The Totally Geeky Guide to the Princess Bride

by MaryAnn Johanson

You know how to avoid the Three Terrors of the Fire Swamp. You would never fall victim to one of the Classic Blunders. You’d love to surrender to the Dread Pirate Westley. Cult-favorite flick ‘The Princess Bride’ is funny, romantic, and one of the most quotable movies ever made... and this breezy deconstruction explores why this delightful film -- full of fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, and miracles -- has endeared itself to millions of moviegoers. From its unusual structure to its archetypal characters to its outrageous humor, discover the surprising depth and profound wisdom to be found in this wildly entertaining adventure/fantasy/romance/comedy. From popular and respected film critic and geek-watcher MaryAnn Johanson of FlickFilosopher.com.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

61 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 10, 2006

About the author

MaryAnn Johanson launched her popular and respected FlickFilosopher.com in 1997, making it is one of the longest-running film-criticism sites online. She is an executive member of The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (the Webbys organization), and regularly appears as a cultural commentator on the BBC World Service’s “The Arts Hour.” A native New Yorker, she is now based in London. Support her work at Patreon and at Substack: for film criticism | for fiction.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book popped up on a Nook books special and I bought it for a bargain. It's not great, but I gave it 3 stars because it reminded me to reread the real thing. There's a chapter that contains a dialog between the world's two great "Men in Black", Johnny Cash and Wesley (The Dread Pirate Roberts). Read that one, at least.

[Liriel27 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some cute/interesting passages and interviews, but kind of a disposable book. I was hoping for something longer/with more viewpoints, along the lines of the Smart Pop series. This is a cute time-waster, but probably only interesting to those who already love the book and movie.

[Kellyanne Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the author at Arisia in Boston several years ago. This book is exactly what it advertises - a totally geeky guide to this book - and it's definitely worth the read if you're as obsessed with Princess Bride as I am.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exactly what the title promises. If you can quote scenes from "The Princess Bride" from memory, or have worn out your VHS tape or DVD from endless rewatching, this book's for you.

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

the 25th Anniversary edition of the actual novel has a great introduction that covers most of this better.