such as Billy Crystal as Miracle Max, Carol Kane as Valerie, and Peter Cook as the Impressive Clergyman. Not only does a film need a good cast, but also a good story line. This, "The Princess Bride" has this. The story begins with the tragic love story of Buttercup and Wesley, who leaves to find his fortune but whose ship becomes captured by "the dread Pirate Roberts." Over time, Buttercup becomes a princess and pledged to marry Prince Humperkinck (Chris Sarandon), who conspires to have Buttercup kidnapped and killed, then blame the murder on a neighbouring land. Buttercup's three kidnappers include a giant named Fezzik (Andre the Giant), a Spaniard named Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), and a genius named Vizzini (Wallace Shawn). The trio is well on their way, when they realize a mysterious man dressed in black is following them. This man later turns out to be Buttercup's long lost love, Wesley. Fortunately, "The Princess Bride"'s only downfall was special effects, which did not take much away from the film itself. Perhaps the most obvious is the R.O.U.S. (Rodent of Unusual Size). It can be plainly seen that it is a man or woman in a costume by the way the rodent crawls on its knees instead of its paws. Another unbelievable scene is Wesley climbing up the Cliffs of Despair. One can definitely see the rocks are not really there. The props crew should have painted the picture rocks the same colour as the 'real' rocks. "The Princess Bride" is a well-rounded film that warms the heart. It is great for all ages and both genders. Local critics give it three thumbs up and five out of four stars for its charming quality and endless humour.