Movie Monday Nov. 1: The Princess Bride

It’s that time of year again. No, I’m not talking about the start of the winter holiday season, but in fact cold and flu season. As I’m writing this, I’m fighting a cold (no COVID thankfully), so my movie pick for this week is worthy for a sick day. You know it, and most of you love it, The Princess Bride. Oh to be a young Fred Savage and have someone read me a story in bed. Sadly, that’s not my reality, but watching this classic snuggled up in bed with some tea, soup, and lots of cold medicine is just what the doctor ordered.

**Warning, mild spoilers ahead, so if you haven’t watched the movie yet, what are you doing?**

The movie is told from the perspective of a grandfather (Peter Falk) reading a book to his sick grandson (Fred Savage). The book tells the tale of Buttercup (Robin Wright) and Westley (Cary Elwes) and their journey back to each other. Westley is thought to have been killed at sea, when in fact he has become the newest in a long line of Dread Pirate Roberts. In the meantime, Buttercup has become engaged to the pompous and manipulative Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon). When she is kidnapped by an eclectic gang, Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkon), Fezzik (Andre the Giant), and Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), of course only her true love Westley can save her. 

I’m always a sucker for a movie that can blend different genres together, and The Princess Bride is a great mixture of comedy, adventure, and a bit of romance. It also brings in a nice fantasy element without being bogged down by too much world building or lore. The meta moments of a story within a story adds some levity to scary moments for kids watching (lie to me and say that the giant eels didn’t scare you growing up) and even a few extra sweet moments.

There are so many iconic moments in the film, from Westley’s “As you wish” to Vizzini’s ever quotable iocane powder scene. It’s also a very quotable movie; I find myself overusing the word “inconceivable” just because of Vizzini. Also the “mawage” scene cracks me up every time. Even the behind the scenes stories make me love the movie more. Apparently Billy Crystal, who played Miracle Max, never did any of his scenes the same way twice. He would make obscure jokes and references to medieval history or the fantasy genre. 

The Princess Bride has become a cult classic for generation after generation. Although it came out almost ten years before I was born, I grew up watching this movie. There are kids now being introduced to it by their parents. It also inspired the “home movie” version during the 2020 lockdown as a fundraiser. 

Now I’m going to go back to bed, perhaps dreaming of my own fantasy adventure. Or I might just watch The Princess Bride again.

The Princess Bride is currently streaming on Disney+.