Hello. My name is Indigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.
By most standards, The Princess Bride should have been no more than a mere blip in the history of cinema. The fairy-tale story of the handsome hero, of the beautiful damsel held against her will by an evil prince, and of the sappy happily-ever-afters undoubtedly attached to the end has been endlessly repurposed by Hollywood again and again.
However, when Rob Reiner got a hold of William Goldman's book, as written by the fictitious S. Morgenstern, Meathead turned our attention to the big screen with a new take on the fairy tale that would appeal to both innocent children and cynical adults.
If you have hesitated to view this film because of the title, allow me to put your concerns to rest. Perhaps you'll even allow me to smack you upside your skull? Forget what you think you know and BUY a copy of The Princess Bride immediately. In fact, if you don't own your own copy, stop whatever you are doing and CLICK HERE!.
Peter Falk plays the Grandfather, coming to read his sick grandson (a Wonder Years era Fred Savage) a story while he is laid up in bed. Falk is perfect out of his Columbo persona and helps carry the picture from the beginning. Throughout the film, we are brought back to the boy's bedroom where he and his granddad have brief discussions about the story.
Westley (Cary Elwes), the blue-eyed, blond-haired farm boy, and Buttercup (Robin Wright-Penn), the most beautiful woman to ever have lived, fall in love at the beginning of the film. It is a great love unlike all other loves that had come before. Through a series of events, Buttercup thinks Westley to be dead and her heart dies along with him. She is romanced by the scum-sucking Prince (Chris Sarandon) and is set to marry him. As it turns out, her true love is NOT dead. He shows up in the poorly masked persona of The Man in Black (not Johnny Cash!), the best sword fighter to have ever lived.
Along with his accomplices, he sets out to rescue Princess Buttercup from making a dreadful mistake, proving once and for all that true love wins over all.
Sure, there is classic fairy tale fodder, such as thieves, dungeons, mysterious creatures and a Kingdom in the clutches of a madman. Now toss in some incredible character actors played by Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, Christopher Guest, Billy Crystal and Andre the Giant, some lines so memorable you will probably be quoting them to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a biting wit reminiscent of Monty Python's Flying Circus with a Saturday morning sensibility, and you've got the mix for a sleeper that has won over millions of fans.
For a smorgasbord of Princess Bride sound clips, photos and fan stuff, Click here
The Princess Bride is a joy to view again and again. I've seen it no less than ten times and my children have enjoyed it twice. Careful, you WILL find yourself memorizing the lines and quoting them to friends and family at odd moments. The question is, will they get it? That would be inconceivable!
And remember, "never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line"
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
December 10, 2003 12:44 PM
Woo hoo!! I probably would have put this one in my top 10, but I will be anxious to see what beat it out of yours: ) Keep up the good work, my friend. Trey and I have and do quote from this movie frequently -- at odd moments when no one else has understood our PB-isms. My kids also enjoyed it, and I found your commentary to be right on. Thanks for the personal insights. Joel, it has truly been fun to peek into your life again this year, through your blogs. After 10 years of marriage (Dec. 18) and three kids, my vision had gotten very tunnel-like. Through visiting the country with you via the internet and a variety of other circumstances I have been privileged to experience -- my scope has once again grown to encompass a bit more of what God is doing out there. I am also excited once again to see how I fit into His plan. Bring on the new year!
December 10, 2003 01:56 PM
Hey Pam! What a thrill to know you are actually following what I have to say. The babblings of a madman, perhaps? I'm glad you vicariously enjoyed our trip because I don't think we can afford another one any time soon! Say hi to Trey for me :-)
Joel
December 11, 2003 06:12 AM
Ahhh! ya got me! I listened to and loved the .wav files and now I've got to go back and watch the movie again. I'm normally a "one timer" but I'm feeling like TPB warrants a 2nd look. Thanks for the fun!
December 12, 2003 08:33 AM
Yeah, I dunno Joel. I think Princess Bride is Top 5 material. I know you're having to compete with some good flicks at that point, but TPB is primo.
Actually, I think I saw it seven times in the theatre when I was a kid.
Okay, and on a similar note: Did anyone think this summer's Pirates of the Caribbean resembled Princess Bride just a little bit? Pirate's dialog was obviously shallow compared the masterfully-written Princess, but there were a lot of similarities.
December 12, 2003 12:50 PM
Ick! Pirates? Perhaps you need to go back and read my review.
http://www.joelcomm.com/archives/005482.html
Remember to hold your nose...
Joel
October 10, 2004 01:21 PM
I have loved this movie since I was a we lad at 9. I have never gotten tired of watching this movie for almost...11 year (has it really been that long:|. Great sound clips, I especially like mirracle max and his witch...I mean wife.