THE PRINCESS BRIDE (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Princess Bride—quirky, funny, and just plain fun, like reading a comic strip at times—completes itself with an all-star cast and some of the best and cleanest comedy of 1987. Twenty-nine years later it still rates as one of the best comedy films for imaginative storytelling and an overall comical essence that interlaces the film from its beginning to its end.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A grandfather (Peter Falk) passes the time with his ill grandson (Fred Savage) by reading a story about a girl named Buttercup (Robin Wright) and a boy named Westley (Cary Elwes). Buttercup, the young mistress of a farm where Westley works as a servant, constantly orders Westley to perform a variety of work tasks to which he unfailingly answers “as you wish”. Westley, completely in love with Buttercup, leaves the farm to pursue his fortune for the express purpose of marrying Buttercup. But, rumor returns to the farm that Westley’s ship has been raided by the Dread Pirate Roberts and Westley is presumed dead. After several years, Buttercup unwillingly acquiesces to Prince Humperdinck’s (Chris Sarandon) marriage proposals. Before the wedding, however, Buttercup is kidnapped and the film’s story is on as two adventures meld into one satisfying conclusion.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director and Producer Rob Reiner. Thank you to Executive Producer Norman Lear for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), Count Rugen (Christopher Guest), Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), Fezzik (André the Giant), The Impressive Clergyman (Peter Cook), The Albino (Mel Smith), Valerie (Carol Kane), and Miracle Max (Billy Crystal).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Combine comedy and a script that is ‘all out wonderful’ and you’ve got entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers