Why have you never written about “The Princess Bride,” my older daughter asked me. But before I could answer, we had to get this out of the way:
“My name is Inigo Montoya,” I said.
“You killed my father,” she answered.
“Prepare to die,” we hissed, in unison.
Because that’s all it takes with “The Princess Bride,” as with the best of the Monty Python films and every great comedy. One prompt from a fan leads to a potentially endless exchange of dialogue from favorite scenes.
I’ve avoided “The Princess Bride” just because there are a few favorites you keep in a back pocket for special occasions. With the outdoor movie season starting, “The Princess Bride” comes to the fore because it’s a favorite among parks and rec officials and civic groups trying to find a PG-movie we all can enjoy together.
“The Princess Bride” is magic because it plays so beautifully to all ages. For the little ones, a pure fairy tale of a kidnapped princess, Dread Pirates, heroic fieldhands and friendly giants. For the teenagers, a level of sarcasm and winking post-modernism that lets us all know we’re in on a big joke, but we can enjoy it anyway. For the parents, wonderful writing by William Goldman and inspired casting, from Mandy Patinkin to Andre the Giant to Billy Crystal and a petulantly luminous Robin Wright Penn.
“The Princess Bride” is an American phenomenon, a sleeper hit that over time has become one of the most beloved movies in Hollywood history. Ask nearly anyone for their top 20 list, and I’d bet “Princess Bride” will find a place there. That kind of universal acclaim is more often associated with obvious choices like “E.T.” or “Titanic.”
Watch “Princess Bride” again? As you wish.
“The Princess Bride”
Rated PG, for some fighting intensity, but otherwise very mild. Best suited for everyone — truly everyone. If you can’t enjoy this movie, stick to books.
