The Princess Bride

January 6, 2018 - This charming movie was released in September 1987. I was just starting my senior year in college, so that may explain why I didn't see it in the theatre. Why it took me another 30 years to see it on TV? Well, I don't exactly have an answer for that.

All I can say is that I'm sorry it took me so long to see this charming film. Rob Reiner directs this story within a story. It's based on the book by William Goldman, who also wrote the screenplay. The cast includes Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, André the Giant, Peter Falk, Fred Savage, Billy Crystal and Carol Kane.

The movie opens with Savage (The Grandson) feeling under the weather and playing video games in his bedroom. His grandfather (Falk) shows up to read him the story of The Princess Bride. Savage is skeptical, but eventually he gets sucked into the tale of true love between Westley and Buttercup.

Buttercup (Wright) is the daughter of a farmer. Westley (Elwes) is a hired hand. To every order Westley gets from Buttercup, he replies, "As you wish." Eventually, Buttercup realizes that Westley is really saying "I love you." With their first kiss out of the way, Westley sets off to earn his fortune and then return for Buttercup.

But, then comes word that Westley has been captured and killed by Dread Pirate Roberts. So, Buttercup has few options when she is handpicked by Prince Humperdink (Sarandon) to be his bride. Shortly before the wedding, Buttercup goes for a horseback ride. She's promptly kidnapped by Wallace Shawn, Mandy Patinkin, and André the Giant. Soon, a masked pirate and Prince Humperdink are in pursuit.

Overall review: **** Loved it! And now that I have it on DVR, it won't take me 30 years to watch it again.