Review of The Princess Bride (1987) by Zachs M — 16 Jul 2012

This film has everything. Swashbuckling. Humor. Romance. Action. Suspense. Beautiful scenic vistas. Adventure. Surprises. Camp. Twists. Dated but forgivable plot devices. Glamour. Wonderful music. Delightful cheesy dialogue that's fun to quote incessantly.

Excitement. Entertainment. Inspiration. Giants.. okay one giant. One of the greatest sword fights ever committed to film. One of the greatest stage kisses ever committed to film. Something old (the well healed damsel in distress melodrama plot) something new (a modern sense of humor) something borrowed (a baseball cap in Fred Savage's room was a prop borrowed that looked like the one used in the film This Is Spinal Tap) and something blue (both Elwes and Wright have blue eyes).

I think I saw a kitchen sink in Miracle Max's hut as his wife chases him around the room. This film's got everything! It is simply flawless from beginning to end. I can find no fault in this movie.

I have watched it several times and every time it's a great ride with some of the most talented people who are at least really really good at pretending to have a good time telling a fun story. I like to imagine they're not pretending.

This is the kind of film that warms the heart in the chill of December and cools it down in the heat of July. I would recommend this to anyone regardless of their demographic. If I ever had children, this would probably be the first film they'd ever see.

If I ever learn I will die soon, this will probably be the last film I want to see before I die. I can't find words in my native tongue that properly convey to my fellow human beings how much I cherish and adore this film and wish everyone who has ever or will ever live would get to experience it and somehow appreciate it as much as I have.

On rare occasion I have used the words "as you wish" to convey how much I love family members and friends in an unconditional matter of fact way. Sometimes they get it. Sometimes they don't.

But that's not the point. My only criticism with this film is that Rob Reiner never got around to following it up with an equally awesome sequel whose name could only be The Dread Pirate Roberts. Perhaps some things are best left to the imagination of the viewer, but in my heart and mind these characters live forever just one strong wind ahead of adversity, and one horizon line towards their happily ever after.