Tag Archives: Wallace Shawn

THE PRINCESS BRIDE on the CALS Ron Robinson Theater screen tonight

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Image result for the princess brideAs part of their “Date Night Tuesdays” series, the CALS Ron Robinson Theater is showing the romantic action thriller comedy The Princess Bride. The fact that this film spans so many genres successfully is a reason for its endearing and enduring success.

Directed by Rob Reiner, this film tells William Goldman’s story of love and adventure.  A kindly grandfather sits down with his ill grandson and reads him a story. The story is one that has been passed down from father to son for generations.

As the grandfather reads the story, the action comes alive. The story is a classic tale of love and adventure as the beautiful Buttercup, engaged to the odious Prince Humperdinck, is kidnapped and held against her will in order to start a war, It is up to Westley (her childhood beau, now returned as the Dread Pirate Roberts) to save her. On the way he meets a thief and his hired helpers, an accomplished swordsman and a huge, super strong giant, both of whom become Westley’s companions in his quest.

Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Andre the Giant, Wallace Shawn, Christopher Guest, Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, Peter Cook, Peter Falk, and Fred Savage make up the main cast.  Surprisingly, the film’s only Oscar nomination was for “Best Song.”

The film starts at 7:00 pm.  Admission is $5.  Concessions are available for purchase.

Back to School Cinema: CLUELESS

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cluelessJane Austen meets 1990s Beverly Hills in Clueless – Amy Heckerling’s take on the classic tale of matchmaking gone awry before a happy ending.

This 1995 movie starred Alicia Silverstone and Stacey Dash as the benevolent rulers of a Beverly Hills high school.  With snappy, smart dialogue it is reminiscent of screwball comedies of the 1930s.  Unlike some films of the same genre (and many of its imitators), it relies heavily on scenes at school and involves the students interacting with teachers.

Brittany Murphy plays the newcomer whose arrival sets many plans in motion while Elisa Donovan, Donald Faison, Jeremy Sisto, Breckin Meyer, and Justin Walker play fellow students. Paul Rudd’s performance as the older ex-step-brother of Silverstone helps anchor the film.  (He also keeps the ick factor from creeping in at the ending of the movie based on the character who becomes the object of his affection).  Julie Brown, Wallace Shawn and Twink Caplan bring hilarity and heart to their roles as teachers.

As with Beverly Hills itself, this movie has a distinctive look.  The costumes by Mona May are exaggerated without becoming parodies.  Interesting, this movie is heavily dominated by females behind the camera.  It was written and directed by Heckerling.  Casting and editing were both led by women as well as two of the assistant directors and one of the film’s producers.

Appreciation or even familiarity with Austen is not necessary to enjoy this film.  It is literate, witty, smart, and fun.