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I'm pretty sure everyone has that movie (or more than one) from their childhood that they can quote from memory. However, do you also have one that you only watched in bits and pieces (thanks Mom!) but still know the entire plot?
For me, that's 1987's "The Princess Bride." My mom, and quite frankly my older siblings too, really enjoyed that movie when I was growing up. So much so that when it was on TV, it inevitably was left to play.
It wasn't until I sat down and watched it this week that I realized I'd only ever watched bits and pieces of it -- because as a child I wasn't interested in sitting down and watching a romance movie.
I've come to realize that "The Princess Bride" certainly isn't just about romance. Oh no, it also has great sword fights, comedy and certainly doesn't take itself too seriously.
The movie was released by 20th Century Fox and is based on a book of the same name.
The story is told through a grandpa (Peter Falk), who is reading the book to his sick grandson (Fred Savage). It's often broken up with questions from the grandson, who complains about the kissing and romance.
The actual story follows Buttercup (Robin Wright) and Wesley (Cary Elwes) -- a young couple who are ripped apart when Wesley is killed at sea.
Buttercup goes on to begrudgingly become engaged to Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon), though she vows she'll never love again.
Things begin to change however when Buttercup is kidnapped by three men -- Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) and Fezzini (Andre the Giant) -- with the intent to start a war between Humperdinck's kingdom and a neighboring one.
Their plans soon become foiled when a man in black tails them. This mysterious man manages to best Inigo -- a world class swordsman who uses his left hand while fighting to prolong them, take down Fezzini and trick Vizzini.
Meanwhile, Humperdinck and his advisor, the sadistic Count Tyrone Rugen (Christopher Guest) are hot on the trail.
During a fight between Buttercup and the man in black -- revealed to be the Dread Pirate Roberts -- it is soon revealed his actual name is Wesley, her long lost lover. Buttercup learns from Wesley that he assumed the title when the previous Dread Pirate wanted to retire.
The pair soon find themselves fighting to remain together, as Humperdinck plots to retain his bride and start a war (a busy schedule).
Meanwhile, Inigo is continuing his years-long quest to avenge his father and locate "the six-fingered man" who murdered him. And Fezzini is truly just along to help out.
"The Princess Bride" is truly one of the only romance movies that I genuinely love. Mostly because the romance, although the catalyst for a lot of the story, doesn't drown out everything else.
You get to root for Inigo as he hunts down his sworn enemy (my favorite storyline). We get to enjoy lots of cool sword fights, chases through fiery forests and lots of comedic moments too.
Framing the story as if it’s being told in modern day, with a somewhat cranky kid and crotchety grandpa just adds to the entertainment too.
It's also extremely quotable. Some of my favorites are Inigio's classic "My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father. Prepare to die;" the priest's somewhat jumbled pronunciation of the words "marriage" and "true love" and Vizzini's misuse of the word "inconceivable" constantly. There are others, but those are the easiest that spring to mind.
The storyline of this movie isn't perfect, but it's told in a way that's extremely entertaining and fun. It doesn't get bogged down with minute details, instead hitting all the high points leading up to its finale.
If you haven't watched "The Princess Bride" I encourage you to give it a shot. I feel like there's a little something for everyone -- especially if you're a fan of period pieces.
"The Princess Bride" is rated PG and may be watched on Disney+, YouTube, Google Play and Vudu.
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Laura Jameson is Managing Editor of The Express.