The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride (1987) 3Genre: Romantic Comedy Action Adventure Fairy tale
DirectorRob Reiner
Screenwriter: William Goldman

Rating: 97%
Year: 1987
Length: 1h 38m

Summary: A wicked prince steals a local beauty for his wife, and only the mysterious Man in Black can save her.

Main Actors: Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, Andre the Giant, Mandy Patinkin, Peter Falk

Nice Bits

If you’re after a film that appeals to the whole family, you can’t go past this wonderful tale of true love and high adventure. It’s a modern fairytale, told with gentleness and whimsy.

The romance is delightful, and the entire film is peppered with quotable witty remarks. I could quote it all day, and often break out into swapping quotes with other fans! Mandy Patinkin, a hugely talented actor and singer, always mentions how this role is the one his fans appreciate the most. He has no choice but to say his famous line when they ask.

There’s also a lovely bookend device used where Peter Falk appears as a grandfather, reading the story to his grandson. At first the kid, brought up on video games, isn’t impressed by a mere book, but as the story continues, he gets hooked. Just like me!

There’s even a short rhyming scene which is hilarious. Sworn enemies speak to each other with great respect, even if their actions give away their real character. It’s such a joyful film in countless ways, and another one I watch every year or so.

Nasty Bits

I only recall a single moment where with semi realistic violence, and even that wasn’t bad. It showed only the reaction of the recipient. Apart from that, a few punches here and there, but very tame overall.

Cast and Crew: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/fullcredits

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3CIXEAjcc8

Reviews: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/princess_bride

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Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day PosterGenre: Scifi Romantic Comedy
DirectorHarold Ramis
Screenwriter: Danny Rubin

Rating: 97%
Year: 1993
Length: 1h 42m

Summary: A self centred weatherman finds himself reliving same day over and over again.

Main Actors: Bill Murray, Andie McDowellStephen TobolowskyMarita Geraghty

 Nice Bits

This is one of the best films ever made, partly because not only is it a hilarious romantic comedy, it also has a wonderful message hidden beneath the fun. Bill Murray is brilliant as usual, alternating between improvised humour and profound depth.

Apart from his acting masterclass, the other characters are also superb. Stephen Tobolowsky plays a wonderfully annoying character who repeatedly spars with Bill Murray, while Marita Geraghty plays a bubbly role to go with her delightful bit part in Don Juan Demarco. She obviously has superb taste in the parts she takes!

Some scenes are deeply moving, almost heart breaking, and hugely add to the value of repeated viewings. It’s definitely not a shallow throw away comedy.

What would you do if you had to live the same day again and again? Would you live totally selfishly? Totally selflessly? Would you seek out money, or romance, or something else altogether? Could you figure out why it was happening, and how to stop it?

It really is a film to enjoy over and over again, preferably on 2nd of February each year, which is of course Groundhog Day! Strangely enough, this year I forgot, but accidentally watched it exactly 6 weeks later to the day. Watch the film to discover the connection.

Nasty Bits

There are a few very short suicide scenes, which might be a challenge for some, but I found them more touching than upsetting. The odd punch gets thrown very occasionally, but in context, it’s not even remotely a concern.

Cast and Crew: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107048/fullcredits

Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSVeDx9fk60

Reviews: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/groundhog_day

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