Reviews - As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride

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As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride

This is a must-read for any Princess Bride fan, whether you're a casual fan or a bit more obsessed. I'd even go so far as to say that this is a must-have.
As You Wish is full of behind the scenes stories from the making of the movie, the problems they ran in to, times that made them laugh, as well as how the reception for the movie was not quite what one would expect.
I couldn't pick a favorite part, each chapter was so good. You get to read about how neither Cary (Westley) nor Mandy (Inigo) got a break from their fencing training. At any spare moment they could be found with a sword in their hands, one again practicing. The plan was for them to be so knowledgeable (not to mention capable) about sword fencing that they could pull off being experts, even to the most trained eye, which was not an easy task.

This book is so full; it's fantastic. Knowing the behind-the-scenes, and the fears the actors had is going to make watching the movie a much different experience, but in a good way.
Apparently, Wally Shawn (Vizzini) was so worried that he was going to be replaced that he ended up with hives. He had thought that e was a third choice and that other people would have been better in the role.

Inconceivable? Definitely!

We don't only get Cary's perspective of the filming; nearly everybody else in the cast contributed their memories,thoughts, and experiences that they had both during the filming and after.
Each person in the cast was exactly what the producers had hoped for, it seemed that there was no other choice. They got everybody that they wanted to be in the film. And it is evident when you watch the movie; I can't imagine anyone else playing these parts.
Just like the actors felt about the movie, I didn't want the book to end. So much so that I read the Acknowledgements, which is not something that I ever do.
If you are reading this review, the chances are that you have actually seen the Princess Bride, and in that case I ask you, what are you waiting for? Take a chance and read this book, you won't regret it.
And to the few of you who have never seen 'The Princess Bride', You are in for an adventure.

trasmussen's review against another edition

5.0

Loved every minute, it was so fun to hear the behind the scenes to such an iconic movie that has happy memories for me. The audiobook is read by the cast members, mostly by the author. I can’t wait to rewatch the movie.

lyrareadsbooks's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

pache202317's review against another edition

3.0

If you love the movie (I do.), you will enjoy the behind the scenes stories, but it isn't anything particularly great.

libt392's review against another edition

4.0

What a fun escape this audiobook was! Cary Elwes narrates his book about the making of The Princess Bride, his most iconic role as Westley, and the mysterious popularity of the film that endures.

I have to admit, there were moments I thought they should’ve just made a TV special so we could see flashbacks of the movie alongside the stories being told about it but then I realized how fun it was to imagine it in my mind’s eye, as it was such a favorite movie of mine growing up.

There are hilarious and moving memories about Andre the Giant, Billy Crystal, the film’s screen writer William Goldberg (also the author of the book the film’s based on), and so much more.

This is a must read if you’re a fan of the film. Also a fascinating read for anyone interested in the movie making business.