Filmmaker reacts to The Princess Bride (1987) for the FIRST TIME

[@JamesVSCinema]

Marvel's WHAT IF tomorrow! Finished Chernobyl & Peacemaker on the patreon! Click here for early access: www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Have a great day everyone!

[@victoriac4317]

Really looking forward to Chernobyl. It was fantastic (and haunting😔).

[@rockpile451]

Peter Falk is the author of the Columbo series........ the # 1 Detective show in the 1970’s👍

[@Billis75]

If you want another self-aware film, I'd suggest Cabin In The Woods. It's technically horror, but not, but it is (you'll understand), so if you want to wait for Halloween to watch it, it fits.

[@sadlobster1]

Here's how I look at The Machine; although Rugen says it sucks away life, I'm...not entirely sure he meant it LITERALLY. The way I see it, the machine probably drains away either muscle strength or necessary bodily fluids from the victim and since Humperdink set it to fifty; it probably felt as though he lost fifty years worth of stamina in one shot. The end result is Westley appearing on death's door, much like an old man feels past his prime

[@randall-thehorrorwriter]

The Giant is Andre from WWF back in the day, you've probably seen footage of him being slammed by Hulk Hogan.

[@brandonsittler6145]

The best part is when Inigo says, "I want my father back you son of a bitch". Mandy Patinkin's father had passed away after a long fight against cancer when he was 18. You can hear him speaking in his real voice instead of his character's voice for that line as he channels all his emotion into it. It's so powerful.

[@brandonsittler6145]

@@susannariera Yes, sorry. Auto correct. :)

[@joshuadunn2]

Yeah, Mandy talks about that scene in a later interview where he decided he wasn't fighting the Count, but the cancer that took his real father. For him, in that moment, he had won and it felt like he had his father again, if only for an instant.

[@Malkom1366]

"I wanted to kill the cancer that killed my father." One of the most powerful acting moments I've heard of.

[@maddwitch]

Mandy Patinkin is on TikTok and someone who had recently lost their father to cancer made a TikTok talking about how much that story meant to them and asking it was true and he replied, talking about where his head was at in that moment.

[@theashrook6129]

🙌🏼

[@CO6883-o3c]

"I swear on the soul of my father, Domingo Montoya, you will reach the top alive." is my favorite line of dialogue in film or TV. It gives the viewer intrigue while also showing that Inigo is more a man of honor than previously thought. Setting up one of the most iconic characters ever.

[@EssEll9791]

I agree! He has so many strong lines! A lot of backstory insinuated in a handful of words.

[@penname5766]

I think it’s Inigo Montoya, no?

[@Annie_Annie__]

@@penname5766 His father’s name was Domingo Montoya.

[@penname5766]

@@Annie_Annie__ oops sorry, misread it

[@thefamilydad8635]

Throw me the rope.

[@bluelagoon1980]

Instant click. I grew up with this movie. There's a number of dudes I've shown it to who were certain that it was a girly movie that they were going to hate, only to end up loving it and quoting it regularly.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Hahaha I’m so glad to hear this being the outcome.

[@aerthreepwood8021]

Did you tell them it was a Kissing Movie?

[@ladyshar42]

@@aerthreepwood8021 true story, we watched this with our oldest for the first time when he was about the same age as Fred Savage's character, and he turned to us at exactly the same moment as Fred and said "is this a kissing movie?" we absolutely died laughing.

[@texantompaine4509]

I was one of those dudes. Never gave it a chance until my wife (then gf) quoted it regularly. She finally talked me into watching it. I wasn't disappointed. Now I quote it as much as she does.

[@joshgreiner2599]

My buddy likes to tell the story of when he was told to watch this in high school, and misheard the title and watched The Princess Diaries instead. He was very confused about why everyone was singing it's praises, lol.

[@TheArchangel911]

There are only so many perfect movies. This will always be on that list.

[@Masteroogway40]

There's a shortage of perfect movies in this world it would be a pity to damage this one

[@TheArchangel911]

@@Masteroogway40 👏👏👏

[@wingracer1614]

@@Masteroogway40 Exactly what Cary Elwes said when asked about a remake.

[@Ozai75]

The ending with the Grandpa turning back and instead of saying "I love you" saying "As you wish" to show how devoted his love to his grandson is,, is just perfect to me.

[@yankeerepairs]

i still tear up, EVERYtime,, and i have been watching this movie since it came out ... I am over 50 --- It wasnt a box office smash, at all.... But it was a staple of VHC cassette rentals & cable networks, and this is the era, where cable TV was nationwide, and reaching into rural areas, as well.... This movie became a cult classic,,very soon after its actual release.... One of my top 5, of all time. Simply Perfect !

[@alyzu4755]

Did you happen to see the online version where different actors did different scenes? At the end Carl Reiner was reading to Rob, and he said "As you wish". Then, of course, Carl passed away soon after. 💔

[@yankeerepairs]

@@alyzu4755 R I P MeatHead

[@lizajohnson920]

My mom is already planning to say "as you wish" to my new niece. To plant to seed for when she eventually watches the movie

[@SM-BSW]

There was a time when I could literally recite this movie by heart. The movie is based on an excellent book. The book is also a story within a story. There's William Golding who remembers his dad reading him the Princess bride when he was sick. He found the book to read to his kid, and saw that it was WAY more boring than he remembered. Turns out, his dad only read him the "good parts" of the book. So we also get the "good parts" version, with the author explaining the boring bits that he left out. It makes more sense when you read it. So the frame of the grandfather reading a story to a sick kid came from the book.

[@goodolemarge1776]

The book is incredible!

[@helenwright413]

A few corrections if you're interested. The author of the book and writer of the screenplay is William Goldman, not Golding, and the whole thing is actually fictional. The author of the "original book" was S.Morgernstern, but he doesn't exist. The book is laid out like William Goldman was read it by his grandfather, who skipped out loads to keep the kid's interest. Then when William finally read the book himself there were pages of information that he never knew. So he wrote this abridgement/best bits of it and puts little notes in the bottom of the pages about what he cut out of the original and why. But the whole thing is written by Goldman, S.Morgernstern is a fictional author, a pen name for Goldman. x

[@queenofputrescence5167]

Love the book!

[@MargaritaOnTheRox]

I can still recite the entire movie by heart, to my family's frustration. 😆 I was such a huge fan, that I was ribbed about it as a child, and have received the movie as a gift over and over. ❤️ My cousin also gave me the book when I was in high school.

[@shinyagumon7015]

It's so meta I love it. Like the bit about Steven King having the movie rights to the Sequel book.

[@GreenJeepAdventures]

Just like the story the grandfather shares with his grandson, this movie is meant to be shared with those you love, which is why so many people recommend it to others.

[@kristoffmcd6745]

I can remember showing this movie to my mom after owning it for a long time and never showing her because for some reason i thought she wouldn't like it. Well I finally sat down with her one day and we watched it together and she loved every moment of it. And she said her favorite part is simply at the very end, when the grandfather responds to his grandson with "as you wish" and it was her fav part because just like in the story, what was really being said was "I love you." I lost my mom to cancer almost 7 years ago, and whenever I watch this movie now I think about the first time I showed it to her. And now I always tear up when the grandfather says "as you wish."

[@Klipse11]

That’s incredibly well said

[@PuppetDungeon]

My parents dragged me to see this, we arrived late, and we stayed to watch what we missed the next showing. Loved it so much we stayed through the entire 2nd time. All time classic, amazing storytelling, and great cast.

[@crackchimp8979]

This is easily one of those movies that just gets better and better the more times you see it. The more you see it, the more you notice, and the more you love it

[@JamesVSCinema]

Perfectly said.

[@UrbanNilssonOssian]

Exactly! It's the essence of a classic.

[@DavidGowers]

On the one hand, I'm always kinda sad to encounter someone who has never seen this movie before, but on the other hand, I love to see someone discover the pure joy that it is for the first time. Mandy Patinkin and Andre The Giant, for me, are absolutely the heart and soul of the movie, too. Mandy because of his personal connection to Inigo's iconic "you killed my father" line AND because he and Cary Elwes literally performed every moment of the fencing scene themselves, and Andre because (in his own words) making this movie was the first time he was genuinely treated as just another human being rather than some kind of freak. Unequivocally one of the greatest movies ever made.

[@hornetgags]

Billy Crystal played the Miracle Max, during his scene he was allowed to improvise...Reiner had to leave the set because he was laughing so much and Mandy Patinkin who played Inigo says he actually cracked a rib trying not to laugh. This film had so much charm that I have to watch it everytime it's on.

[@UltimateBreloom]

Think I heard they had to replace Cary Elwes with a dummy during the scene as well.

[@livingandthriving]

@@UltimateBreloom Considering there's one bit where you can see he's trying really hard not to laugh (when Max is going, "Hey, hello in there!"), I can believe it.

[@melrobertson2743]

Max : I'll call the brute squad Fezzick: I'm on the brute squad Max: You ARE the brute squad

[@Xanderj89]

I think there's something to be said for how a movie that looks like a stage set strangely lets you become more immersed. Like, compared to something super polished trying to make me think it's all real, movies like this (or plays) hit me like a book, I just fully accept the illusion and that means I can experience all the rest at it's word. Like the neverending story types, or even back to the future etc., when the movie is playing that becomes my world for an hour or two. But yeah, one of those films that just becomes a family classic, if you enjoy the ride this gives you you REALLY enjoy it

[@Masteroogway40]

Exactly. Well said

[@natashaestes154]

I've read it has something to do with encouraging your brain to fill in the gaps.

[@ramudon2428]

There's a reason Dogville is an amazing watch even "without" a set.

[@qwertyTRiG]

Suspension of disbelief. It's why stage shows are better than films.

[@JaneXemylixa]

Th recent DnD movie is a bit like this too, with slightly clunky animatronics and LARPy costumes. It's got big bucks and it shows it, but it invites you to accept the obvious play-pretend as well and that makes it very charming

[@horuslux8441]

Ok, I admit, your "He's a giant" talking about Andre the Giant had me so dead laughing I had to get up and walk it off.

[@chrisleebowers]

He's THE Giant

[@MichelleMabery]

"He's a giant" My thought was "Andre the Giant, to be exact"

[@ItDoesntMatterReally]

I can forgive the dude for not knowing Princess Bride, but how are you going to roll up on Andre the Giant in a film and not recognize him?

[@reneeg9406]

@@ItDoesntMatterReally kids these days 🤷‍♀️😉

[@enotsnavdier6867]

@@ItDoesntMatterReally Bro, you can't fault younger people for not knowing older celebrities

[@dramaticsquirrel4244]

It's such a joy to watch people's reactions to the Princess Bride for the first time. Every time someone falls in love with this film, I feel so happy. Because it proves that a film doesn't have to have millions of dollars in special effects, or big named actors to be a great movie.

[@EOMReacts]

This film will never, ever get old. Ever. I still personally rank it only behind the LotR trilogy as the best fantasy film ever. One of those films where the 100th time to watch it, it can still make you feel like it did the first time. Hope you loved it. One of ours recently watched it, and instantly became one of his all time favorites.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Hahaha oh I had a blast on this one. They were cooking this godly recipe and I loved every bit haha

[@EOMReacts]

@@JamesVSCinema I just love that in the first two minutes they promise you everything and totally deliver on every single bit of it. This is one of those movies where I don’t trust people who don’t like it. LoL

[@f0rth3l0v30fchr15t]

One thing this movie has in common with LotR - Bob Anderson as sword master.

[@baskervillebee6097]

Absolutely timeless and perfectly cast. Note the genuine smile on princess' face when Andre the Giant catches her at the end. Everybody loved him.

[@Swampthing86]

@@JamesVSCinema if you want some great swordfights then react to The Mask Of Zorro (1998) it's directed by Martin Campbell who directed two of the best James Bond movies Goldeneye (1995) & Casino Royale (2006). It stars Antonio Banderas, Sir Anthony Hopkins, & Catherine Zeta-Jones.

[@gordonduke8812]

James, I believe this is a perfect movie. Think about it. It delivers each and every detail that Reiner wanted seen and in perfect context. It had wonderful characters that knew what they were supposed to bring to the film and delivered with loveable, memorable performances. It is a love story that doesn't take itself too seriously, an action film that uses humorous dialogue over violence but still delivers the action, a fantasy type story that makes you want to believe it, with an ending line that sums up the entire movie with one phrase, "As You Wish". Perfect. Great reaction, Peace.

[@tannerrich2388]

never thought of the last line of dialogue that way but it fits perfectly. the movie/story is exactly as the audience wishes it to be. probably just a happy coincidence but i like it.

[@MasterBetty69]

My father has said "as you wish" to my mother and I my entire life. This will always be my favorite film. It's simply perfect.

[@rebeccat9389]

I think Cary Elwes was freaking you out with his "shark eyes" because later in his career I feel like he played a lot of villains. This role was so big, and also him in Robin Hood Men In Tights, it seemed like he needed a big change. So maybe you've seen him as an older villain but he looks kind of like a different person by that point.

[@waregl72]

He wasn't the villain, but they eyes definitely came into play in SAW.

[@ashleighmodglin9890]

Yes those eyes definitely came into play when he played the villainous uncle in Ella Enchanted.

[@mish375]

He was terrifying playing the villain in the movie Kiss the Girls.

[@Weazel1]

One of the (many) things that I love about this movie is that the primary character growth happens, not in the story being told, but in the framing device. The boy and his grandfather comprise, maybe, 10 minutes of screen time. It’s the smallest segment in the film but the most important. A lot of heavy lifting is done, showcasing an inter generational divide that’s bridged by a story lovingly told by a grandfather to his sick grandson and it works so well. I love this movie.

[@srae1971]

I think far too many people overlook how important the segments between the grandson and grandfather are. To me that is the real heart of the movie. The "as you wish" response when the kid asks him to come over and read it again the next day gets me every time.

[@corinne4954]

That is beautiful.and so true!

[@majkus]

@@srae1971 This sweet ending was Rob Reiner's major change to Goldman's screenplay, which ended - like Goldman's book - on an ironic and ambiguous note.

[@davidcorriveau8615]

@@majkus Reiner is a heck of a director. This is Spinal Tap, The American President, Stand by Me, The Sure Thing, When Harry Met Sally; honestly I can't think of one of his films that I didn't enjoy.

[@Worrok]

A wonderful movie. A tidbit to tie some recent reactions together: the man who choreographed the wonderful fencing scene, Bob Anderson, went on to train Viggo Mortenson to swing a sword for Lord of the Rings. A man who knew how to make a sword fight look good as hell.

[@fangsabre]

And a master swordsman in his own right, being a world champion and Olympic champion. And speaking of Viggo, Bob Anderson said that he was among the greatest fighters he'd ever trained, which is why Viggo did almost every stunt in the trilogy himself, including the iconic (and REAL) knife deflect from the end of Fellowship Other creds to Bob Anderson being the original Star Wars trilogy, as well as many of Arol Flynn's classics like Captain Blood and The Adventures of Robin Hood

[@matthewjordan7297]

The Princess Bride is one of the most universally beloved classics in Hollywood history. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone that saw The Princess Bride and didn't like it. I''m glad you got around to watching this. You're right that it really is the characters, and the witty, self-aware humor that makes this film so endearing.

[@isabelleblanchet3694]

It has something for everyone!

[@alyssabelle1134]

If you loved this movie, I have two recommendations: 1.) The book “As You Wish” by Cary Elwes ( actor who plays Wesley) about the making of the movie. Incredible BTS stories that totally enhance repeat viewings. 2.) Stardust (2007) I think is the closest movie in recent years to come close to The Princess Bride in terms of the fantasy/comedy genres. Plus a stacked cast! Charlie Cox (Daredevil himself!), Claire Danes, Robert DeNiro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Mark Strong, Ricky Gervais- the list goes on!

[@secretforreddit]

I LOVE "As You Wish;" it bring so much more to the watching experience! I love the fact that Elwes was literally knocked out cold when Guest clocks him in the forest.

[@wingracer1614]

Nearly everyone in Stardust gives me an overwhelming desire to strangle them.

[@Arcege]

The "giant" was the late Andre The Giant. The score is also by one of my favorite musicians, Mark Knopfler. Such a well done fairy tale. You'll probably love Ruthless People.

[@mzmendy]

I love that film, it's available on KZbin if anyone is looking for it. I never hear anyone talk about it.

[@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll]

Damn, I always forget Knopfler scored this. Real lightning-in-a-bottle stuff, this movie.

[@akaEageralto]

The film that most closely resembles "The Princess Bride" (in both genre and general irreverent vibe) is "Stardust," based on the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name. It's not as good, for sure (what is?), but it's a fantastic film in its own right and well worth a watch.

[@sakbromely]

I second this

[@mayavp]

Yesss Stardust is amazing,,

[@MattieAMiller]

I feel like Kevin Klein's "The Pirates of Penzance" is another similar film. Those three all have the same vibes.

[@marisabrusuelas9683]

Stardust has an AMAZING score too!!!

[@mayavp]

@@marisabrusuelas9683 100%!!!

[@sheen-4509]

Oh my god this movie is such a classic. The writing that went into the character dialogue is HILARIOUS. Most of the time when I would leave the house as a child my parents would shout, “Have fun storming the castle!” I would love to see a lighthearted fantasy film like this one come out today.

[@jainthorne4136]

My daughters and I still say that to each other regularly.

[@moogie1954]

I introduced my sons to this when they were little.... They are middle-aged men now and our standard "goodbye" is STILL, "Have fun storming the castle"!

[@Otter-gq3fw]

My family does this too and it’s awesome

[@kaisokusekkendou1498]

Yep! Three generation home here... My parents will say it when we are leaving, and we say it when our kids are leaving, lol. Especially when it's school-time. 😁 They are usually grumpy leaving, so the unsaid implication that there's low chance of success at "having a good day" because hey.. they are tired and its school, kind of pokes fun but also commiserates with them all while sounding cheerful, haha.

[@JackOiswatching]

I'll never shame anyone for not having seen a film, it's just an opportunity to share a story with someone and that's a beautiful thing!

[@gluuuuue]

Director Rob Reiner (whose father, Carl Reiner, played old man Saul Bloom in the Ocean’s Eleven films), said the sword fight between Westley and Inigo was originally too short. So they choreographed out the cub longer sword fight seen in the film and both actors practiced it a lot making it look a lot more realistic and impressive than it had originally been.

[@tjl9458]

Yeah, they worked with a swordfighting specialist, Bob Anderson to learn how to fight and choreograph the fight. He was an Olympic fencer and his work on films went back to Errol Flynn in 1952. He was even Darth Vader for the fights in Star Wars since they couldn't get the actor to be good at it. He passed away in 2012. They apparently worked at it for months after shooting wrapped for the day. They'd practice and work away at it slowly. Eventually, they did nearly every thing in the fight. They just didn't do the acrobatics, like when Westley jumps and grabs the bar. But, all the actual fighting itself, they did.

[@thedeepfriar745]

They spent seven months working on that sequence

[@melrobertson2743]

@@tjl9458 they had two trainers the other did the stunts fighting in LOTR

[@TheKirbyT]

Like, is it a landmark cinematic masterpiece? maybe not. But the amount of care that every single actor, designer, and crew member put into creating this film is so apparent in every frame that the whole thing just feels like a warm hug from a friend you've known since you were young.

[@PowerDistGuy]

Your hype over that Inigo Montoya + Six-Fingered man fight scene re-ignited my hype for that scene! If you want more impact behind that scene, Mandy Patinkin said the entire time he saw the Six-Fingered man he would visualize him as a personification of the cancer that took his father's life. When he finally gets that killing blow he talked to him like he was talking to the cancer that took his father. "I want my father back you son-of-a-bitch". Epic.

[@AuspexAO]

I never even knew that, but when the six finger man dipped the second Inigo confronts him, I could never really blame him. That look in his eye is a death mark.

[@stillmagic714]

I love how Rob Reiner said he wanted the cloud fight scene to be the second best sword fight on film due to its complexity and the six fingered man fight scene to be the best fight scene on film due to its emotional force.

[@theawesomeman9821]

My mom used to say "As you wish" to me while I grew up usually whenever I asked for anything. I never knew the reference until after I watched this movie during my college years. She was and still is the best woman in my life.

[@botz77]

The script is by William Goldman. Based on his novel. He is one of the greatest Hollywood screenwriters of all time. It also helps that Rob Reiner was directing. I love all his films.

[@stpnwlf9]

He wrote the groundbreaking western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid which features an iconic scene of the two of them jumping off a cliff. Goldman later said the cliffs Butch & Sundance jumped off were the Cliffs of Insanity.

[@shananika]

This is one of the few instances where I firmly feel the film is better than the novel. The novel is decent, but the film is fire.

[@taddy_mason4197]

@@shananika The novel is equally fire in opinion, but in a more cynical and satirical way

[@theawesomeman9821]

what's his best films?

[@botz77]

@@theawesomeman9821 Check out Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, and All The President's Men. They're both wonderful. His early screenplays are pretty amazing.

[@saberstrike000]

Buddy, I've watched this movie a lot over the past 30 years and recently I've seen a bunch of reactors do their first time. This was the first time I've ever even considered that "to the pain" was continuing the theme of "True Love lets Wesley defeat everyone at their specialty." It's not as pronounced, but aside from tracking, Humperdink is defined by nerve and ruthlessness and the "to the pain" speech is absolutely a battle of those two things.

[@masansr]

A movie a bit like this is Robin Hood: Men in Tights, also starring the same actor, Cary Elwes. It's way more silly, but also quite great.

[@faureamour]

I LOVE Robin Hood Men In Tights! So silly! I preferred that to Princess Bride as a kid. Though nowadays, depends on my mood which of the two I prefer.

[@calebclunie4001]

Many direct references to "Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves". It's more enjoyable, if you've seen that film, first.

[@isabelleblanchet3694]

@@calebclunie4001 Direct reference to Robin Hood Prince of thieves and The adventure of Robin Hood from 1938 with Errol Flynn (which is to this day still the best Robin Hood movie).

[@mzmendy]

One of my fav guilty pleasure films

[@ladyofcrows]

Men in Tights is ICONIC

[@twylanaythias]

Given your affinity for set design (as well as a certain style of comedy), "Young Frankenstein" with Gene Wilder has to be on your list - a love letter to all the classic horror movies. Fun Fact ~ As they were working on the script, they thought to look around and see if any of the sets and/or props from the original Frankenstein could be made available. As it happened, the studio had decided to simply throw out all that stuff... *HOWEVER*... One of the set workers salvaged something like 90% of the set pieces and *STILL HAD THEM ALL!* So, yes, the Doctor Frankenstein's laboratory you see in Young Frankenstein is the *EXACT SAME SET* as seen in the original film almost half a century before!

[@alexa.english174]

That Inigo Montoya quote never fails to give me chills !

[@commsense1979]

Same!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Honestly had one of my favorite moments on KZbin with this haha

[@commsense1979]

Apparently the actor had recently lost his own father and that's what drove the passion behind how he delivered that line.

[@garyarnett1220]

@@susannariera Susanna ! Me too ! My son got it for me a number of years ago for XMas knowing how much I love this movie. Way cool.

[@Thyrwyn]

It's an amazing film. Every character, every line, every moment is memorable. Each is given just the right amount of weight, camp, or levity as it needs. It is ironic, campy, satirical, dramatic, comedic and truly, genuinely sincere. For a film to achieve all of that with little money to spend on effects and using relatively wide shots and static camera work speaks volumes to the script and the director's ability to establish varying tone from scene to scene, without losing the theme of the story.

[@Heegaherger]

Was a groomsman at a wedding where the pastor did the marble-mouthed "Mauwig" at the request of the bride. every body was laughing. A very apropos ending to a very geeky engagement.

[@kjoc70]

Either that was Annemarie and Ryan's wedding, or this happens more often than I thought.

[@MargaritaOnTheRox]

I wish I'd thought of that! My entire extended family knows about my love for that movie, and they would have gotten such a kick out of it!

[@DeltronZed]

I wish I could get married by Rowan Atkinson and get him to do the nervous priest ceremony from Four Weddings and A Funeral.

[@christi776]

This restores my faith in True Love☺️

[@PopeMcGrope]

Quick clarification for everyone, westly’s actor is 6’5. Andres size is inconceivable.

[@korybeavers6528]

I don't mean to sound cliche, but this is one of the greatest movies of all time and I am so glad you are finally watching it

[@JamesVSCinema]

Hahaha oh I have a blast on this!

[@korybeavers6528]

@@JamesVSCinema If you look at the kids bedroom you will see a baseball cap with USS OORAL SEA on it, he wears that hat throughout his earlier film This Is Spinal Tap, just a little easter egg for ya...favorite line in this one, "Stop rhyming, I mean it...anyone want a peanut?"

[@0okamino]

My friends and I would always do what we called the mutual exclusivity principle version of it. “No more rhyming, for a month!” “Does anybody want an orange?”

[@defiante1]

This film was pretty much a major flop when it first came out, Cary Elwes was out one day in a cafe when the waitress took his order and went "As you wish..." And he spazzed, going "Wtf did you say?" with her running off giggling. It just took off bit by bit, becoming this cult classic that despite coming out years ago is still loved and talked about today.

[@SierraSierraFoxtrot]

The production value of this movie is INSANE. Knowing this movie from my childhood on TV and video, it was shocking how good it looks when I saw it in HD the first time.

[@samellowery]

The practical effects still hold up.

[@davidtuffelli-rail2214]

​@@samellowery except the plushie rat. My best movie ever, but that rat still makes me laugh out loud

[@secretforreddit]

The Princess Bride is my favorite movie of all time. It truly does have everything: fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, true love, miracles, clever wordplay, relatable characters, gorgeous sets and locations, and nary a single element out of place or ignored. It's so intentional and perfect. Hilarious, emotional, just the right level of cheese. Ugh, now I have to go rewatch it in its entirety. So glad you enjoyed it!

[@cappinjocj9316]

Absolutely classic movie. Worth a watch purely for that glorious sword fight alone, and there’s so much more to love.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Absolutely!

[@katpiercemusic]

I love how you talk about the characters self awareness. I didn’t interpret it that way when I was a kid and watching it. I always saw this story playing out in a quirky kid’s imagination, but I kind of like the idea that every once in a while, they come to a place where the narrative in the book stops for them, but the camera lingers… and that’s when the awareness manifests.

[@stt5v2002]

It was so much fun to watch you react to this one. In my opinion it is one of the best made films in the last 40 years. The character development , the dialogue, the pacing, the action scenes, the multiple themes that are all fully realized, it is all perfectly done. I love how it tells a very classic and familiar story yet somehow it still constantly subverts your expectations.

[@brettcoster4781]

Yes, James' reactions were part of the charm. Another Princess Bride fan developing before our eyes.

[@ainsleyking7372]

There are bits of backstory from the book that were cut from the movie. They allude to it in the sword fight with the "I'm not left-handed bit" and "My father, Domingo Montoya". Inigo's father, in the book, was a brilliant sword maker, one of the best in the world. He was also a terrible drunk, and Inigo had gotten used to taking care of him. By the time he was 10, a man with six fingers on his right hand came to ask Domingo to make him a sword as the others were either too small on the handle or imbalanced. So Domingo poured his life into crafting this sword, and after two years (I think) the man returned for the sword. He deemed it not worthy of the money, but took it anyway. Domingo was killed when he protested. Inigo, then 12 or 13, challenged the man to a duel, in which he was given two scars on his cheekbones to serve as a reminder. The man left the sword there, and Inigo spent the next 15 years travelling the world to train to become the best sword-master in the world. They alluded to one of his old teachers during the final battle with the count as he presses into his wound to stop the bleeding. When he became bored with winning all the time, he trained himself to be ambidextrous.

[@JaneXemylixa]

Where did the "terrible drunk" thing come from??

[@ainsleyking7372]

@@JaneXemylixa That's how he was described in the book.

[@JaneXemylixa]

@@ainsleyking7372 W... where? I reread it just now and no he wasn't. Cranky and obsessive, yes. A drunkard, no. Now, Inigo on the other hand... :(

[@homerchap]

To me this is one of the most perfect movies. It has everything, comedy, love story, action, adventure, and can be enjoyed by everyone from a child to a 90 year old adult.

[@jimtatro6550]

“As you wish.” Perfect last line 🥲

[@qwi2311]

Such a beautifully simple but great film. It’s a smart script with perfect casting and lots of humor.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Incredibly smart and aware.

[@zeigbert1743]

It's nice that Andre wants you to feel you're doing well when you're fighting him.

[@opalviking]

The perfect textbook screenplay right here! The entire thing is quoteable!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Damn straight!

[@rodentnolastname6612]

not a line wasted. every line, every scene builds a character, moves the plot forward or sets up a payoff.

[@ShujinTribble]

I have said, time after time.... Monty Python is filled with Quotable Quotes. The Princess Bride is One Long Quotable Quote.

[@carrieallen]

You should see Galaxy Quest if you haven't yet. It's an all star cast and much like this movie, it isn't a parody but more of a commentary on the genre itself. Hilarious and totally worth a watch.

[@vapors4villains]

If you’d like more behind the scenes about the making of this, Carey Elwes (Westley) wrote a book called As You Wish. An excellent read!

[@alyssabelle1134]

Yes! Came here to recommend this book too! Such a good read!

[@marleinasmom]

The book tour he did promoting the book was awesome. He had the best stories

[@nataliejones6626]

This movie is iconic. Not only is the format of that it is a story telling, but it covers every trope of this genre. It isn’t making fun of it but fully leaning into it; which is what makes it hilarious. The acting is superb. It is classical theater acting mixed with hilarious circumstances. Not to mention the several quotable lines

[@glamazon6172]

First time!? Holy smokes, my dude. The fantasy of the early/mid 80s was a staple of my childhood. "Willow" is another must watch.

[@MrQwetz]

100% agree, Willow as the next one.

[@nickmanzo8459]

Willow is the first movie I remember watching at home. I had cereal bowls for that movie that I ate breakfast out of for years.

[@andrewmize823]

It's one of those films that's timeless, man. I saw it for the first time around 1988, and it's been in my personal top five ever since. I'll still be watching it when I'm an old, old man.

[@charleslee8313]

"Girl, you can take him." Thank you! I'm glad somebody finally said it in these reaction videos. You did speak over the iocane twist. Count Rugen was played by Christopher Guest (Nigel from "This Is Spinal Tap") Besides the battle of wits, my favorite part is "Let me explain. No, there is too much; let me sum up."

[@radwolf76]

Making it all the more appropriate the number of digits on Count Rugen's hands "goes to 11".

[@charleslee8313]

@@radwolf76 I honestly never thought of that. Good one.

[@nicoletrudell2065]

The "let me explain/sum up" line is hilarious in Patinkin's deadpan delivery.

[@rossqpd]

I have always said to my 5 yr old "have fun storming the castle" as she goes outside to play. Live for the moment she gets it. Recommend Willow - written specifically for Warwick Davies after his performance as an Ewok and produced by George Lucas. Val Kilmer top 5 performance. I was lucky enough to be an extra in the film as a young lad and it helped guide me into my movie obsession. Running around fields between shoots surrounded by swords and shields and horses! The Adventures of Baron Munchausen - spent decades being ridiculed for being one of the biggest box office flops of all time. But Oliver Reed, Uma Thurman, Jonathan Pryce, Eric Idle, Robin Williams, Sting. Its a great film where you have to leave reality at the door. Love, Honour and Obey is a popular UK film. Dog Soldiers another one for cheesy horror (have you done American Werewolf in London?). Creep (2004)for one of the best horror characters that no one knows about! Sean Harris from Mission Impossible slays the role. You've reacted to my other recommendation which would have been Dark City so I thought I'd chuck up one I've not seen mentioned. The Flight Of The Dragons. An animated film that many still hold up as being a great film. Strange how close to Akira it was released and to be two different worlds apart but just some great story telling.

[@nancygreen3962]

Yes, this film is such a surprise! I was amazed when I saw it years ago. The writing, the cast, the characters, the settings came together to make magic. I am so glad you enjoyed it!

[@GhostEye31]

Man I'm so happy you enjoyed the Wesley/Inigo fight scene. Having read Cary's book the actors worked super hard at learning the choreo for it and worked with Bob Anderson who also worked on films like LotR, Star Wars, Highlander and Die Another Day just to name a few.

[@TheSmitj167]

This is a 100%perfect movie. And the story of the relationship of the actors will make you smile and cry. Perfect in every way.

[@jean-paulaudette9246]

"Anybody want a peanut?"

[@yankeerepairs]

@@jean-paulaudette9246 " finally,, James has now seen it !"

[@yankeerepairs]

Lemmee essplain . . No, there is too much . . Lemmee sum up !

[@matthewhearn9910]

This is literally a perfect movie. There are movies I like more in some moods or situations, but everything about this movie is done to a level that couldn't be topped. Even where the seams show it's charming rather than immersion-breaking.

[@quoting101]

Watching your reaction to the third act of this film was so great. Truly, Inigo's revenge is one of my favorite moments in film because its payoff is so well constructed and executed.

[@ashleighmodglin9890]

The scene at the Cliffs of insanity is filed at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. It’s an insanely beautiful and ethereal place, like straight out of a storybook

[@liamjoyce7774]

Rob Reiner is low key one of the best all time directors. Misery, Stand by Me, Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride are all absolute classics.

[@Phantoon]

And When Harry Met Sally

[@WastedPo]

Let's not forget "A Few Good Men" as well. Honestly, for the bulk of his career, he's knocked it out of the park.

[@inapickle806]

He had a stunning run of great movies right out of the gate. The Sure Thing is a semi forgotten gem too.

[@homiedclown]

Who knew that Meathead was so capable...

[@celinahatton2653]

This to me is such a perfect film because you can literally feel how much love went into it ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ladyshar42]

An absolute classic, for a reason. The characters are iconic. So many great lines to reference, just so good. The music by Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits is also iconic

[@helenwright413]

This is my favourite movie of all time. In case you're still interested to know where these scenes were filmed, here are some of the locations. The Cliffs of Insanity was filmed at The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. The Battle of Wits was filmed at Lathkill Dale where it meets Cales Dale in the Peak District in England. Westley's fall down the hillside (or "mountain" as you said 😂) where he's unmasked to Buttercup, was also filmed in the Peak District, at Cave Dale. Rob Reiner wanted as much of the film as possible to be on location, so there were only a few scenes filmed inside of a set at Shepperton Studios (Surrey, England). I have never been able to find out which prop house/set design studio worked on the sets for this film, they're not credited any where! Which is such a shame because they did a briliant job, as you observed too. Glad you enjoyed this movie ❤ Subscribed for more! Big love from Manchester, UK xXx

[@escapingreality3306]

To add to this, the exterior of the castle is Haddon Hall in the Peak District. It's a real medieval manor house, one of the best preserved in England. The moors were also in the Peak District above a country town called Hathersage, where legend says Little John, Robin Hood's right hand man, is buried. Lovely scenery but less than 10 miles from Sheffield.

[@BetterCallSaul945]

Oh wow this was a big part of my childhood. Excited to watch and relive that nostalgia

[@JamesVSCinema]

Dope childhood experience then cause this film is awesome

[@henrikharbin5521]

The whole sequence with the wine, all the sword fights, and the monologue where Westley threatens Humperdinck ... And of course the whole "Hello" section. Shout out to the late Peter Falk as Grandpa... I miss him. And Billy Crystal as Miracle Max... Oh fark... Who am I kidding... The WHOLE movie is just... WOW.

[@alseenei8072]

I’ll never miss an opportunity to watch a reaction if this film. A real treasure!

[@a.j.3678]

First video I've seen from you, and I didn't realize how much I would love seeing someone else watch The Princess Bride for the first time. Such a pleasure to listen to your commentary and see your reactions; especially to the final revenge scene with Indigo Montoya and the Six Fingered Man.

[@007wars6]

Woooo!! A true classic! This is easily one of the most fun and most quotable films of all time. Can’t wait to watch the reaction!

[@Valecan]

I love this movie. The script put that last cherry on top with the grandpa saying "As you wish". Puts a smile on my face every time. It was a pleasure to see the joy on your face as you experienced it for the first time.

[@LordVolkov]

The book is quite good too. I highly recommend giving it a read. I always enjoy Chris Sarandon as a villain. He has so much fun with it. For another - Fright Night '85 (toss it on a Halloween poll and see how it does) Mandy Patinkin truly is an amazing actor. You may not even recognize him in the 80's buddy cop movie Alien Nation.

[@trekkiexb5]

one of my favuorite tv series!!!

[@erinesque1889]

Chris Sarandon also did a great job as Jack Skellington

[@everausten]

Chris Sarandon also did a great job in Dog Day Afternoon playing Sonny's second wife Leon 💛🌙🌟✨

[@jeremyblade7561]

Thank you for taking me back to the first time I watched this movie. As well as giving new insight. I can quote this movie line for line and I never realized the scene where Westley talks the king down was beating him at his own game, but trickery and intimidation really are the kings MO. Thank you.

[@adgato75]

The man playing the Sicilian , Wallace Shawn , is a respected stage actor and character actor. He is in a film , "My Dinner With Andre" , that is a fantastic film for anyone interested in the stage or film in general.

[@MagusMirificus]

Appreciated the shout-out to readers; been reading The Lord of the Rings to my grandmother for a few months now.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Those are precious memories right there 🙏🏽

[@Askonti]

There's a shortage of perfect movies in this world. It would be a pity to not watch this one.

[@yankeerepairs]

That is hardly , common knowledge

[@CorwinFound]

Love your joy in this movie. I saw it at 12 when it showed in theatres. (Yeah, I'm old.) Still one of my favourites. One of the best screenplays ever written. Tight, whimsical, great character arcs. Subscribed based on your laugh.

[@keyserxx]

i missed this in the 80s somehow, watched it for the first time a while ago, blew me away :) The final line is just perfect. The grandpa was Peter Falk aka Columbo btw :) closest film to this reminds me of Stardust (2007) which is great

[@michaelm2796]

"I want my father back, you son of a bitch!" and Grampa's final "As you wish." Right in the feels. Every. Damned. Time.

[@shaneanigans440]

The more I watch this over my life the more I really do think this is one of the best movies ever made.

[@donaldw3231]

There's no movie from my childhood that holds up better than this one. It's been one of my favourites for 30+ years.

[@MsMelyjean]

This is one of my favorite films of all time. It is self aware of the romantic, swashbuckling genre without being insulting.

[@joshgoodman5667]

This movie never takes itself too seriously, and it shows. The characters play it all just right!

[@darrenmacdonald1499]

Near the beginning of your reaction, when you saw the big guy, I was yelling "Yeah!! That's Andre The Giant!!" When you didn't recognize the amazing Mandy Patinkin as Indigo Montoya, I was almost in tears. But when you didn't recognize Billy Crystal and Carol Kane as Miracle Max and his wife, my heart broke. And to totally skip over Fred Savage and Peter Falk as the grandson/grandfather is mind numbing. So many great characters brought to life by so many great actors. Also, when I first saw this film I thought it was filmed in New Zealand, but later found out that it was filmed in Ireland. Also, it was directed by Rob Reiner who also directed Stand By Me, which was based on the Stephen King short story "The Body". another film in which one of the characters narrates the film. You should check it out if you haven't already.

[@rebeccawhite2155]

I know everyone talks about it at this point, but Mandy Patinkin's performance in the last fight scene is so good because of the motivation he chose as an actor. Hearing him talk all these years later about his father makes me weep. After loosing my mother to cancer I haven't been able to watch it the same way. Its a pain that you can hear when he delivers lines.

[@RraMakutsi]

A few others have commented this, but you must react to "Willow"! One of the greatest fantasy movies ever made... created by George Lucas specifically to give Warwick Davis his first starring role, also starring Val Kilmer, and directed by Ron Howard. If you want to see another great film starring Cary Elwes then you should also add the Mel Brooks classic "Robin Hood: Men In Tights" to your list :-)

[@rfresa]

So many great fantasy movies in the 80s! I would add Labyrinth.

[@andidreyes5323]

"I have an English accent!?!"

[@LuvNickynGina4ever]

I love willow, along with Princess bride, these 2 movies were my childhood 😍 they don't make movies like these anymore

[@wilmascholte7607]

@@LuvNickynGina4ever Goonies too!

[@LuvNickynGina4ever]

@@wilmascholte7607 yes, goonies, another childhood fav!! 💗

[@compressedzipfolder7089]

The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies!

[@JamesVSCinema]

I could watch this over and over

[@whyaddnamehere]

Andre was in so much pain when making this movie. He didn't give up and finished the movie.

[@lowellupchurch1609]

I love this movie. I feel like it truly is a movie for boys and girls, young and old.

[@vanessaf2286]

I was babysitting my niece back when she was 9yo and when i chose it she made a face like "um i don't know". i described the movie just like the grandpa did and she ended up saying ok. she loved it and watched it all the way thru.

[@denisegardner1417]

I love how much you are enjoying this movie! This is a classic! I repeated these lines for so many years. So many great scenes. Yes, a total Monty Python vibe!

[@Gaia369]

MAWAGE!! 😂

[@stewrmo]

For me, this movie is a 89 min. loving, cosy, warm hug. Welcome James.

[@alwayswrite2011]

4:40 - Pure fiction, of course. André :The Giant" René Roussimoff suffered from extreme back pain. I believe they used wire-work to keep the pressure off his spine. 6:31 - Mandy Patinkin and Cary Elwes worked their butts off to create an amazing sword fight. When direction Rob Reiner saw what they had choreographed with the sword masters, (they trained separately), he insisted that it be longer. So they punched it up with a little extra action and the various gags to stretch it out. 7:43 - The book and the movie were written by Academy Award-winning writer William Goldman. If you haven't read the book, you REALLY should. 8:44 - It's what makes this movie so beloved. The good guys are good, the bad guys are bad, and Miracle Max and his wife are... Yiddish. 🤣 9:55 - Wallace Shawn was a wreck during the making of this film. He always thought he wasn't the first choice to play Vizzini and was afraid he'd be replaced at any moment. I think he believed Danny DeVito was supposed to play the role. (It's been a while since I read "As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride.) 11:06 - What made this scene so funny to me is that she chooses to ALSO fall down the hill to go after him! 😆 13:50 - Yes, there's a person in there. I recall there being a mess about the ROUS's, but I can't remember the details. 23:31 - Mandy Patinkin had just lost his father to cancer, so he put his anger and mourning into his delivery of, "I want my father back, you son of a bitch." 25:28 - Man, that gets you right in the feels when Grandpa says, "As you wish." ❤

[@emlangan]

My habitual callback to "Oh, my dear sweet Westley! What have I done?" is "Nothing half so stupid as what you're about to do!"

[@allisonfisher9304]

Fun fact, the person who does the music/screenplay is Mark Knopfler, the lead singer of Dire Straights. He has quite the career, both playing in the band, and as a solo artist. Fabulous musician💜

[@poolhall9632]

This movie is legend. So many great actors: Cary Elwes Robin Wright Mandy Patinkin Wallace Sean Christopher guest Billy Crystal Michael Sarandon André the giant. Fred savage

[@storiedworlds6261]

And Peter Faulk

[@poolhall9632]

@@storiedworlds6261 Thanks I couldn’t remember his name off the top of my head and I was too lazy to go look it up I should’ve just put grandpa 😓

[@asskicknchickn]

And the great Peter Cook as the Clergyman.

[@storiedworlds6261]

@@poolhall9632 I’ve watched a lot of Columbo, so I remember his name. 😅

[@PersonWMA]

I feel you. I miss old movie sets (and squibs, and videogame graphics). I think an important thing about movies today that has been forgotten is the air of theatricality. Some movies do well when they're just a little bit unrealistic in the right way, representative of reality rather than than woefully imitative.

[@PixelatedH2O]

I've told this story before in the comments of other reactors -- this is one of the very first movies I remember ever seeing, back in the late 80s. The other was the original Karate Kid. Both are classics I've now seen dozens of times.