25 Years Of Castle Stormin’ Fun!! A CBT Look-Back On THE PRINCESS BRIDE!

By DocBBanner on Oct 29, 2012 with Comments 0

Hey Readers… welcome to another look-back at a great classic…this time, we journey back again to the memorable year 1987… This one, more of a great comedy and fairy tale romance great is also considered one of the great cult classics of the 1980′s, in geek culture cinema altogether. A fairy tale story of a love that was meant to be but also given with a small number of amusing setbacks and characters. Comic Book Therapy proudly presents a salute to one for the funniest romance fantasy adventures of all time, The Princess Bride. Joining us on this feature, Prometheus Comics’s Jen Corella with a commentary look-back on what made this film, the cult legend it is today.

A heartwarming moment of grandfather and grandson…

Remembering the story, the setting takes place as an enactment where a grandfather (played by Peter Falk (RIP)), is tending to a sick grandson(played by Fred Savage) in bed and reading a story to him. The story contends with the love of a young farmer and wanna adventurer who falls in love with a young maiden princess… The young maiden alas, is engaged to the spiteful narcissistic Prince Humperdink. But true love will not be denied as the brave farmer confides and teams up a skilled swordsman named Inigo Montoya, who has vendetta against the Prince’s six fingered on right hand bladesman Rugen .. Together with with their gentle but fearless giant friend Fezzik, the group make their way to the casual in classic heroic fashion to rescue the princess and thwart Humperdink, Rugen, and his reign. All the while, the young boy and his storytelling grandfather make stops and comment on different points of the story and change it around here and there to add to the charm, humor, fun, and innocence of this classic. The film, had a modest box office success and made a profit, but with its humor, and memorable lines and antics, gave it the edge to become a timeless cult classic.

DocBBanner’s take on the film:

At the time living in a town without a major movie theater and just starting to drive on my own…sadly, I did not get a chance to see movies on the first run set. But thankfully, due to the resourcefulness of cable giant HBO, I was able to later begin watching this classic. For the time it came out, THE PRINCESS BRIDE first appeared to be another mushy fairy tale romance. Upon actually giving it a chance and watching it, I found that was that much more. While I found Robin Wright’s performance as Buttercup sweet, some of it was dry in delivery..well she was a refined maiden in some ways. I found Cary Ewes as Westley amusing though since he was a Luke Skywalker type with a traditional fairy tale Olden Englishman’s accent. Andre the Giant’s performance as Fezzik was about the same as Wright’s in its dry delivery but was humorously charming. But the real, hysterically good part with Ewes alongside it all were the performances of Billy Crystal as Miracle Max, quippy, quirky, and comical…as well as Chris Sarandon’s portrayal of Humperdink. Most of all though, was actor Mandy Patinkin as swashbuckling Inigo Montoya. He was a gut-buster with his seemingly never-ending tirade of his warrior’s introduction: “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya…You killed my father…Prepare to die!” That made the movie for me. The final sword battle between Inigo and Rugen would be the one scene I would look forward to always when the movie would be on cable from then on. Aside from the happily ever after moments, the film ending on a warm and fuzzy note with the grandson going back to bed and the grandfather giving him a heartwarming good night and good bye until next time was very endearing and a great plus to end it all.

Does Inigo need an introduction anymore? WE THINK SO!! XD

How I think the film made its influence on pop culture could be said that it made part of what made the mid to late 80′s memorable for cult popular movie culture. Its memorable scenes from Cary Ewes landing on a horse correctly to when he had issues with standing and walking after being resurrected from death with a magic potion from Miracle Max, to finally confronting Humperdink were very amusing if not hysterical at first watch. They changed the way storytelling in fairy tale romances in that they needn’t be so serious anymore. Add to that, I have to say the best part of the movie that always makes it mark in absolute hilarity is the final sword showdown with Inigo and Rugen; the annoying but hilarious constant of his swordsman introduction made for a VERY sidesplitting moment, especially to where the Rugen tells Inigo to stop saying it the same there. Another big step for this genre venturing into comedy. I cannot say how much I look forward to that scene EVERY TIME and how much it left a mark of laughter and extreme fondness for the movie for many people, and yet it was so simple a concept. On that alone, it gave a near show-steal for Patinkin and his character. All and all, it earned its cult status from all that. A soundtrack contribution to the film by none other than Dire Strait’s Mark Knopfler (who was still riding the popularity of him and his group’s rock anthem “Money for Nothing” from two years earlier in 1985) was a nice added touch to making this film a timeless 80′s cult classic.

Fezzik, Inigo, and Vizzini..a lovable trio!

Commentary with Jenn Corella:

“The Princess Bride” is timeless. I plan on forcing my future children to watch it, positive they’d love it. I was a strange little girl, and had a bit of an odd array of films in rotation as a child. “The Princess Bride” made this exclusive rotation, not because of the romance, or the pretty princess, but because it was so fun. It made me happy; it made me laugh. I had never seen anything like it. Even as a child, I loved the honorable Inigo Montoya. I loved the sweet giant, Fezzik. In the end, when all seemed lost, everything turns out right. That meant so much more to me in this movie. All these brilliant characters had so much to fight for, and live for. It made that happy ending mean something. I will admit I wanted the pretty princess’ dresses.

The Immortal love between hero and princess…*sigh* XD

My love of the film never wavered. I ended up reading the original novel, which I recommend as well, well into my twenties. The movie is still as beloved as ever, but as I grew older, I saw it differently. Not only did it become funnier, but I grew to respect the overall production. The exceptional cast of characters, the soundtrack, and the memorable and, even still, frequently recited dialogue, there are so many elements made flawless. I doubt any movie will ever be celebrated in comparison to “The Princess Bride”. Sweet, exciting, and through time, just so much fun, it is a classic worthy of sharing over and over. I do still want those pretty dresses though.

Jenn Corella

The Princess Bride original poster backdrop image

A true testament to classic fairy tale romance with some of the best humor for an adventure like this EVER!

Catch us next time when we look back at something totally different. Another classic 80′s film…the teen vampire classic THE LOST BOYS… 25 YEARS! See you then!

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DocBBanner

Contributing Writer at ComicBookTherapy

I have been in and around the comics, sci fi, and animation scene most of my life. I have written on various segments of fine arts, film, and music throughout high school and college. I also follow the convention industry for related hobbies of comics, film, digital media, gaming and interactive entertainment.