On Lily's DVD Shelf: The Princess Bride

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! Whether or not you are out with a date or with your friends, take the time to have fun today. Sure it’s a merchandised, corporate, made-up holiday…but the most important thing to remember is that it’s held in honor of love. Love all you can now, because you can’t take it with you at the end.

In honor of the holiday, I’ve decided to review what is probably one of the most romantic, funny, and exciting movies of all time. Everyone I talk to always has “The Princess Bride” on their personal Top 10 List. I always chuckle whenever we talk about “The Princess Bride” because it actually took me 4 viewings (over the course of some years) before I could actually make it through the entire movie without falling asleep! I couldn’t explain it. I always enjoyed what I saw, but for whatever reason, I just never made it to the end.

Thankfully, I have remedied that issue and can honestly say that I really enjoy this movie. The Special Edition DVD came out in 2001. Anyone who is worth their salt as a fan probably already owns it. But as INCONCEIVABLE as it might seem, there are those who have never seen the movie. So, really…this review is for them.

Long story short: A grandfather (Peter Falk) tells a bedtime story to his less than thrilled grandson (Fred Savage). The story is about Buttercup (a very young Robin Wright), who hates Westley (a very hot Cary Ewles). Westley adores Buttercup. He goes away to make his riches. When he comes back, it is found out that Buttercup has been kidnapped by the evil Prince Humperdink (very good baddie, Chris Sarandon). Here comes Westley to save the day! Add to the mix a six-fingered man (Christopher Guest), a vengeful swordsman (Mandy Patinkin), a loveable giant (Andre the Giant), and a slew of cute cameos, “The Princess Bride” is easily more than a memorable film.

It’s got everything you want. Romance for the ladies (Tell me hearing “As you wish,” doesn’t make you melt and I’d say you were LYING!), action for the guys (You know you want to be in the Westley v. Inigo sword fight!), quotable lines (Say it with me: “My name is Inigo Montoyo. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”). And, probably one of the most unbelievable features considering today’s films, ANYONE can watch it. It’s such a great story, told in such a manner that no one ever feels embarrassed showing it to their kids, their grandparents, and ultra-conservative relatives.

The special edition DVD touts a documentary entitled, “As You Wish.” The original cast shares their thoughts on the making of the movie and the fun of the story. If you’re a commentary geek like me and Lenny, Rob Reiner’s commentary is one of the better ones I’ve listened to. Another bonus, the author of the book, William Goldman is also given his own commentary (If you’ve never read the book version, please pick it up…it’s a riot!).

I consider “The Princess Bride” the perfect movie. I could watch it any time and any where. If you need a quick pick-me-up or a great date movie, it never gets old! As far as I’m concerned, “The Princess Bride” is a timeless piece of work that (much like the grandfather’s story) will be passed on from generation to generation.