The Princess Bride (PG)

It’s hard to believe it has been over 25 years since Rob Reiner directed the fantasy/adventure rom-com classic “The Princess Bride.”  Released in 1987, the film is based on the 1973 novel of the same name by William Goldman, and the aspect of the narrated story is maintained in its presentation.

As the movie begins, a young boy (Fred Savage in a pre-“Wonder Years” role) is home sick in bed. The boy’s grandfather (Peter Falk) arrives with the intent of reading a story to him. At first, the boy is reluctant, asking if the book contains sports. The grandfather informs him the book has everything; sword fights, giants, adventure, and more.

He begins to read the story and the setting is taken to the fictional land of Florin. The beautiful Buttercup (Robin Wright in her big screen debut) lives on a farm and takes pleasure in her flirtatious tormenting of the farmhand Westley (Carey Elwes) by giving him nonsensical chores to do. Westley, who is secretly in love with Buttercup, always obliges her commands with the phrase “as you wish.”

Eventually, Buttercup falls in love with Westley as well. At this point, the boy interrupts the reading (as he does periodically throughout the film) to question his grandfather. “Are you trying to trick me? Is this a kissing book?” His grandfather assures him it is not and continues the reading.

Westley leaves Buttercup to go to sea where he can make enough wealth to marry her. Before departing he reminds her that he will always come for her because what they have is true love. Buttercup is devastated some time later when she receives word Westley’s ship has been taken over by the nefarious Dread Pirate Roberts, who is reputed never to leave any of his victims alive.

Five years pass, and Buttercup is set to be married to Florin’s smarmy Price Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon) though she does not love him – the law of the land allows the prince to wed whoever he chooses. The wedding will commence in one month, on the country’s 500 year anniversary.

While out riding her horse, Buttercup is abducted by three outlaws; the swashbuckling Spanish swordsman Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), a giant with brutish size but kind mannerisms named Fezzik (André the Giant), and the leader of the trio; a diabolical and loquacious Sicilian named Vizzini (Wallace Shawn).

The plan is to kidnap and eventually murder Buttercup, framing Florin’s rival nation Guilder in attempt to start a war. While Vezzini is wicked, Inigo and Fezzik are merely hired goons, only complying because it is their job. In reality, they are close friends who look out for each other in a genuine way.  Inigo has a lifelong mission; to avenge the death of his father who was slain by a six-fingered man.

As the trio departs Florin with Buttercup, they quickly discover they are being followed by a mysterious man in a black cape and mask, who is also in pursuit of Buttercup.

“The Princess Bride” is a perfect family movie with a storybook feel from start to finish. The cast is perfect, including the supporting stars; Christopher Guest as Count Tyrone Rugen, Mel Smith as The Albino, Peter Cook as The Impressive Clergyman (whose minute of screen time will have you in stitches) and a cameo by comedian Billy Crystal.

“The Princess Bride” is a great “sick-day” movie – as the grandson quickly discovers – and one you can watch over and over again.

– by Matt DeCristo