As You Wish

Loved this! Cary is wonderful and they got most of the cast to do their own narration. If you're a Princess Bride fan, you'll love this.

Audio version is nice because you get the impersonations of Elwes. A bit over the top in terms of the praise he gives to his colleagues which makes it feel a bit fake, but there are some really interesting bits on the filming and casting and production that provide insight into what seems like a really interesting process.

one of the best audiobooks I've listened to so far. In my life.
I'll rewatch the movie with a whole different perspective.
What a great and heartwarming idea to invite the cast to comment and read about their experience during the shooting and their relationship at the time, but more so, about the effect, the movie had on many generations, for years, even though its release and box-office results weren't as good as it should.
Pure love. Period.

really fun behind the scenes look at the movie! particularly enjoyed hearing the stories about Andre the Giant.

As one who loves Princess Bride both as book and as movie, I felt some trepidation going into As You Wish. I needn't have worried: my experience of both is enhanced. Elwes was already a fan of [b:The Princess Bride 21787 The Princess Bride William Goldman https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327903636s/21787.jpg 992628] before he was approached for the role, and he treats the process and everyone involved with the respect and kindness I was hoping for; even with humility. Elwes, in fact, comes across as a helluva decent fellow—I hate to kill him.Brief word about where I'm coming from: I'm not a movie person. Not the type who sits at home or goes to the theater; maybe one DVD every two months, one big-screen movie likewise. I don't watch extras, outtakes, makings-of. I contemn the American fascination with Hollywood beautifulpeople. And, despite all that, I really enjoyed and appreciated As You Wish, and I recommend it.As You Wish is warm; sweet with no hint of syrup; thoughtful; and interesting even to a non-movie-nut. Elwes relates his memories of the prep work, casting, interactions with the cast and crew, his and Mandy Patinkin's laborious training for the swordfight scene, and many more insights into what sounds like a beautiful once-in-a-lifetime moviemaking experience. As bonus, there are frequent sidebar vignettes from other voices adding welcome context and insights.

Never wanted to start it because I never wanted it to end but couldn't wait to read it. Can't wait to re-read it. Please, excuse me, going to watch the movie for the millionth time.

Don't read this book. Get the audiobook! Narrated by Cary Elwes with appearances from most of the spectacular cast, it has all the charm and love that came across in the movie.

I listened to “As You Wish,” which is a great way to enjoy this love letter and behind-the-scenes look at “The Princess Bride.”

Not only does Cary Elwes narrate the audiobook, there are guest appearances from many cast members, the author of the book and screenwriter, the director, and producer. It would have been even better if interviews with folks who did costumes, sets, etc. were included.

If you're a fan of the film, this is a lovely look back at a 30-year old now classic. If you aren't a fan, this may seem repetitive and too much of a love fest.

Short Review: Five might be a little high, but definitely 4.5. This is a book you should listen to not read. Cary Elwes is an excellent narrator. He knows where the jokes are and he does great impressions of the actors. And quite often it is the other actors from the Princess Bride that are giving their own impressions of the movie.

This is a light hearted book. There is not any dirty laundry. There is lots of praise for one another. And a lot of self depreciating humor from Elwes.

I love the movie. I love the original book. This book was written for someone like me that would probably love it if it were only mediocre. But it is actually really good. I haven't enjoyed a showbiz book so much since Julie Andrews' memoir Home.

My slightly longer review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/as-you-wish/

A friendly and entertaining look behind the scenes of a terrific film.

Not as many new stories as I had hoped for, but very well written and very interesting.

BUY THE AUDIOBOOK! Seriously. If you're a fan of the movie, you'll love the audiobook. It features Cary Elwes, Carol Kane, Wallace Sean, Billy Crystal, Chris Sarandon, Rob Reiner, Robin Wright, and Norman Lear (producer).

It was delight to listen to the cast recount these behind the scenes moments. I smiled from ear to ear the whole time.

So many people involved in the film contribute their own voices to the audiobook, it feels more like an audio-documentary than a memoir. It's a nice, fluffy listen.

Look, this isn't a fabulous written work, but it is fabulously fun and touching and everything awesome. I laughed, I teared up, I loved it. Of course, I read with the movie on in the background and I know what things to look for on future watchings. If you love the movie, you'll love this book.

FANTASTIC! AMAZING! SO GREAT!!!!!

Before I get into this review, I just have to say that this is in my top list of most emotional, meaningful reads I've ever had. 10/10. Five stars. A++

To anyone who knows me, it comes as no surprise when I say that Princess Bride is my favourite movie of ALL time and I'm 100% certain it will never be dethroned. My love for this movie cannot be broken, not with a thousand swords (wink). So when I heard that Cary Elwes, the enigmatic and dashing lead actor who plays Westley in the movie was writing a memoir of his time making the film I flipped out. I was beside myself. And I eyed it on the shelves of bookstores, taunting me with its daunting price tag, yet beckoning me like a siren's call. Needless to say, this book was going to make it to my bookshelves no matter what. And it did. Even so, I was nervous after bringing it home. Would it be all I was hoping it would be? Would it be an interesting read? Is he a good enough writer to pull this off? The answer is a resounding yes. Yes, yes, yes.

I was immediately pulled into his hilarious anecdotes and the incredible antics of an amazing cast of characters. This memoir is as enchanting and sweet as the movie is, and I loved every second of it.

The book had such a huge impact on me for many reasons. One of which was sharing it with my best friend and brother, David. We read the book out loud together, alternating chapters and bringing our own uniqueness to each reading. I'd bring my uncontrollable giggles and commentary to certain passages, while he brought spot on accents when necessary. We laughed, we cried, we loved this damn book. I got particularly teary-eyed when we read the last chapter and I put on the movie theme song in the background.

If you love The Princess Bride as much as I do... if you can quote the movie's best lines with a grin on your face and if you can hum the theme song with all the joy in your heart then pick up this book and don't ever look back.

This book. Really. This awesome, fun, charming, sweet, amusing book. It should come with a giant neon colored warning sticker on the cover stating readers should have their copy of the dvd nearby as they turn the pages. Because by the time you're done? You'll need to watch the movie. Again. For the 915th time.

Is it the greatest book ever written? Well no. But then it doesn't have to be. What it is, is a giant love letter to everyone and everything associated with the wonderful movie - the cast, the crew, the places, the original source material, and the fans. It's full of colorful anecdotes and humorous asides. Lots of little facts sprinkled through out - from the fact that the Man in Black's pants were suede to the amount of sword fighting practice to create the greatest sword fight ever to how they found the perfect cast. And all the stories about Andre. Those were probably the sweetest moments.

I think I smiled with every page turn. A book that can do that, is a rare book indeed. I'd recommend this one to anyone who loves the movie, even if you're just a mild fan.

And now I need to go watch the movie for the 916th time.

A fun little book.

This was an incredible book, but one that is definitely designed to be heard in my opinion. The addition of other actors including their voices to the audiobook version was perfect. I was only a moderate fan of The Princess Bride before listening to this book, but this book definitely made me love it a bit more. This is a perfect road trip listen.

ANYBODY WANT A PEANUT?

As a super fan of the movie, I was so excited to listen to the behind the scenes stories of the actors during the production.

Cary Elwes is charming, and a lovely story teller.

A great listen for any fan.

Cary Elwes, who portrayed Westley (AKA the Dread Pirate Roberts) in the movie, recounts the time spent making the movie with various comments from others involved with the movie. I've read the original book twice now (and will probably read it again). I own the DVD of the movie, don't know how many times I've seen it. This was more interesting that I would've guessed. It was fun to read. Turns out The Princess Bride is author William Goldman's favorite of those he's written and this was the project closest to his heart. That's pretty big when you realize he's the writer behind The Marathon Man and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, among others. It was also fascinating hearing what it was like to meet and work with André the Giant who portrayed Fezzik. I had trouble putting this book down and read it in two days.

I'm not the world's biggest Cary Elwes fan – I've never not enjoyed him, but I've never sat down and said “I should find an Elwes movie to watch” or “oh, Elwes is in that movie/show? Gotta watch it now.” So when I saw this book on the shelves, I thought “how nice for him that he wrote a memoir,” and since he was in his Dread Pirate Roberts getup that he's not one of those actors who's running from the one thing that made them “big.” But I had no real interest in reading it – enough so that I didn't even read the subtitle, which probably would've piqued my interest.

So it wasn't until he was a guest on Kevin Pollak's Chat Show that I learned anything about the book (audio version is here, the video version is here and either would be well-worth your time) and decided I really wanted to read this book.

This is also one of the biggest reasons not to read the book – Elwes tells about half the stories in the book during the interview. And hearing him tell them, clearly enjoy the memories, and do pretty good impressions and entertaining voices while doing so is more enjoyable than reading them after the fact.

Still, I'm glad I read the book – there are plenty of other stories about the making of that wonderful movie, some details he doesn't give of the stories he did – and some bits from interviews that Elwes and/or the writer working with him did with the cast, director, writer and producer. I laughed out loud at one of the new stories, and enjoyed many of the others.

It's clear that Elwes loved making this movie and the way it's become a favorite of so many. There are some funny stories (most of them), some interesting behind the scenes stuff, and some perspective on his fellow cast members.

Particularly, this book reads as a mini-tribute to Andre the Giant. If there's a good biography of him, I should track it down, the man had a fascinating life. This book needs to be read for the story of Andre the Giant farting during filming alone – I promise that it will make your inner-8-year-old boy laugh (even if you're a grown woman who didn't realize you had an inner-8-year-old boy).

Not the best book I've ever read about making a film, but probably the warmest. A very pleasant read, and I'd really recommend it to fans of The Princess Bride. I've got to find the time to watch the movie now...and maybe re-read the book, too.

Cary Elwes is still so dreamy.

This is a nice little retrospective on the production and history of one of my all time favorite films. Their are a few stories I'd never heard before and commentary from pretty much all the living cast members. At times, the attempts to reference the quotable lines are a little stilted as are the references to other fandoms (I don't know any Star Wars fans who refer to themselves as Star Warriors or Wookiepedias) but the stories still stand. For Princess Bride fans, it's definitely worth a read. For non-Princess Bride fans, what's wrong with you?