The Princess Bride (1987)

My name is Levito Mock-toya.

I’ve watched this movie.

Now prepare to listen … to me talk about it.

A tale of swashbuckling antics, a sweeping romance, and long sought revenge. 1987’s The Princess Bride, adapted from the novel of the same name, is a fantasy adventure cult classic comedy like no other. One that since its release has captured the hearts and minds of many movie goers. But all these years later, in the prime year of 2026, does the late, great Rob Reiner’s fantasy epic hold up? With a star studded cast consisting of Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, André the Giant, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, Peter Falk, Fred Savage, Billy Crystal, and Carol Kane bolstering such a seemingly timeless, heartfelt, and heroic tale, it’s hard to imagine that it doesn’t. But in this golden age, or perhaps just thoroughly saturated time of fantasy-spectacle cinema, can The Princess Bride even begin to compare or dare to keep relevance on any level? I suppose that’s all a matter of preference. For if you came for the grand battles and escapades of a Lord of the Rings, a Harry Potter, or Chronicles of Narnia, then you just might find this cinematic venture wanting. But if you seek a soothing, slower paced comedic vista of an experience, then this film may just have what you’re looking for. Let’s get into it. 

Admittedly, given the high admiration The Princess Bride has from its diehard fanbase and its legendary status in film history, I feel as though I may have let that affect my expectations of what was to come. Truth be told I expected a zany fantasy romp in the vein of Monty Python and the Holy Grail or Robin Hood Men in Tights. And sure enough, this film does pop with many spots of familiarly silly, but dry British humor and even some notes of Mel Brooks’ quirkiness. But I was surprised to find how straight and subdued most of the bits in this film are actually played. So much to the point that I felt I was always being teased for heightened comedic moments that never fully arrived. That isn’t to say I never laughed. The movie just didn’t punch the way I thought it would. Outside of the arrival of Billy Crystal’s Miracle Max character, I felt most other comedic beats were serviceable, but never gutbusting.

Now although the humor may have not quite hit the mark for me, I’m happy to report that this film has vistas, heart, and playful dynamics for days. From start to finish, every scene drips with eye catching wonder and detail. It almost feels like experiencing an hour and half art museum tour of medieval low-fantasy-core esthetics. Hills, oceans, forests, dungeons, castles, you name it. It’s all there as a bountiful feast for the eyes that is sure to satisfy anyone looking to indulge. 

Moving to the story itself, it’s a delightful and heartwarming romantic adventure, told in a meta style by way of a grandfather reading his reluctant grandson a bedtime story. This element really punctuates some of the jokes as well as all the main beats and themes of the film. It’s expertly used and never overstays its welcome. But that is just the cherry on top of the playful interactions between all of the characters.

I know I said the jokes weren’t a show stopper like I wanted. But the characters in this film play off each other seamlessly. Watching a masterful weaving of many characters, their personal journeys, and of course their constant jabs and parleys with one another is truly the biggest narrative highlight and accomplishment of the film. Every major character and even some notable minor ones have an interesting story and notable agency. It always feels fresh and fun no matter which characters you pair up or group together in any scene. Nothing ever feels forced, making it not only easy to buy into their interactions and iconic dialogue, but an absolute delight. And in striking such a perfect tone and offering both heroes and villains to love, when it comes down to the more serious elements of the grand spectacle on display, one can’t help but be completely enthralled when awaiting the next scene, the next moment, the next word, the next breath.

The Princess Bride, although a product of its time, also holds as a time capsule of particular film artistry. The film dazzles and delights with a calming and jovial tone not highly found in today's movie landscape. Add to it the witty dialogue is to die for. Even if jokes don’t always resonate, the crisp and clever wordplay still very much holds any ones’ attention throughout. So although it is a far cry from the many enchanting, adrenaline pumping, and IP rich fantasy escapades of the past thirty or so years, it doesn't matter, as it occupies a unique space all its own. Sure, its particular vibe or humor may not fit everyone, and it may show some of its age in some areas, but every aspect fully makes it the cult classic that it is. I’ve heard rumors of a remake of this film on the horizon for a while now. But honestly, if you’re trying to update the film at all, I personally feel you should just make a different movie altogether. Rob Reiner’s Princess Bride is the only one that ever needs to be. Full stop. Let it be known that I say this as someone that doesn’t hold this film with any particular favoritism. It doesn't even make my top fifty. But I can’t deny the smile it brings to my face when I watch it, nor the endless and well deserved love it finds with each new person that discovers it. So if you have some time, give it a watch. To not is simply inconcievable.