Like many good movies, this one is based on a book--only in this case, a book that was based on another book.  S. Morgenstern originally wrote "The Princess Bride" a long time ago but made it way too long; later, William Goldman wrote a "good bits" version that cut out all the boring descriptions of what people wore (I mean, like fifty pages of it), that sort of thing.  Then Rob Reiner made the movie: what a terrific idea! 

You can't get much more classic than this: capitalized letters are everywhere.  We fight with Rodents of Unusual Size, we scale the Cliffs of Insanity, we face torture in the Pit of Despair, we meet the Man in Black.

It's a tale of True Love, which cannot be conquered even by Death or the evil machinations of the Bad Guys.  Plenty of swordplay, running around, pirates (complete with mask), and a wonderful set of supporting characters make up the rest of the tale.  There's Andre the Giant as Fezzik, a gentle giant who's taken up speaking in rhymes, Mandy Potinkin as Inigo Montoya ("Hallo! My name is Inigo Montoya.  You killed my father.  Prepare to die."), Vizzini the Sicilian ("You fell victim to one of the classic blunders, the most famous of which is, "Never get involved in a land war in Asia," but only slightly less famous is this:  "Never go in against a Sicilian when DEATH is on the line!"), Carol Kane and Billy Crystal as the helpful Miracle Max and his wife Valerie, and of course Chris Sarandon as Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon, of course, from such films as The Nightmare Before Christmas and Tales From the Crypt: Bordello of Blood).

But of course, I have saved the best for last!  For the best in this movie are Cary Elwes as the dashing hero, and Robin Wright (now Robin Wright Penn) as the Princess Buttercup.  Okay, while each of them are wonderful in their own parts, Elwes really does much better in scenes without Wright.  There's not a whole lot of on-screen chemistry, nothing "magic" that makes the audience understand why this love is so special, but they are a joy to watch when they are apart, which is much of the time.  Wright especially steals the scene when she learns of Westley's death (the first time) and during her flight with the Dread Pirate Roberts.

And let's not forget the funny bits!  Unlike Star Wars, this movie has plenty, and they are terrific!  Vizzini's use of the word "inconceivable" prompts one of the other characters to add (in a wonderful accent -- almost everyone in this movie had a distinctive and memorable accent) "You keep using that word.  I do no' think it means what you think it means."  Even some of the sword-swinging scenes are funny, as the characters discuss their techniques while parrying and thrusting! 

But even if the entire rest of the movie was a flop, the film would be worth seeing for one single scene: the wedding.  If you've seen it, and heard the Impressive Clergyman, then you know what I'm talking about (and you should get the book--it goes much further along this vein and is hysterical!).  If not, and you enjoy a good laugh, go get this movie and watch it.  Besides being a well-made light-hearted look at a classic fairy tale theme, it is truly enjoyable for its humor. 

Jess K

P. S.  The book is also great!  Check it out!