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Posted in General Comments, Movie Review, Movies, Reviews, tagged 20th Century-Fox, André the Giant, Billy Crystal, Buttercup, Cary Elwes, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Count Rugen, Dread Pirate Roberts, DVD, Fezzik, Fred Savage, General Comments, Inigo Montoya, Mandy Patinkin, Mark Knopfler, Miracle Max, Movie Reviews, Peter Falk, Prince Humperdinck, Reviews, Rob Reiner, Robin Wright, Rodents of Unusual Size, Strong to Very Highly Recommended Movie, The Princess Bride (1987) — movie review, Vizzini, Wallace Shawn, Westley, William Goldman, YouTube on February 7, 2026| Leave a Comment »

“The Princess Bride” (1987) — movie review
Today’s review is for the fantasy-adventure romance “The Princess Bride” (1987), directed by Rob Reiner and starring Cary Elwes as Westley (the devoted farm boy turned Dread Pirate Roberts); Robin Wright as Buttercup (the strong-willed young woman whose love drives the story); Mandy Patinkin as Inigo Montoya (a swordsman fueled by a lifelong quest for justice); Chris Sarandon as Prince Humperdinck (a scheming nobleman who hides cruelty behind charm); and Christopher Guest as Count Rugen (the cold, calculating six-fingered man). Supporting roles include Wallace Shawn as Vizzini (the self-proclaimed genius); André the Giant as Fezzik (the gentle giant with a poet’s heart); Billy Crystal as Miracle Max, and Peter Falk as the grandfather reading the tale to his skeptical grandson (Fred Savage). With its ensemble, the film blends fairy-tale adventure, comedy, romance, and swashbuckling action into a story that has become a modern classic.

Background: I find this difficult to admit but this was my first viewing of this movie! LoL – always late to the party. Of course I’d seen the sword fight and the drinking poison challenge scene multiple times on YouTube over the last decade, but I’d just never gotten around to actually viewing the film. I’m also a bit surprised more of my friends or family haven’t recommended this film as I feel confident most have seen it. I have also owned the DVD – probably since sometime in the early 2000s, as I know I’ve heard my kids quote lines from it frequently. At the time, I didn’t understand why people were so attached to it. After watching it, I understand completely. Released in 1987 by 20th Century Fox, the film was adapted from William Goldman’s novel of the same name. It had a modest budget of about $16 million and earned roughly $30 million at the box office — respectable, but not the cultural phenomenon it has become. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most beloved films of its era, largely through home video and television broadcasts. It didn’t win any Academy Awards, but its historic significance lies in its unusual ability to appeal across generations: part fairy tale, part comedy, part adventure, and part satire, yet sincere in all of them.

Plot: The story is framed as a grandfather reading a book to his sick grandson. The tale follows Buttercup, who believes her true love Westley has died at sea. She reluctantly agrees to marry Prince Humperdinck, unaware that Westley has returned — now disguised as the Dread Pirate Roberts. Buttercup is kidnapped by Vizzini, Inigo, and Fezzik, only for Westley to pursue and rescue her. Inigo seeks revenge against the six-fingered Count Rugen, while Humperdinck plots a war using Buttercup as a pawn. The story weaves sword fights, duels of wit, rodents of unusual size, miracles, and narrow escapes, building toward Inigo’s confrontation with Rugen and Westley’s final rescue of Buttercup.

So, is this movie any good? How’s the acting? The filming / FX? Any problems? And, did I enjoy the film? Short answers: Yes; charming and committed; simple but effective; a few; absolutely.

Any Good? Yes. “The Princess Bride” is one of the rare films that balances humor, adventure, romance, and sincerity without tipping too far in any direction. It’s light on its feet but not shallow, and it holds up remarkably well almost forty years later.

Acting: Cary Elwes and Robin Wright play their roles with earnestness, which is what makes the humor work. Elwes handles both the swashbuckling and the deadpan comedy with ease. Wright gives Buttercup more backbone than the typical fairy-tale heroine. Mandy Patinkin is the standout — his performance as Inigo Montoya is heartfelt, funny, and surprisingly moving. Wallace Shawn’s Vizzini is memorable in his short screen time, and André the Giant brings warmth to Fezzik. Chris Sarandon and Christopher Guest make an effective pair of villains: one oily, one icy. The cast understands the tone perfectly — sincere enough to care, loose enough to enjoy.

Filming / FX: The film’s production values are modest by today’s standards, but they work surprisingly well – even today. The sword fight between Westley and Inigo is still one of the best choreographed in Hollywood — fast, clean, and fun. The sets look like storybook illustrations brought to life, which fits the framing device. The “Rodents of Unusual Size” are obviously people in suits, but that’s part of the charm. Mark Knopfler’s score is gentle and memorable. Nothing here is flashy, but everything serves the story.

Problems: A few. Some of the sets look stage-bound, and the special effects are dated. Buttercup doesn’t get as much character development as modern audiences might prefer. The final act rushes a bit, especially Westley’s recovery scene. But none of these issues undermine the film’s appeal. If anything, the simplicity is part of why it endures.

Did I Enjoy the Film? Yes. It’s funny, warm, and endlessly quotable. It’s also one of the few films that works equally well for children and adults, each finding something different to appreciate. It’s comfort viewing in the best sense.

Final Recommendation: Strong to Very High Recommendation. “The Princess Bride” (1987) is historically significant as a film that grew from modest success into a cultural touchstone, beloved across generations and still widely quoted today. Rated PG, it remains essential viewing for fans of adventure, comedy, or fairy-tale storytelling. Watch it for Patinkin’s unforgettable performance, Elwes and Wright’s earnest charm, and the reminder that sometimes a simple Grandfather’s storytelling, well told, is enough.

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