As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride
by Cary Elwes


Read: April 10-12, 2016
Published: October 14, 2014
Genre: Biography/Memoir

From actor Cary Elwes, who played the iconic role of Westley in The Princess Bride, comes a first-person account and behind-the-scenes look at the making of the cult classic film filled with never-before-told stories, exclusive photographs, and interviews with costars Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Mandy Patinkin, as well as author and screenwriter William Goldman, producer Norman Lear, and director Rob Reiner.

The Princess Bride has been a family favorite for close to three decades. Ranked by the American Film Institute as one of the top 100 Greatest Love Stories and by the Writers Guild of America as one of the top 100 screenplays of all time, The Princess Bride will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.

Cary Elwes was inspired to share his memories and give fans an unprecedented look into the creation of the film while participating in the twenty-fifth anniversary cast reunion. In As You Wish he has created an enchanting experience; in addition to never-before seen photos and interviews with his fellow cast mates, there are plenty of set secrets and backstage stories. (Amazon)

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Why did you read this book?
The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies, how couldn't it be with the action, comedy, swashbuckling, true love, miracles, and adventure? I could watch this movie over and over and over again. I also just recently read the book, which was just as enchanting (I didn't do a book review on that one because I couldn't write about the book without talking too much about the movie. Basically, it was great and I'd recommend it to anyone). Also, I just love behind-the-scenes stuff. The several hours of extras on the extended Lord of the Rings DVD's? Watched it all. I have a problem...but I digress.

What did you like about this book?
First off, I liked the tidbits added in throughout the book from Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Christopher Guest, Billy Crystal, and the other cast members that contributed, along with William Goldman (screen writer, and author of the book) and Bob Reiner (Director). All of the information in this book was genuinely interesting to me. I loved the way Cary wrote about his experience. It was easy to tell that it was a treasured time in his life and he wouldn't soon forget what a wonderful time it was and the wonderful people he worked with. It made me wish I had been there (although I hadn't been born yet), but also feel like I had been there with them all (which, of course, I wasn't). I usually don't get into books that don't have a plot with exciting twists and turns, or emotional climaxes, but this one captured me just as easily as if it had those features. Also, it was actually pretty funny. I found myself laughing out loud a few times, something that is pretty rare for me while reading.

What didn't you like about this book?
As much as I loved it, there were things that got a tad repetitive. Not that I wanted the book to shorter, but it could have been. There were many instances where Cary would repeat himself about how The Princess Bride is a classic, even if it didn't start so well. He repeatedly say how lucky he was to have been a part of that experience and how none of them knew it would become the cult classic it is now (which were excellent things to talk about, just not every other chapter). It also started a bit slow, beginning with pre-production and how he got the part and meeting Bob Reiner. It was all interesting, of course, but I was more interested in the period of time during filming.

If you like this...
...I'd recommend, not a book, but the TV series 'Galavant'. It also has romance, adventure, action, and comedy...and it's also a musical! There are two (very short) seasons and there's unlikely to be a third, but I highly suggest it. Also, Alan Menken did the music and he's like a Disney music legend, so there's incentive for you.

Bottom-Line:
I loved it and I thought it was a fantastic companion to the movie. However, if you haven't seen or read The Princess Bride or for some reason don't like it, this probably isn't the book for you. If you don't like The Princess Bride, I strongly encourage with utmost affection to change your mind.



"It's true in life, as in the movies, that the greatest highs are often followed by the lowest lows."-As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes