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Reviews
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of the Princess Bride by Cary Elwes, Cary Elwes
genrichards's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Contains spoilers about The Princess Bride movie!
angie4583's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
5.0
faithaforman's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
A fun read - especially in audio format - for fans of the Princess Bride. A mix of comical and heartfelt stories with commentary from the other actors, director and producer. Carey does some fun impressions and if you weren't already in love with Andre the Giant, you certainly will be after this read.
hollyj13's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.5
The Princess Bride is one of the only movies I have ever encountered that, when mentioned in a public setting, almost everyone has seen and cares for. Of course the book, which the movie adaptation keeps to almost line for line, is also a mashed-up genre masterpiece. Elwes's memoir takes the reader through his experiences making the movie, from being cast to attending a screening for the 25th anniversary and all of the swashbuckling hijinx in between. If you are a fan of the movie, read this book - you will feel like you were really there at the Cliffs of Insanity or navigating the Fire Swamp. Have fun storming the castle!
the_sunken_library's review against another edition
4.0
At first I found this memoir a little...nauseating. And I know thats going to upset more than a few fans of Cary and 'The Princess Bride'. I just found his exuberant and extravagent descriptions of his co-stars and many others involved in the film a little 'lovey'. Robin Wright wasn't just a 'beautiful actress' she was 'breath-taking, shockingly stunning, wonderful, gentle-souled, understanding and dynamically intelligent being who lit up a room and my soul and to this day I can tell you now I simply love her with my very bones'. Um, yeah, sure love, whatever you say *rolls eyes*.
This became rather tiresome in the end. I hadn't brought this to read him wx-lyrical about how wonderful everyone who made the film was. Quite frankly, I couldn't care less and I became desperate for a bit of gossip.
However, once I got past the introduction stage (and skimmed the presentations of new people) it became a much more interesting book. One revealing juicy little annecdotes about life on set. Amusing tales about how Cary broke his toe, how André the Giant had to be winched onto a horse and how Cary was accidentally knocked out cold while filming a scene where he was... well! knocked out cold!
Needless to say I smiled numerous times and felt the little strings of my heart tugged when more somber moments were shared; Cary's grandfather passing away, the death of Andre the Giant (as well as others) and of course the closing of the film and its rather lack-luster reception when it first came out.
I gave it a 4 because I love the film and the book. I imagine if you don't like either of those things this won't be of any interest to you.
This became rather tiresome in the end. I hadn't brought this to read him wx-lyrical about how wonderful everyone who made the film was. Quite frankly, I couldn't care less and I became desperate for a bit of gossip.
However, once I got past the introduction stage (and skimmed the presentations of new people) it became a much more interesting book. One revealing juicy little annecdotes about life on set. Amusing tales about how Cary broke his toe, how André the Giant had to be winched onto a horse and how Cary was accidentally knocked out cold while filming a scene where he was... well! knocked out cold!
Needless to say I smiled numerous times and felt the little strings of my heart tugged when more somber moments were shared; Cary's grandfather passing away, the death of Andre the Giant (as well as others) and of course the closing of the film and its rather lack-luster reception when it first came out.
I gave it a 4 because I love the film and the book. I imagine if you don't like either of those things this won't be of any interest to you.
mmajer's review against another edition
3.0
Lots of good stories, but it was told in a very "bubble gummy" way. It was almost too nice with praises for everyone and their careers every other sentence. Overall it was enjoyable and I enjoyed insights and behind the scenes deets of one of my all time favorite movies.
deluciate's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic as an audio book. I loved listening to the voices of the cast and crew (and some of the vocal impressions done by Cary Elwes). Highly recommended. This will add levels of enjoyment to my next viewing of this delightful movie.
timinbc's review against another edition
4.0
What the other reviews said.
It's syrupy sweet, but I would have been disappointed if there HAD been any back-biting.
The Princess Bride just doesn't allow for any of the cast to have been meanies or egotists.
I suspect Andre wouldn't have let it continue anyway.
There's enough in here that you wouldn't have known otherwise to make it worth reading.
And a fair bit of insight into why it turned out to be such a great movie.
Recommended.
Oh, and if you are NOT a fan of the movie, skip the book. Not that I care what you do. If you don't like this movie you're dead to me anyway.
It's syrupy sweet, but I would have been disappointed if there HAD been any back-biting.
The Princess Bride just doesn't allow for any of the cast to have been meanies or egotists.
I suspect Andre wouldn't have let it continue anyway.
There's enough in here that you wouldn't have known otherwise to make it worth reading.
And a fair bit of insight into why it turned out to be such a great movie.
Recommended.
Oh, and if you are NOT a fan of the movie, skip the book. Not that I care what you do. If you don't like this movie you're dead to me anyway.