I remember seeing this film when I was much younger, and liking it. Then years later seeing it again and loving it. The difference is that I was finally able to catch all the inside jokes and innuendo. This film is so funny, and what makes it all work is that it never actually takes itself seriously. This is about as good as twisted fairy tales get, and is a rare comedy that stands the test of time: it gets better with each viewing.
When a grandson (Fred Savage of The Wonder Years) becomes ill, his grandfather pays him a visit to read him a story. This was a story that had been passed down through their family, and the kid was more than eager to hear it. Of course, as soon as he learns that it's about a princess and that there are bits of romance throughout, he quickly becomes disinterested. Yet, his curiosity is peaked, and he allows his grandfather to continue the story.
The story is of a beautiful woman named Buttercup, who is separated from the love of her life, Westley, when she hears of his tragic death at sea. But is he really dead? Buttercup swears to never love again, and is betrothed to Prince Humperdinck. After she is kidnapped by a gang led by quick-witted Vizzini, Prince Humperdinck sets out to save her, although apparently for reasons other than her well-being, but he isn't the only one there to rescue her. The gang is also being pursued by the Dread Pirate Roberts, who bears a striking resemblance to Westley, and who picks up friends along the way after he outsmarts (or outduels) them. It is from here that the adventure quickly escalates, and as we learn from Westley, not even death can stop true love.
The list of quotes from this film is endless. Even if you haven't seen it, I'd bet that there is at least one quote that you could recognise from it. From Vizzini's hilarious overuse of the word "inconceivable", to Inigo Montoya's "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die", there are more than enough memorable one-liners to keep any viewer entertained.
What also makes this film work is its tongue-in-cheek sarcasm. Everything is a joke, and that makes watching it an event each time as you try to recognise something you hadn't noticed before. The acting all around is superb, and there are quite a few memorable characters developed along the way. My favourite character is Vizzini (hilariously portrayed by one of my favourite character actors, Wallace Shawn). Then there is Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), Fezzik (Andre the Giant) and Miracle Max (Billy Crystal). These characters round out a brilliant cast led by Cary Elwes, Robin Wright Penn and Chris Sarandon.
I have lost count of the amount of times I have seen this film; and my appreciation for it only grows with each viewing. The direction by the underrated Rob Reiner is wonderful, and the playful tone is carried out with tremendous effectiveness by an excellent cast. Don't be misled by the title, there is far more offered here than what is suggested, and I can almost guarantee you that once you see it, you will want to see it again.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
When a grandson (Fred Savage of The Wonder Years) becomes ill, his grandfather pays him a visit to read him a story. This was a story that had been passed down through their family, and the kid was more than eager to hear it. Of course, as soon as he learns that it's about a princess and that there are bits of romance throughout, he quickly becomes disinterested. Yet, his curiosity is peaked, and he allows his grandfather to continue the story.
The story is of a beautiful woman named Buttercup, who is separated from the love of her life, Westley, when she hears of his tragic death at sea. But is he really dead? Buttercup swears to never love again, and is betrothed to Prince Humperdinck. After she is kidnapped by a gang led by quick-witted Vizzini, Prince Humperdinck sets out to save her, although apparently for reasons other than her well-being, but he isn't the only one there to rescue her. The gang is also being pursued by the Dread Pirate Roberts, who bears a striking resemblance to Westley, and who picks up friends along the way after he outsmarts (or outduels) them. It is from here that the adventure quickly escalates, and as we learn from Westley, not even death can stop true love.
The list of quotes from this film is endless. Even if you haven't seen it, I'd bet that there is at least one quote that you could recognise from it. From Vizzini's hilarious overuse of the word "inconceivable", to Inigo Montoya's "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die", there are more than enough memorable one-liners to keep any viewer entertained.
What also makes this film work is its tongue-in-cheek sarcasm. Everything is a joke, and that makes watching it an event each time as you try to recognise something you hadn't noticed before. The acting all around is superb, and there are quite a few memorable characters developed along the way. My favourite character is Vizzini (hilariously portrayed by one of my favourite character actors, Wallace Shawn). Then there is Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), Fezzik (Andre the Giant) and Miracle Max (Billy Crystal). These characters round out a brilliant cast led by Cary Elwes, Robin Wright Penn and Chris Sarandon.
I have lost count of the amount of times I have seen this film; and my appreciation for it only grows with each viewing. The direction by the underrated Rob Reiner is wonderful, and the playful tone is carried out with tremendous effectiveness by an excellent cast. Don't be misled by the title, there is far more offered here than what is suggested, and I can almost guarantee you that once you see it, you will want to see it again.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
I'm one of those bizzare freakish people who never watched this film as a child. Since then I've seen it enough times to perfect my Wallace Shawn impression. It's really an grown-ups film masquerading as a childs film (then again, aren't adults just children masquerading as grown-ups?)
ReplyDeleteWallace Shawn is gold. And I just shared your thoughts with a friend of mine lol, that's some real food for thought.
ReplyDelete