• Directed by: Rob Reiner
• Written by: William Goldman
• Release Date: September 25, 1987
• 98 Minutes

"Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something."

     So. Hm. I don't know if I really have to say much about The Princess Bride. Do I have to say anything at all? Can I just end this here? This isn't a joke ending, I'm actually kind of wondering how much I can actually say without completely retreading everything you'd know already.

     The Princess Bride still remains one of the most beloved films of all time, a marvelous and wonderful adventure that has everything. But, again, you knew that already. It's an absolute feel good movie, one that's perfect for whatever emotion you may be feeling and want an hour and forty minutes of relaxation or help taking your mind off of things. Everything consistently works, be it all the actors, the scenes, or the way the plot builds and unfolds. It's as endlessly quotable as everyone who quotes it has you believe, and if you haven't seen it you definitely need to have a weekend of it. You probably already know the majority of what goes on or what lines are coming, but it absolutely doesn't ruin the experience.

     The great quotable lines can only do so much written down, but luckily all of the actors are in on what kind of film they are making. They contain a level of energy that works wonderfully for the fairy tale aspect of the film, never falling into being over the top. Even then, whenever there's a push against things that may feel like they could go over the top, it never does. The acting works well in its environment because the production and direction works. Everything about the movie perfectly captures the feel of a classic story, and the framing device is genius in that it fully plants us in a real world with the set-up for the journey we're about to go on (even including jokes about things like, ugh, kissing). Of course, I hope that a lot of people ended up getting the novel after falling in love with the film, as it's a brilliant experience on its own.

     The Princess Bride may be one of those rare perfect films where everything falls into place right from the get-go. There isn't a true weak point, and it's almost incredible to think that everything could work out so, so well. There isn't a lot to say about The Princess Bride because it would undoubtedly revolve around simply saying one loves it, because to see The Princess Bride is to love it. It's a perfect watch for any day of the year. It'll leave you smiling and happier at the end, whether it's your first or the who-knows-how-many-eth time watching it. The only thing you need to watch out for are R.O.U.S.'s.