Comedy at its Best

Back in the days when Fred was adorable,
"Columbo" stepped in to play his Grand-dad
And tell him the tale of a deed so deplorable
That it held the attention of the fickle young lad.

With pirates and giants and six-fingered menaces,
A charming love story that made the boy gag,
A rotten kidnapper and his clueless apprentices,
This was one book that wasn't a drag!

I can't tell you how many times I have watched this movie, and I love it every time, even more so now that I can recite the script word for word. There are more catch phrases in this film than you can shake a stick at, and the hilarity rarely stops long enough for you to catch your breath. From Fezzik, the rhyming gentle giant, and Inigo, the swordfighting Spaniard, to Buttercup, the young princess, and Wesley, the boy who loves her, this is a cast of characters not soon to be forgotten.

And superbly acted as well. This was Robin Wright's first film -- she went on to star in "Forrest Gump" and "Message in a Bottle". Cary Elwes' role as The Man In Black is typical of his work in other films with exotic settings, such as "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" and "Jungle Book". Behind all the slapstick in this tale is a touching love story and a nice reminder that books can be just as exciting as video games or television.

Mostly, though, this movie is great to watch for the never-ending laughs it provides. Pre-teen boys will groan along with the sick boy in bed as he asks if this is "a kissing book". The words "as you wish" will never have the same meaning. And where else could you find out that iocane powder comes from Australia? Always a classic, "The Princess Bride" is sure to have you in stitches each time you watch it. Great comedy like this never goes out of style.