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Director Rob Reiner breathes vividly
colored cinematic life into William Goldman's THE PRINCESS BRIDE,
effectively evoking the wondrous, wide-eyed spirit of the witty 1973
novel. When a sick boy (Fred Savage) receives a visit from his doting
grandfather (Peter Falk) who intends to read to him from his favorite
book, he's not exactly pleased to be extracted from his world of video
games. However, his mood quickly changes as he, along with the viewer,
is transported to a place out of time--to Florin, a kingdom in the
ultimate imaginary land, complete with dashing heroes, cowardly princes,
rhyming giants, shrieking eels, rodents of unusual size, fancy
swordfights, and yes...even some kissing.The lovely Buttercup (Robin
Wright) learns that "As you wish" really means "I love you" when she
falls for her charming farmhand, Westley (Cary Elwes). While trying to
seek his fortune, however, Westley disappears at sea, an apparent victim
of the Dread Pirate Roberts, who takes no prisoners. A few years later,
Buttercup, engaged to the oily Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon), is
kidnapped by an oddball trio of rogues--brains, Vizzini (Wallace Shawn);
brawn, Fezzik (André the Giant); and sword, Inigo Montoya (Mandy
Patinkin in a standout performance). As they sail away toward the Cliffs
of Insanity, they notice the pursuit of a man in black...and the
adventure begins. A clever fairy tale for all ages, THE PRINCESS BRIDE
is arguably one of the funniest and most entertaining films of all time.
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