...That just reminded me of my age. Haha!

The Princess Bride is one of my most favorite movies ever. It's based on the 1973 book by William Goldman who, by the way, presents the book to be an abridged version of an older work by S. Morgenstern, when Simon Morgenstern is actually Goldman's pseudonym, and there is no such "older work".

The 1987 movie adaptation is one of the most hilarious films I have ever seen. And I'm pretty sure I've seen a lot.

The story revolves around Buttercup, the twentieth most beautiful woman in the world who lives on a farm with her parents in Florin, a horse named Horse, and a farmhand named Westley. Initially we see Buttercup ordering Westley around, and Westley appears to be a push-over, always saying, "As you wish". But eventually, Buttercup realizes that she's in love with the farmhand, and Westley reveals that every time he says "as you wish", he actually meant "I love you". All together now: Awwwww...

The story continues on with Westley going to America, Westley's ship getting attacked by pirates who take no prisoners, Buttercup becoming reluctantly engaged to one unloving Prince Humperdinck, Buttercup getting kidnapped, a Man in Black attempting to kidnap Buttercup from the kidnappers... And still it goes on to flying fists, sword fights, mind games, Rodents of Usual Size, Zoos, Machines, declarations of "I am Inigo Montoya. You killed my father; prepare to die." and all other such things that make a comedic adventure.

As mentioned, the movie adaptation has been in my favorite movies since I was a kid. It's one of those things from my childhood that really stuck out. A really fond memory. I'm not sure why, until now. Maybe it's because it's a wonderful, wonderful mix of satiric humor, adventure, love and all that jazz. I've seen more hilarious movies, yes, and I've seen more gripping adventures, and more romantic stories, as well. But the Princess Bride (both book and movie) balances all of that out so well that it became an instant classic.

I don't think it was really a super blockbuster, but it's been around for 20 years, and the following never wavered. Oldies enjoy it, and young ones will still appreciate it. That, I think, is a feat difficult to achieve.

To celebrate the film's 20th anniversary this year, 20th Century Fox released an anniversary DVD, complete with extras and a really cool cover. (Can I just say that I LOVE that inversion? I miss inversions...)

Guess what: Screensucked is having a The Princess Bride 20th Anniversary DVD Giveaway! Gah! Must wiiiiiiin~

If I don't... Well, then I'll just buy the DVD (and the book!) as a Christmas gift to myself. Haha!

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