As You Wish

Warm-hearted retelling

Would you consider the audio edition of As You Wish to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but I suspect that the audiobook would be far better because all of the cast and crew from the movie personally talking through their contributions. Also, though he tried to keep it in check, you can really hear how emotional Cary Elwes became as the book started to reach its close.

What was one of the most memorable moments of As You Wish?

The story the Soldier told to Cary Elwes.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

25 years on, and I could still hear the fun and enthusiasm from the cast and crew as they recount this movie and the process of making it. Also, Cary Elwes does some very good imitations of people throughout.

Any additional comments?

When I first started listening to this book, I thought it was just a bunch of sunshine pumping by the author. But as the book went on, I realized that it was really a genuine and strong affection for the people and events he talks about. And when I realized that, the sharing of this story suddenly became really fun and rewarding. Overall, this book is very warm and heartfelt.

56 of 58 people found this review helpful

I don't normally write reviews but...

If you could sum up As You Wish in three words, what would they be?

As. I. Wished.

What was one of the most memorable moments of As You Wish?

The story about Samuel Beckett driving Andre the Giant to school. Priceless.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

All of them. Many of the actors from the movie read their own commentary which was amazing.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me want to read it again immediately if not sooner.

Any additional comments?

I submit very few reviews but I felt compelled to in this case as it would be shame if anyone missed this amazing book.

Have fun storming the castle.

76 of 80 people found this review helpful

A fun book for a classic movie...

What did you love best about As You Wish?

Elwes' story-telling and the additional notes from the others involved.

What did you like best about this story?

Elwes' insight and detailed stories.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Nope.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The stories of Andre the Giant. Apparantly he could drink ANYONE under ANY table. :)

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Enjoyable and Lovely

This is a great companion piece to the movie. The back stories of the key players were done with respect, love and in friendship. I am very appreciative that this wasn't a "typical" Hollywood tell all, where it seems that the point is to show the most negative traits of those engaged in a project. A lovely compliment and a recognition to those of us that are fans of this beloved, multi-generational movie. As for the actual Narration. I loved the multi person approach, often with those directly involved. It was very easy to hear the truth and honesty in their comments and remembrances. Cary Elwes' impersonations were a wonderful bonus and yes, he is still the perfect hero as demonstrated in his writing. I highly recommend this.

11 of 11 people found this review helpful

Inconceivable that this book could be any more fun

Would you listen to As You Wish again? Why?

Totally. This is so much fun I could hardly stand it. It's a short listen, but all the heavy hitters from the movie voice some parts of the book that are about them, so it's really great audio in a way that print just can't deliver. Cary Elwes is great, has a lovely voice, and even does some creditable impressions.

What was one of the most memorable moments of As You Wish?

As a fan, I think every moment of the film is nearly perfect, and hearing those moments recounted is pretty perfect too. I think I like best the parts about how each of the actors came to be associated with the film and Rob Reiner's vision coming to life.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Only Billy Crystal. I listened to his Autobiography, Still Foolin' em, which is also really good and funny. These are funny people, and famous actors. They know what they're doing. Only Andy Scheineman, the producer, sounds like he's just reading the words off the page, but it's okay. It's well-written, so he doesn't need to "perform" it.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. It's short enough that you almost can. It's not like it's suspenseful. We all know what happened, but it's kind of like sitting around with a bottle of wine listening to the cast and director tell stories about the movie. Who'd want to leave that party?

Any additional comments?

If you haven't seen the movie, Princess Bride, (Really? Unless you're under 12 or over 75, I don't get that...) obviously do that first. But for any fan of the movie or of Rob Reiner as a director, this is a no-brainer.

47 of 50 people found this review helpful

Adds a new dimension to the movie

The Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies. Growing up I swore my family was the only one who ever rented it from the local video store. I love behind the scenes stories, and this one makes me want to watch the movie on an endless loop. The appearances by the other actors make this an ensemble book. Cary Elwes did Princess Bride fans a huge favor by writing this.

20 of 21 people found this review helpful

Too short!

I loved this book and wanted to hear more. This is a very upbeat, behind the scenes look at this fabulous movie. Andre' was mentioned multiple times and I am indeed pleased to have heard more about this "gentle, positive giant." My only complaint is that it was too short, I want to know more about many parts of the movie.

19 of 20 people found this review helpful

Audio is the way to experience this book!

I feel sorry for anyone who reads this book in print. On audio you get not only Cary Elwes but Rob Reiner, Billy Crystal, and others from the film. And you get to hear Cary Elwes imitating Rob Reiner, etc. It's totally delightful for fans of this movie.

I distinctly remember seeing this movie with my husband and 2 kids who would have been about 6 and 9 years old and thinking "This is the first movie that our whole family could really enjoy together." My kids are now in their 30's and still big fans. I'm hoping to share this audiobook with them.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Grammy Award Nominee?

If you could sum up As You Wish in three words, what would they be?

Entertaining, Informative, and Funny

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The stories about the friendships of the cast, the directing touch of Rob Reiner, and the hard work that went into the sword fighting caused me to watch the film yet again!

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

The best parts for me were the voice imitations that Mr. Elwes portrayed of the actors, director and other notables from the production of the movie.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

It was the injury that Mr. Elwes incurred during production - his fear about being fired, and the fact that the filming continued. Once again, I watched the movie to observe the hardly visible signs of his discomfort and pain.

Any additional comments?

I did find the announcements of the names of the principles before they were directly speaking a bit jarring. Hardly taking anything away from the huge enjoyment I had listening to this book!

15 of 16 people found this review helpful

As I wish

My husband had to drag my pregnant body into the movie theaters, to watch the Princess bride. I was determined to be miserable the entire time, because I only got to see him one and a half days out of the week. After about three minutes, it was apparent that I could no longer keep a stoic face. This movie had such an impact on me, that after my daughter was born, and my husband had to travel, our weekly ritual was to order Domino's Pizza, and watch the Princess bride.

Having such a close personal experience explained through Cary's audiobook was more than I could have wished for. His description of the real people involved in the making of the movie, was so enlightening. His telling of his experience, has brought new wonder and love towards the story. My appreciation grew through his eyes.

If I could have one more wish, that would be to enter that theater, in 1987, with the desire to enjoy it rather than prove to my husband that going to the movies was a bad idea. The mere fact that I could not keep up that Sharad, just proves what a wonderful movie this really was. And I'd like to extend my thanks to Cary for opening my eyes to the making of this movie. He made me feel like I was on the set experiencing the creation of this timeless classic, right alongside the other actors.

11 of 12 people found this review helpful