Review of The Princess Bride (1987) by Mitchell B — 29 Dec 2013

One could quibble that there are elements here that don't work, like the mugging of Billy Crystal and the appealing dated practical effects of the R.O.U.S.s but when every single other moment of this film is practically perfect, I think we can rest those quibbles to one side.

Every performance is a gem - the dashing Cary Elwes, the dastardly pairing of Chris Sarandon and Christopher Guest, the snivellingly maniacal Wallace Shawn, the loveable brute (or One Man Brute Squad) Andre the Giant, the unforgettable cameos by Peter Cook and Mel Smith, the perfection of Fred Savage and Peter Faulk as the boy and grandfather, and of course the wonderful pathos of the revenge seeking Spaniard played by Mandy Patinkin. Every role is practically a career defining one. Though as often is the case, the title role is the least interesting one, with Robin Wright's Buttercup remaining terribly bland throughout.

The Princess Bride is, and always will be, my favourite movie of all time. The thought of it being replaced atop my cinematic pantheon is (fittingly) inconceivable.

And if you haven't already, I heartily recommend you read the William Goldman novel, it's equally brilliant.