When it comes to defining delightful, amusing, and epic motion-pictures, there is no higher rung on the ladder than The Princess Bride. This terrific feature will warm your heart and tickle your funny bone simultaneously for hours on end. It’s a winsome fairy tale about romance, adventure, and camaraderie. Moreover, it is yet another shining star of a comedy (alongside perhaps the funniest film on celluloid, This is Spinal Tap) from director Rob Reiner. 

With a cough and an image of the Bases Loaded Nintendo video game, “the grandson” (Fred Savage) makes his entrance. In need of both getting well and a bedtime story, his grandpa (Peter Falk), begins to read him the tale of The Princess Bride, by S. Morgan Stern. Grandpa informs grandson that this tale includes “fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, and miracles.” What more could anyone ask for?

And so, the story of Westley (Cary Elwes) and his love, Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright), begins. While serving the young Princess as a boy, Westley professes his love by exclaiming “As you wish,” instead of “I love you.” He knows he is only a peasant, but he yearns for Her Excellency so. Surprisingly, true love triumphs, as Buttercup confesses a mutual attraction. However, when it appears that Westley has perished at sea, Buttercup is forced to become the bride-to-be of the Great Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon).  Meanwhile, Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), Fezzik (Andre the Giant), Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) kidnap the Princess; and, just when it looks like the “Dread Pirate Roberts” is on a killing spree, the band discovers that the “Dread Pirate Roberts” is really Westley and that Westley is really on a quest to win back the Princess.  Additionally, the man named Inigo relentlessly searches for the six-fingered fellow (Christopher Guest) who killed his father.

With its on-the-money portrayals and stalwart sense of humor, The Princess Bride is a gift to movie and fantasy/adventure fans alike. Besides being appealing and accessible to all ages, The Princess Bride is also funny on multiple levels. It is a picture that is easy to appreciate, enjoy, and love. In addition, the film is equipped with enough memorable quotes and scenes to stash in your back pocket for conversation on a rainy day.For example, such quotes as: “There’s not a lot of money in revenge,” “Life is pain... anyone who says different is selling something,” “Inconceivable,” and of course the well-known, “My name is Inigo Montoya; you killed my father; prepare to die,” are all classics. Scenes featuring the fire swamp, the quicksand, and the R.O.U.S.’s (Rodents of Unusual Size) are outright uproarious. In addition, the battle of wits, the confrontation with Miracle Max (Billy Crystal), and the sword fighting is sauced with satire and full of heart. 

Without doubt, The Princess Bride is guaranteed to boost every watcher’s sense of heroism and engage each viewer on both a dramatic and comedic level. It’s a celebration of folk tales, affection, and cinema itself. As well, with Reiner behind the wheel, the age-old story within a story structure works wonders; throughout the film’s magical splendor, the viewer always remains focused that the core of the movie is really about a boy and a bond with his grandfather.