Jen Hearts The Princess Bride [Movies I Heart Series]
Continuing with my favorite movies of all time, I had to include The Princess Bride. This 1987 cult classic fantasy film based on the popular (and really, really long) novel of the same title. My sister and I must have watched this movie a hundred times at least and are not only able to recite the film word for word but in some cases sigh for sigh.
When the film begins, you see a little boy (Fred Savage) playing a now very outdated video game. He’s home sick so his cheesy Grandfather (Peter Falk, who also narrates) decides to bring him a book…but not just any book. The Princess Bride is the story of Buttercup (Robin Wright, then Penn-less) and Wesley (Cary Elwes) who are two ill-fated lovers that go on quests to find their way back to each other. Set in a medieval yet imaginary place, the two do battle with people and creatures for the right to be together all the while surrounded by rich and interesting characters.This film sticks out to many because of not only those characters, but the clever dialogue littered with subtle and warm comedy. In one memorable scene, unfortunate outlaws Fezzik (Andre the Giant) and Inigo (Mandy Patinkin, showing off a flawless Spanish accent) play a rhyming game with each other. Their boss, Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), an irate little man, is losing his patience with the two.
Inigo: “Are there rocks ahead”
Fezzik: “If there are, we’ll all be dead”!
Vizzini: “No more rhymes now, I mean it”
Fezzik: “Anybody want a peanut”?
Vizzini: (Yells) AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
It’s silly and simple yet the entire tale is highly entertaining. The film preaches about the power of “True Love” yet shows the journey to such an end can be all too rocky. While the film has an abundance of characters, side-plots and locations, it never seems messy or confusing. Director Rob Reiner seems to be able to create a tone which allows the filmgoer to feel as though he or she were journeying right along with those in the story.
The Princess Bride is a classic fairytale that is far less solemn than Lord of the Rings but which is cleverer than films like Robin Hood: Men In Tights.* I will probably be quoting this film on my death bed, if I ever have the luxury of such a future, and recommend it for any over the age of 10.
*Robin Hood: Men In Tights also stars Cary Elwes who plays title character Wesley in the Princess Bride.
For more from Jen, check out her blog at http://www.jenreviewsmovies.com and if you have anything you’d like her to talk about here, emai: info@jenreviewsmovies.com. Her response will most likely be “As You Wish”.
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