Emily H. (depplover28) -
Helpful Score: 3
I absolutely loved this book! If you love The Princess Bride and behind the scenes looks at movies, you will, too!
Shannon M. (confuzzledbooks) reviewed As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride on + 486 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Cary Elwes first memoir is just a piece of his life. A piece where a heartwarming story by William Goldman became a heartwarming film and made Elwes a household name as Princess Buttercups love interest Wesley.
I have fond memories of the first time I watched The Princess Bride. Now if you have not seen or read the book, you have to understand that this movie bombed in theatres. I bought the VHS for $1 and watched it with family. I will never understand why this film did not do well in theatres but I am so happy it gets recognition as a cult classic now. The movie is as close to the book as possible and had a perfect cast. Most teenage girls fell for Elwes character Wesley/Dread Pirate Roberts as hard as Princess Buttercup did. Elwes fills the book with charming and humorous tales with other actors like Andre the Giant, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal and Robin Wright.
The stories that Elwes share are wonderful and like viewing the movie and book you want more. I didnt want it to end and now have a urge to hear every actor, from the movies take of the movie. Actually you do get a little bit from the other actors in As You Wish I still wanted more.
For lovers of the book and/or movie you will enjoy As You Wish just as much. I thoroughly enjoy the stories about Andre the Giant and he is a personality that is missed.
I have fond memories of the first time I watched The Princess Bride. Now if you have not seen or read the book, you have to understand that this movie bombed in theatres. I bought the VHS for $1 and watched it with family. I will never understand why this film did not do well in theatres but I am so happy it gets recognition as a cult classic now. The movie is as close to the book as possible and had a perfect cast. Most teenage girls fell for Elwes character Wesley/Dread Pirate Roberts as hard as Princess Buttercup did. Elwes fills the book with charming and humorous tales with other actors like Andre the Giant, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal and Robin Wright.
The stories that Elwes share are wonderful and like viewing the movie and book you want more. I didnt want it to end and now have a urge to hear every actor, from the movies take of the movie. Actually you do get a little bit from the other actors in As You Wish I still wanted more.
For lovers of the book and/or movie you will enjoy As You Wish just as much. I thoroughly enjoy the stories about Andre the Giant and he is a personality that is missed.
Susan V. (nrlymrtl) reviewed As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride on + 297 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
As most people probably know, Cary Elwes played the role of Wesley in the fantasy adventure classic The Princess Bride, which hit the big screen in 1987. This movie has stood the test of time and continues to entire folks (including myself). So when I saw this book, I had to give it a listen.
This was the most entertaining nonfiction book I read this year. Cary Elwes had such a conversational tone in the book, it was like sitting down and having tea with him and cast for 7 hours. I was fascinated by everything that went in to the making of the movie. See, I dont read the movie/TV magazines, nor follow such things in media or on TV. Basically, I dont really know anything about making movies, so even the mundane things of like gathering a cast together, catering for them, and moving them from one shoot to another I found interesting. But dont worry! If you are familiar with such basics already, there was plenty more in this book about the filming of the movie.
I first saw the movie when I was 10, about a year after it came out and hit VHS. My family almost never went to the movies as my parents have never particularly enjoyed the movie theater. But once it was out on VHS, I think we wore through the tape on at least 2 copies. It wasnt until I was in my late teens that I discovered there was book the movie was based on. I felt vaguely cheated by the universe for having withheld such a fact from me. William Goldmans The Princess Bride is just as amusing as the movie and I would be hard pressed to say which is more magical.
Now, having read this book about the making of the movie, I feel that we have a complete trinity, each work complimenting the other. The actors who worked on this movie enjoyed themselves, the fans have enjoyed themselves, and now we have that bridge in which the actors talk about their favorite parts of filming this movie.
So, what did I learn from this book? Hehe.Well, a lot of funny stuff and a few things that some lesser mortals would consider blackmail material had the human at the center of the gaff not already laid it out in detail in this book. I will do my best to avoid spoilers. First, Cary Elwes had a few accidents while on set. One involved an all terrain vehicle (ATV) and another a sword. One of the accidents actually made it into the movie and we can all watch it to this day. He also talked about his time getting fitted for his Dread Pirate Roberts outfit, including the form fitting mask. Then there were the months upon months of sword training for the big sword fight between Wesley/Dread Pirate Roberts and Inigo Montoya. I had no idea that Cary Elwes had to learn this skill from nothing in order for that scene to happen. Honestly, all this time, I thought that both actors had brought some skill in sword fighting to the table before being cast, like it would have been a requirement to get the job. Luckily, both actors had excellent, highly skilled swordsmen training them for months before they fight was shot (this scene was the last filmed).
Robin Wright, who played Buttercup, was asked to do the Fire Swamp scene (the one where her dress catches fire) on the first day of shooting. Yeah. Congrats, you got the job, be here by 8AM, etc. Oh, please wear this flame retardant dress, we have this special effect we need to film today. I can only imagine how that conversation went. Let me just say that they had to do a number of takes on this scene before they felt it was good. I have been remiss in not paying attention to Wrights acting career. I had no idea that she was doing an American soap opera when she landed this job. And I havent paid particular attention to her career since this movie until she turned up on the series House of Cards (in which she is absolutely spectacular). So, I expect I will be checking out her other works in the near future.
Of we have to chat about Andre who plays Fezzik the Giant in the movie. Andre passed away in 1993, so this book contains anecdotes and commentaries by his costars in the movie. Everyone loved him and many had amusing stories about his ability to eat and drink. However, there were a few touching stories about how children reacted to Andre they either wanted to climb all over him like some living jungle gym, or they would scream and run away. I can only imagine having that happen so often that you grow use to it and can just wave away any apologies offered by parents.
Other characters chime in with their memories of the making of the movie and nearly all of them felt they were part of something incredible. Even William Goldman stuck around for the first half or 2/3rds of the shooting. Alas, when the movie did hit the theaters, the movie didnt do as well as hoped, at all. Theaters didnt know how to advertise it (fantasy? adventure? commentary on modern life? comedy?) and the initial movie poster was (quite frankly) boring. But then it hit VHS (and this was just when home theaters for the masses was really taking off) and the movies popularity continued to grow and grow.
OK, so I have babbled on and on. This is truly an enjoyable book for folks who have enjoyed the movie. And I have left plenty for you to explore and learn on your on. I did the audio, which was great to have so many actors chime in. However, some people may wish to pick up the paper version for the pictures. Heck, just get both. I dont think you could be disappointed.
Narration: The narration was excellent. Elwes narrated most of the book and he has a smooth voice that is excellent to listen to. Then several of the actors chimed in so it was great to hear from Robin Wright and Christopher Guest, and several others. Some actors had text in the book but werent available to narrate, so Danny Burstein read their parts.
This was the most entertaining nonfiction book I read this year. Cary Elwes had such a conversational tone in the book, it was like sitting down and having tea with him and cast for 7 hours. I was fascinated by everything that went in to the making of the movie. See, I dont read the movie/TV magazines, nor follow such things in media or on TV. Basically, I dont really know anything about making movies, so even the mundane things of like gathering a cast together, catering for them, and moving them from one shoot to another I found interesting. But dont worry! If you are familiar with such basics already, there was plenty more in this book about the filming of the movie.
I first saw the movie when I was 10, about a year after it came out and hit VHS. My family almost never went to the movies as my parents have never particularly enjoyed the movie theater. But once it was out on VHS, I think we wore through the tape on at least 2 copies. It wasnt until I was in my late teens that I discovered there was book the movie was based on. I felt vaguely cheated by the universe for having withheld such a fact from me. William Goldmans The Princess Bride is just as amusing as the movie and I would be hard pressed to say which is more magical.
Now, having read this book about the making of the movie, I feel that we have a complete trinity, each work complimenting the other. The actors who worked on this movie enjoyed themselves, the fans have enjoyed themselves, and now we have that bridge in which the actors talk about their favorite parts of filming this movie.
So, what did I learn from this book? Hehe.Well, a lot of funny stuff and a few things that some lesser mortals would consider blackmail material had the human at the center of the gaff not already laid it out in detail in this book. I will do my best to avoid spoilers. First, Cary Elwes had a few accidents while on set. One involved an all terrain vehicle (ATV) and another a sword. One of the accidents actually made it into the movie and we can all watch it to this day. He also talked about his time getting fitted for his Dread Pirate Roberts outfit, including the form fitting mask. Then there were the months upon months of sword training for the big sword fight between Wesley/Dread Pirate Roberts and Inigo Montoya. I had no idea that Cary Elwes had to learn this skill from nothing in order for that scene to happen. Honestly, all this time, I thought that both actors had brought some skill in sword fighting to the table before being cast, like it would have been a requirement to get the job. Luckily, both actors had excellent, highly skilled swordsmen training them for months before they fight was shot (this scene was the last filmed).
Robin Wright, who played Buttercup, was asked to do the Fire Swamp scene (the one where her dress catches fire) on the first day of shooting. Yeah. Congrats, you got the job, be here by 8AM, etc. Oh, please wear this flame retardant dress, we have this special effect we need to film today. I can only imagine how that conversation went. Let me just say that they had to do a number of takes on this scene before they felt it was good. I have been remiss in not paying attention to Wrights acting career. I had no idea that she was doing an American soap opera when she landed this job. And I havent paid particular attention to her career since this movie until she turned up on the series House of Cards (in which she is absolutely spectacular). So, I expect I will be checking out her other works in the near future.
Of we have to chat about Andre who plays Fezzik the Giant in the movie. Andre passed away in 1993, so this book contains anecdotes and commentaries by his costars in the movie. Everyone loved him and many had amusing stories about his ability to eat and drink. However, there were a few touching stories about how children reacted to Andre they either wanted to climb all over him like some living jungle gym, or they would scream and run away. I can only imagine having that happen so often that you grow use to it and can just wave away any apologies offered by parents.
Other characters chime in with their memories of the making of the movie and nearly all of them felt they were part of something incredible. Even William Goldman stuck around for the first half or 2/3rds of the shooting. Alas, when the movie did hit the theaters, the movie didnt do as well as hoped, at all. Theaters didnt know how to advertise it (fantasy? adventure? commentary on modern life? comedy?) and the initial movie poster was (quite frankly) boring. But then it hit VHS (and this was just when home theaters for the masses was really taking off) and the movies popularity continued to grow and grow.
OK, so I have babbled on and on. This is truly an enjoyable book for folks who have enjoyed the movie. And I have left plenty for you to explore and learn on your on. I did the audio, which was great to have so many actors chime in. However, some people may wish to pick up the paper version for the pictures. Heck, just get both. I dont think you could be disappointed.
Narration: The narration was excellent. Elwes narrated most of the book and he has a smooth voice that is excellent to listen to. Then several of the actors chimed in so it was great to hear from Robin Wright and Christopher Guest, and several others. Some actors had text in the book but werent available to narrate, so Danny Burstein read their parts.
Nada A. reviewed As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride on + 1389 more book reviews
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride is a behind the scenes look at the making of the movie by Cary Elwes, the Man in Black. If you are a fan of the movie, you will enjoy the descriptions of a movie-making experience that seems to be as magical as the movie itself. If you are not a fan of the movie ... well, that is simple "Inconceivable!"
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2015/01/as-you-wish-inconceivable-tales-from.html
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2015/01/as-you-wish-inconceivable-tales-from.html
Glenna G. (keno) reviewed As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride on + 869 more book reviews
OMG!!! Loved this book and the movie too! Mr. Elwes does a very tender and funny account. Truly a wonderful book. I read it in 1 1/2 days it was THAT good. All the beautiful stories and all the other characters in the movie, Inigo ,Wesley, Buttercup, Miracle Max, Valerie, Count Rugan, Prince Humperdink, Vizzini, Fezzik and anyone else I might have forgotten! Wow what a cast and all the memories. As Cary said As You Wish.
Andrew K. (kuligowskiandrewt) -
Fans of The Princess Bride and I suspect that is the majority of America, if not the world should find a spot for this book at the top of their To Be Read lists. Wesley, or rather actor Cary Elwes who portrays him in the movie, tells many behind the scenes tales of the making of the film. Several co-stars and backstage people join in to share some quick thoughts throughout, as well.
There is no need to into details in this review. Fans of the movie have an idea as to what to expect from a retelling like this, and Elwes does not disappoint.
I cannot say enough good things about this book Except to say, its not the AUDIO book. The audio book is narrated by the author, who shows a remarkable skill at imitating voices such as director Rob Reiners and the late Andre the Giants.
RATING: A solid 5 stars. I enjoyed it, and 2 months after listening to the audio book, I can still hear passages in my mind as I write this review.
There is no need to into details in this review. Fans of the movie have an idea as to what to expect from a retelling like this, and Elwes does not disappoint.
I cannot say enough good things about this book Except to say, its not the AUDIO book. The audio book is narrated by the author, who shows a remarkable skill at imitating voices such as director Rob Reiners and the late Andre the Giants.
RATING: A solid 5 stars. I enjoyed it, and 2 months after listening to the audio book, I can still hear passages in my mind as I write this review.
Cyndi J. (cyndij) reviewed As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride on + 1032 more book reviews
This was a very fun audiobook. I normally would rather read than listen, but I love the film and thought it would be entertaining to hear Elwes read it. He's got some great stories and the additional actors who read are a nice bonus. I was especially fascinated by the swordfighting - it looks so effortless on screen! I had no idea what they went through to do that, and I had to watch the film again just to appreciate that part.
virago reviewed As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride on + 267 more book reviews
The tale was almost as whimsical as the movie! This was a great listen. The stories of commaraderie, funny and happiness, as well as the tales of shenanigans were fantastic. Cary told his story of the nerves of audition and being cast were refreshing. I think we sometimes forget that (even big name actors) don't always have roles handed to them. So for an virtual nobody in the acting world, Cary had to have so much anxiety at even being considered for the lead in one of his favorite stories.
I love the other actors' account interspersed with Cary's narration. I think the stories I enjoyed most were in regard to André. I was a huge wrestling fan growing up and as a child, seeing him in this movie was such a treat. But to hear about how much he meant to his fellow cast mates was very touching.
Not that I ever need an excuse, but listening to this made me want to watch the movie and look for the hidden things revealed in the book. I had the opportunity to attend a Cary Elwes panel at Comic Con a few years back. He was so engaging and funny and told such wonderful stories. Now I regret not having purchased a copy of the book and having him sign it. :(
Even if you've never read the book; even if you've never seen the movie--but seriously if you haven't, what rock have you been living under?! You will enjoy this book if for no other reason, it's an actor's account in the adventures of making a movie that became a cult classic the likes of Rocky Horror!
I love the other actors' account interspersed with Cary's narration. I think the stories I enjoyed most were in regard to André. I was a huge wrestling fan growing up and as a child, seeing him in this movie was such a treat. But to hear about how much he meant to his fellow cast mates was very touching.
Not that I ever need an excuse, but listening to this made me want to watch the movie and look for the hidden things revealed in the book. I had the opportunity to attend a Cary Elwes panel at Comic Con a few years back. He was so engaging and funny and told such wonderful stories. Now I regret not having purchased a copy of the book and having him sign it. :(
Even if you've never read the book; even if you've never seen the movie--but seriously if you haven't, what rock have you been living under?! You will enjoy this book if for no other reason, it's an actor's account in the adventures of making a movie that became a cult classic the likes of Rocky Horror!
Heather F. (AZmom875) -
ok it was a great movie based on a great book with great talent. Every body got along and we all love each other in a non sexual way. ZZZZZZZ this book was just the same people saying how much they love each other... blah blah blah... very little happens...Really it was a waste of my time, and I almost quite at page 78 and page 134, but I trudged on.
Behind the scenes, WHAT? just a dull day by day of everyone being nervous that they are not good enough. Save yourself the time of reading this book and go watch the movie again. Then go to youtube and look for outtakes, as the author suggests.
Seriously this book is dull, and just repetitive pages of everyone kissing butt. We are all nice people who got along on a hit movie. We are so kind, and forgiving, and down to earth.
Behind the scenes, WHAT? just a dull day by day of everyone being nervous that they are not good enough. Save yourself the time of reading this book and go watch the movie again. Then go to youtube and look for outtakes, as the author suggests.
Seriously this book is dull, and just repetitive pages of everyone kissing butt. We are all nice people who got along on a hit movie. We are so kind, and forgiving, and down to earth.
