Review of The Princess Bride (1987) by Trenton R — 26 May 2013

In the 1980's, most fantasy films were, with few exceptions, not particularly good at all, with most bordering on distasteful territory (I'm looking at you, THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER and DEATHSTALKER).

Rob Reiner's alternatingly romantic, humorous fairy tale, THE PRINCESS BRIDE, luckily, was one of the exceptions of this period. Not the least bit afraid to acknowledge its simplistic origins, this potentially sappy love story (about a farm girl betrothed to a wicked prince and her true love coming to the rescue) sprinkles bits of comedy throughout its 98 minute running time.

Even the leads, Westley (a dashing Cary Elwes) and Buttercup (yes, that's her name, played by Robyn Wright) are given humorous lines to distinguish them from the usual stock couple. There are a few bits of violence and at least one scary scene involving a struggle with a monstrous "rodent of unusual size", but the overall tone of the film is one of playfulness and heart.

There are even memorably showstealing turns by the likes of Mandy Patinkin as a Spanish swordsman seeking vengeance, the late Andre the Giant, Chris Sarandon as the smarmy, treacherous Prince Humperdinck, and Billy Crystal as a disgraced magician.

Incidentally, the whole story is told by a well-cast Peter Falk as the grandfather of a sickly, cynical boy, who occasionally interrupts the story, mostly with qualms over the kissing scenes. A box office disappointment in its 1987 release, THE PRINCESS BRIDE has since acquired a cult following, and deservedly so.

This is a family classic that I highly recommend; there's plenty for young and old alike to enjoy.