Family Movie Night
By Karyn Bowman
There are precious few perfect movies.
These are movies that are exceptional in each scene from start to finish. You connect to the characters, remember spectacular dialogue, and think about the movie long after the closing credits have rolled by.
Some movies I think are perfect starts with Singin’ In The Rain and might end somewhere with The Invincibles. Moonstruck and Citizen Kane are on my list as well as Star Wars and Rebecca.
Another movie that makes my list is The Princess Bride which is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its opening date.
Directed by Rob Reiner and starring unknown Cary Elwes and Robin Wright, this movie is based on the children’s book by William Goldman about a princess about to marry a man she does not love.
What makes this movie even more enchanting is the framing of a grandfather reading the story to his sick grandson. Peter Falk plays a man loving enough to be willing to read a story to his grandson but tough enough to tell his grandson to zip it when the boy interrupts too much.
But that is not the only thing that has made this movie a classic.
It is the style and wit that the actors carry with the movie. The actors choose to be sincere when they could have gone into parody-mode ala Leslie Neilson. Instead we believe in Buttercup’s love for Wesley and his for her. Finding out who the six-finger man is never a true surprise but he is played in a very drole manner by Christopher Guest.
Who can forget the friendly and accommodating conversation between the Dread Pirate Roberts and Inigo Montoya before their pitch-perfect sword fight?
Then there are the unforgettable lines.
“Inconceivable!”
“Have fun storming the castle.”
“Rest well and dream of large women.”
“If only I had a holocaust cloak.”
“Mawagge.”
“I would not say that if I were you.”
“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
It is hard to pick a single perfect scene so lets not. Instead, let’s remember how delightful the introduction scene in the courtyard is for poor Buttercup. Let us dwell on the kidnapping scene and the attempted escape. My favorite scene might be the sword fight meant to mimic the best of Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
Let us remember the light touch of the late Peter Falk. Let us remember for a moment the late Andre the Giant’s ability to rhyme perfectly and easily.
Let us remember a movie that was perfect from every last cast member to the sterling dialogue and exciting sword duels.
When this movie first arrived at the theaters, it was a flop. No one went. But then the word got out as to what made this a great movie. People heard about it, saw it on VHS, talked about it to their friends and made it popular.
And they never forgot that this movie, beyond the swordplay and desire about revenge, is about true love.
Every movie tries for perfection, to follow the rules of their society that they have set, to make each scene ring true. Very few achieve that status. But when they do, it is the thing of legend.
Until next week, see you in the rental aisle.
Totally agreed. I think rarely a week goes by without us quoting some line from this film. My daughter loved it from the time she was in her baby seat – she loved the sword fight best and seemed to understand that it was clever and funny. Now I think it’s time to watch Princess Bride and Singin’ in the Rain again. (After we have our annual Halloween viewing of Young Frankenstein.)
Would you consider Young Frankenstein near perfect?
It’s in a slightly different category, I think – highly quotable and always funny but less than perfect because we have opted not to show it to our daughter until she’s a teenager. Goofy yes, but some themes are too adult. I put it more among “funniest” rather than “perfect” 🙂
Every one loves this movie! And it does have some “meat” that sticks with you
I saw something about this movie on TV last week and now you’re writing about it. I must see this movie…
Have you seen “Shattered Glass” about Stephen Glass, a journalist for The New Republic who fabricated 27 of his feature articles? I just saw it and it was fascinating.
I am not sure I have even heard of this movie before.
Definitely worth a view!
Agree .. it’s charming each and ever time I’ve watched it. Great pick!!
MJ
Yes yes! One of my all time favs too. It’s been 25 years? How time flies.
Truly a fun film that works no matter what age you happen to be.
Love this movie, always have! So many great lines and cast members. Thanks for the memory!