“As you wish!” That is one of the many classic quotes from the cult classic, “The Princess Bride,” that led to it having such a big following. The film is a fairy tale told to a sick child, and in the story, we follow Buttercup as she is kidnapped and rescued by a her long lost love.

While I’m sure they are out there, I’ve never met anyone who has seen this movie that doesn’t like it. It’s a swashbuckling rogues tale for the ages, while mixing in the right amount of love story to help a little boy understand those aren’t bad parts of the story. From excellent quotes to a perfect cast, this film delivers, for me, on almost every level.

From “Inconceivable!” to “You keep using that word. I don’t think it means what you think it means,” to “My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die,” there’s an entire string of quotes from this film that has permeated every day conversation for some people. Every quote of this film only delivers because of the excellent writing and the work of the cast.

Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Mandy Patinkin and Andre the Giant all shine through as Westley, Buttercup, Vizzini, Inigo Montoya and Fezzik. Plus, the late appearances by Billy Crystal and Carol Kane are extraordinary. The chemistry between these actors and how it enhances each of their characters is amazing. Who can’t help but laugh at the friendly interactions between Westly/The Dread Pirate Roberts/The Man in Black and Inigo Montoya or Fezzik as he’s getting ready to battle them? It makes it more believable the pair of them would seek him out at the end of the film because of how courteous both sides were in their initial battles.

Plus, the battle of wits between The Man in Black and Vezzini may be the truly funniest part of the film. The battle to see which goblet is poisoned is downright hysterical. And it’s made even funnier when you realize the actor playing Vezzini provides the voice of Rex in the “Toy Story” films and the voice of the principal in “A Goofy Movie.”

And Robin Wright plays a perfectly vulnerable Buttercup. If you’re seeing this for the first time after watching other roles, it may be hard to believe that woman went on to play Jenny in “Forrest Gump” or Claire Underwood in “House of Cards.” She’s nothing like either of those characters in this film, but is perfectly believable in all three roles.

Overall, I love this story. It is the perfect satirical fairytale before “Shrek” came along and beat the formula into the ground. It’s a fun romp from beginning to end.

Ranking: 5 stars out of 5

What did you think of “The Princess Bride?”

Jeremy Brown

Jeremy has been a big Disney fan since he was a kid growing up during the Disney Renaissance. One day he hopes to go to every Disney Park in the world.

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