The header for September was a really tough decision. Adam Ant, because we’re seeing him at the Hard Rock Vegas (the one off the Strip, there’s two) in two weeks; or The Princess Bride which celebrates its 25th anniversary on September 25. Since the movie is more relatable for most of my friends, I went with Bride.
Alamo must’ve gotten the suggestion from me (I wish) about booking more quote-alongs for the occasion. Sure I went for the Valentine’s Day feast with Somara but I need to go again to celebrate a special movie.
When it was originally released, I was busier being a sophomore at Marquette doing what most 19-year-old boys do…drink too much, not study enough and chase girls. I’m not sure how my past self would’ve initially thought about the movie, few interested me then as music was more exciting. I did see it during the following Christmas Break at a discount theater with my parents and brother, we were willing to see anything in order to get away from my grandparents for a few hours. Needless to say, Bride was an awesome surprise. By year, Fred Savage was the toast of TV starring in The Wonder Years. I still think Peter Falk and Wally Shawn made it even better. Inconceivable!
The years passed by and I never gave the film much thought. There was the infrequent catchphrase being quoted in conversations, parties and D&D games. Nothing more.
When I started seeing my doctor to treat my evil twin problem, one element is insomnia, he suggested a routine involving activities to take me mentally “off the hunt.” Recline in a comfy chair, drink some Sleepy-Time™ tea and watch a soothing movie, oh like The Princess Bride. I thought, Somara has that on DVD, sure. I’m not confident this has completely worked, I have intermittent bouts of insomnia four years later, but it made me appreciate the film more. Maybe it’s a common remedy for anxiety/depression, Patton Oswalt mentioned in one of his records when discussing his ongoing war with depression.
Let’s see if I can get some traffic by soliciting some favorite memories of The Princess Bride from you readers out there on the Interwebs…as I wish! Meanwhile, I will be recruiting friends to join me to a quote-along this month, maybe I’ll get to go on stage with the host to win a prize. Last time, two dudes had to fight a duel using inflatable swords. It resembled playing pool with a rope.