I retweeted something the other day, kept thinking about it, then did it again.
It's perfect for how we all feel right now and I love it because, well, the Princess Bride is great. Let's think though, is it all nostalgia or actually a great film?
Guess I'll have to rewatch. First a quick overview.
The Princess Bride (1987) is fairy-tale style fantasy adventure comedy, taking place in a fictional medieval land. Got all that? We enter the world through a book read by an old man to his sick grandson, both seen above. The boy doesn't want a love story but likes action and will listen to his grandpa. The narrative has Westley (Cary Elwes), a farm-hand turned pirate, seeking to rescue his beloved Buttercup (Robin Wright) from the land's evil prince. Along the way he makes friends who aid him in his quest.
Even if you've never seen this, you'll probably recognize some faces. It's Cary Elwes most famous role, though you may know him from Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Stranger Things s3, or Saw. Robin Wright is much more likable here than in House of Cards or Forrest Gump. Andre the Giant was a professional wrestler who died too young, his heart too big. And Mandy Patinkin currently stars on Homeland, something I've never watched myself.
We're ready.
Pops in DVD, watches film, takes notes.
Okay. Whether or not I'm being objective (probs not), I love this movie more than ever. As my wife can attest, I laughed throughout. It's hilarious, utterly charming, and simply has it all: suspense, adventure, sword play, love, revenge, laugh out loud moments and more.
The characters, even though all archetypes, still surprise you. There's a skilled swordsman out for vengeance, a giant with a heart of gold, and a mastermind mercenary (with a cartoon character voice, he's also Rex in Toy Story). Then there's our hero who can best them all. The damsel in distress is completely worthless in a fight but shows defiance in several situations. Plus a capable and overly smug, if gutless, villain and his henchman.
So much is wonderful. The rhyming and friendship between Inigo and Fezzik. The over-the-top nature of Vizzini. All three contests with the man in black. The Impressive Clergyman's nuptials ceremony. The physical comedy of Westley in the final act. All the clever dialogue.
On top of it all, the movie is immensely quotable.
'Is this a kissing book?'
'As you wish.'
'My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die.'
'Inconceivable!'
'Ha ha, you fool! You fell victim to one of the classic blunders!'
There was one line I hadn't noticed before, but really stuck out now. Referring to masks, 'They're terribly comfortable, I think everyone will be wearing them in the future.'
(Wide eyes emoji)
Anyway now I know. It's not just nostalgia. It's a remarkable film I'll enjoy for a long time and definitely a must see if you have not.
Fin
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