A Classic That Will Be Loved Forever

Rating: 10/10 (31 May 2002)

Sometimes, when renting a DVD, I'm surprised to find a gem, that I missed on its original run. Rob Reiner's "Princess Bride" is one of those. For it's duration, I was transported to my childhood, and watched a dream play out on the screen.
The film on its original release was badly marketed. If one of my films had been butchered that way, I would have been screaming to the rooftops. To his credit, Rob Reiner did not strangle the head of Business Affairs at Fox.
This movie is pure storytelling by the premier screenwriter of our time, directed by an actor's director. It's hard to believe Reiner brought it in at $15 million. He is admittedly not a special effects wizard, ala Lucas, but nevermind. Each of his films has been something special, and in my opinion, Reiner hasn't received the recognition that some of his peers have enjoyed.
It's not surprising that a son of Carl and Estelle Reiner should have a spark of genius himself.
After renting the movie, I bought two copies. One goes in my collection. The other I put into storage at a Los Angeles Film Vault. When my daughter has children, that pristine copy is meant for them.
Seldom has a movie had such cross over that adults and children love it. Although it failed to turn a profit at the box office, I trust later incarnations in VHS and DVD have remedied that. Today, our children read fairy tales that go back centuries. I would be very surprised if some 23rd century viewer wasn't charmed by this film no matter what the media. Bravo to the actors, the writer, the producer and director. Yes and to Norman Lear, who footed the bill. You did yourselves proud.