The Big Lebowski

A classic detective plot goes awry in the hands of peaceknick-pothead-bowler, a fiery vietnam vet, a crippled millionaire and his cerebral artist daughter with a severe haircut, a group of nihilists, one mid-western tramp with green nail polish...and a rug.

Written & Directed by Joel & Ethan Coen
Starring: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, Phillip Seymore Hoffman, John Turturro, Tara Reid, Sam Elliott
1998 - 1hr 58min - Rated R

Review by LEWIS

It was only a matter of time before "The Big Lebowski" made it's way onto this blog. The DVD sits on the shelf and comes out about once every three months or so. It is one of those movies you can watch over and over and never get tired of it or stop laughing. I'm told there is quite a cult following for this moive, and that somewhere in Kentucky they even have some kind of Bowling Festival centered around "the dude" himself.

I love this movie for many reasons. But it's mostly for the character the Coen's so cleverly create. I'm not sure if any of their movies, whether it be comedy or drama, has a cast of characters this large with strong enough personalities to hold their own. I promsie that at some point in watching this film you will point to the screen and say "That's just like (place name of friend, family member or co-worker here) !!!"

The story is very old fasioned in nature, with twist and turns, kidnappings, money laundry-ing, and all the other things you would find in a old 40's-50's American noir. But the Coen's cleverly set it in early 90's LA, which is best explained by the Sam Elliott voice over in the begining of the film.

Cinematogopher Roger Deakins, who has shot most of the Coen's films, single handled took such care in shooting the game of bowling that I think it can never be done again, and anyone who attempts to out do him is a fool.

I hope you have the opportunity to join the club of this cult classic. You'll find yourself quoting the movie and giggling with another co-worker across the boardroom and you'll know...they've seen "The Big Lebowski" as well.

STORY - 9
ACTING - 9.5
LOOK - 10 (thanks to the rug)

OVERALL - 9.5