The Princess Bride (1987)

The Princess Bride: Not Horrible, but not good either.

Let me say this first and foremost, my boyfriend told me about this movie while walking to the library one day. At first, I told him I didn't want to see it, but he insisted that I should give it a try and afterwards tell him how I felt about it. So, I said O.K. and borrowed it for the weekend. And there I was, sitting in the living room with my boyfriend, watching the Princess Bride. Robin Wright plays the serious, deadpan Princess Buttercup, Cary Elwes plays the poor, lame, non-acting farmer/pirate character, Westley, Chris Sarandon plays the very cruel and very pathetic prince Humperdink, and Billy Crystal plays the lovable Miracle Max. Now, I was very Surprised to see the late Andre the Giant in this film, he did a very good job being that this was his 1st movie debut. He made me laugh and that really helped. I'll miss him, we all will. Still, I couldn't shake the fact that something was bugging me through the film, It was Cary's character Westley. Not only did his acting sucked (like it always did.) But there was an issue about his legs. They looked like they've been traded for woman's legs! (the black, tight pants gave it away, sorry.) Of course he had so much love for Buttercup, but that couldn't even make it up due to Westley's corny lines. Cary, go in the kitchen and make yourself a Ham Sandwich, ya killing me! Anyway, Robin Wright's Buttercup character was another thing that was bugging me. Why would a princess be so serious and deadpan all the time? She only smiled when she wanted to. Really, is that the princess way of life? NO WAY! They made a cute couple for the time being. Going on, Chris Sarandon's character, Humperdink. His performance needed some work. He was so snobbish, so arrogant, so high-and-mighty and very cruel that he litterally made me sick. I had to mumble under my breath that he was alot better in the "CHILD'S PLAY" movie. Yes, he bugged me also. Everybody else's performances were okay. Swordfights, honor, true love, bravery and triumph were the only morals that I recognised. There's nothing wrong with that. Andre's character was funny and lovable, Billy Crystal's character was funny as much as he wanted to be. He needed more scenes though. Oh, and the music in the background, I loved it. It sounds so beautiful, it should be on the soundtrack. My boyfriend didn't like the movie either. This movie is DEFINITLY for the kids. I'm just grateful that I watched it only once. And what's with that punk villian with the 6 fingers? Doesn't he realize that he could get away making Humperdink angry because of the 6 finger income? (I hope I said it right.) Anyway, I leave this movie towards the likes of my brother and sister. They'll probably like it. Bye, I've said enough. November 10, 2008

True Love and High Adventure in the Land of Florin

Screenwriter and novelist William Goldman's book, The Princess Bride, was first published in 1972. For years Goldman, who wrote the screenplay for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, attempted to have a film adaptation made, but every time an unforeseeable obstacle prevented this from happening. Then in 1985, Rob Reiner, director of This Is Spinal Tap and Stand By Me, began work on the now classic film. Though the film wasn't a Box Office smash, this can be blamed on 20th Century Fox's poor marketing campaign, it has since become a classic and has often been imitated by other lesser films seeking to capitalize on the film's success. However, there can only ever be one film like The Princess Bride.

When a ten- year-old boy is sick and forced to stay home in bed, his grandfather comes to visit, bringing him a special present. When the boy unwraps the package, he is disappointed to find only a book. But his grandfather explains that The Princess Bride is no ordinary book. It's a book that has been in the family for many years, read by one member of a generation to the next. As for the story contained within the book, it tells an exciting tale of "fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles."
"It doesn't sound too bad. I'll try and stay awake," the boy replies.
Along time ago, in the land of Florin... a handsome farm boy and beautiful peasant girl, Westley and Buttercup, fall madly in love. But Westley can't afford to marry Buttercup, so he goes to sea to seek his fortune. While he's away, Buttercup hears rumor that his ship was attacked by the Dread pirate Roberts, who never left captives alive. Buttercup was left heartbroken and so five years passed. Prince Humperdinck, who by law has the right to choose his bride, takes Buttercup to be his wife. Before they can be married, Buttercup is kidnapped by a trio of strange mercenaries: Vizzini, a supposed mastermind, Fezzik, a gentle giant, and Inigo Montoya, a Spanish swordsman. On their voyage to the neighboring land of Guilder, where they intend to start a war, they discover that they are being followed by a dashing and mysterious masked man. One by one, the masked man defeats the three mercenaries and escapes with Princess Buttercup, just as they are being pursued by Prince Humperdinck and Count Rugen. The masked man reveals himself to be Westley, and then he and Buttercup seek shelter in the deadly Fire Swamp. After surviving the many dangers of the Fire Swamp, including Rodents of Unusual Size (or ROUSes), they are both captured by the prince and his soldiers. Buttercup is taken back to the castle to marry Humperdinck and Westley is taken to the Pit of Despair, where he is to be tortured by Count Rugen, but after a series of unexpected incidents everyone (well, almost everyone) lives happily ever after.

The film features an amazing cast including Cary Elwes as Westley, Mandy Patinkin as Inigo Montoya, Chris Sarandon as Prince Humperdinck, Christopher Guest as Count Rugen, Wallace Shawn as Vizzini, Andre the Giant as Fezzik, Fred Savage as The Grandson, and in her first major film role, Robin Wright as Princess Buttercup. The supporting cast includes such great actors as Peter Falk, who plays The Grandfather as well as narrates, Peter Cook, Mel Smith, Carol Kane, and Billy Crystal. Every single member of the cast gives a pitch-perfect performance.
The Princess Bride also features some of the most memorable lines of dialogue in recent movie history, as well as some truly iconic scenes. The film is hard to categorize as any single genre. It's equal parts romance, adventure, fantasy, comedy, satire, and fairy tale. Though it only did modestly at the Box office when it was released in 1987, the film found its largest audiences through the home video market, and is now considered a classic (as it should be). October 11, 2008

As you wish

You got a evil prince who wants war with a neighboring kingdom. A pirate chasing after his true love. A giant, and a swordsman built on revenge with the classic fantasy story of good vs evil. You will find this fantasy movie to be in the vein of Willow, Legend, Labyrinth, the 10th kingdom, The never ending story.
Its a pretty good movie but from a guys point of view there was too much "true love" nagging on your emotions and not enough action/fight sequences. But then again since this was filmed in the 80s I guess newer viewers might be jaded by all of Hollywood's special effects.
October 4, 2008

The Princess Bride - More than just a fairy tale

This classic movie brings viewers of all ages back to a time when movie making and storytelling were one in the same. No special effects were needed, just good acting and a great story line.

I highly recommend this movie! October 3, 2008

Fun movie, fun book

This movie was my first introduction to the story of The Princess Bride and for years I loved watching it. This movie is seriously a hit for all ages. It keeps young children interested and gives the adults jokes to laugh at. The comedy with sarcastic undertones, the simplicity of good vs bad, the impossible feats accomplished and of course, the awesome performances from the actors were all players in what makes this movie fun to watch. There is a prince and a princess, bandits, fighting, magic, and love. All under two hours. And yet for all the times I've watched this film, I never knew about the book by William Goldstein. Folks,this is one good read. The humor is more prominent than what you pick up on from the movie and it gives you background info on characters like Fezzik and Indigo. While it is much more encompassing than the movie, the movie stays true to the book which is another reason to like it. I would recommend both movie and book to those looking for a fun plot to follow. October 2, 2008

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