I do not often openly discuss or review movies to any degree of depth beyond, “I really enjoyed it,” or “It was entertaining.” I mostly keep these things to myself for a number of different reasons — I am not that picky and generally tend to enjoy most everything on some level (with the exception of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Super Troopers, the first of which I once publicly declared my immense dislike of and the latter being a movie that so disgusted me I was unable to finish), I have absolutely no idea whatsoever what I am doing when it comes to film critiques and therefore should stay very far away, or the ever so common one, the fact that people tend to be an opinionated bunch and I have no desire to unleash their fury upon me should my own opinion differ from theirs. The last reason tends to be the one that more or less keeps me in check more than anything, though the first two serve as very good reminders.

That being said, I am going to openly discuss a movie. That in and of itself is nothing particularly noteworthy, but the fact that I’m going to write words which I would have previously bludgeoned myself or anyone else for writing is. As is the fact that I am quite well aware that many people may desire to bludgeon me for what I am going to say. You’re probably wondering what on earth I could be about to say that could be that astronomically earth-shaking. You might be thinking that perhaps I am about to go into a defensive rant about how I saw a movie about Hitler and it made me realise that Hitler? He was not really all that bad of a guy, and how, really, we should give the guy a break. I mean, absolute power corrupts absolutely, and he had to be given that power by someone, right? So, really, we only have ourselves to blame. But, no, friends, this is SO MUCH WORSE than that. By the time I finish this, you’ll be wishing that I was parading Hitler’s innocence. So, consider yourselves forewarned.

Phew. Ok. Anyone still reading? I love The Princess Bride. Oh, how I love The Princess Bride. It is my favourite movie. It came out my first year of life. It was the very first movie that my darling boyfriend and I watched together. I can practically quote every line of that movie. Clearly, the movie has great significance to me. Not only that, but it has everything — action, drama, comedy, romance — everything. It’s one of those movies that has something for everyone and everyone can really enjoy.

However, tonight I saw a movie that may very well pass up even The Princess Bride. I still cannot believe my own ears when I say that, but I have said that. In fact, I’ve said it about five times already (my father and my brother can attest to that fact) and it’s only been an hour since I’ve seen the movie, but it was that good that I knew I had to hop right on the internet and write about it so that everyone could know. That movie is Stardust. It has action and drama and comedy and romance. It is a beautiful movie. I wasn’t expecting much going into it. I just expected an entertaining fantasy movie that would keep my attention for two hours.

I thought the acting was quite good. It did strike me as a bit Princess Bride-ish, but heavier on the fantasy and obviously more modern. Robert De Niro was just unbelievably hilarious in his role. It was quite spectacular. The princes provided extremely well-timed comedic relief. Michelle Pfeiffer did a great job as an antagonist and was perfect for the part. Claire Danes was just absolutely lovely. The person who impressed me the most, however, was Charlie Cox. I think he was a perfect choice to play the role of Tristan. His character is extremely swoon-worthy and fully epitomises every girl’s image of a knight in shining armour. Or, well, I should say most girls’ image. There are obviously some dark parts of the movie, but they do a really good job of playing that down so it’s not nearly as, should I say adult?, as it could be. A lot of themes were tied in throughout the movie and addressed: true love is unconditional and should not require any sort of display to prove it or to buy one’s love; being yourself should be and is enough; living forever is not glamourous, and in fact is lonely if you don’t have someone you love to spend eternity with, etc. I really enjoyed a lot of the points that the movie conveyed, but beyond that, I really just enjoyed the movie for what it was. Plus? Ian McKellan narrated the movie. The words “Ian McKellan” can only equate to cinematic genius on a scale we mere mortals can only dream of.

It is a beautiful, heartwarming film about a fairytale romance. I loved every minute of it. I obviously cannot for the life of me write a movie review worth a darn (no surprises there), especially so late in the evening. However, if you take nothing away from this other than I clearly have lost my mind, in addition to the fact that it is obviously a pretty worthwhile movie to see and that motivates you to go see the movie (‘twould be a great date movie), then I have accomplished what I hoped to do. Well, I didn’t so much hope that you’d think I’m completely insane, but after mentioning that I think it might surpass The Princess Bride, I wouldn’t at all be surprised (or blame you, really) if you came away thinking that.

Anyway, whether or not my instantaneous love of Stardust is lasting remains to be seen. I would have to see the movie several more times to really be able to make a clear judgment about it and to say whether or not I do in fact love it more than my beloved standby and comfort The Princess Bride, but I can easily see this becoming one of my favourite movies. I definitely will be owning this movie when it comes out on DVD.

To any and all Princess Bride fans, please do not abash me with your unadulterated anger and disbelief. Believe me, I’m the last person who would have expected these words to be coming out of my mouth; I still hardly believe it myself. However, if you go and see the movie, I’m sure you’ll at least agree with me that it really is quite lovely. And, uh, remember, first time I’ve really voiced my opinion about anything and I am bashful, gosh darn it, so be nice. And tolerant. And peaceful. And, most importantly, remember: I’m too cute and adorable to hate. Away with the hate! Hate, be gone! Only love here.