The Princess Bride Movie Review

Director Rob Reiner scores again with this take on the basic fairy tale formula that masterfully works as both a spoof and the real thing. Crammed wittily with all the cliches, this adventurously irreverent love story centers around a beautiful maiden and her young swain as they battle the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin. Great dueling scenes, scary beasts (especially the “Rodents of Unusual Size”), and offbeat satire of the genre make this perhaps even more fun for adults than for children. Inspired cast, including Andre the Giant as, well, a giant; Mandy Patinkin as a Spanish swordsman; Christopher Guest as a five-fingered villain; and cameos by Billy Crystal and Carol Kane as too-cute wizards. You don't have to even like fairy tales to love this film; like the reluctant little boy (Wonder Year’s Fred Savage) who's being read this tale by his Grandfather (Peter Falk), you will be drawn to the story and it's humor – we promise. Based on William Goldman's cult novel.

1987 (PG) 98m/C Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Peter Falk, Andre the Giant, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, Fred Savage, Peter Cook, Mel Smith; D: Rob Reiner; W: William Goldman; M: Mark Knopfler. Hugos ‘88: Dramatic Presentation; Nominations: Academy Awards ‘87: Best Song (“Storybook Love”). VHS, Beta, LV, 8mm COL, SUE, HMV