Universal Studios The Big Lebowski (DVD)

"John Goodman's a riot in this movie. So many memorable quotes. Though it seems like in every scene there was swearing and it got a little annoying. Still, it was a good movie and hilarious and weird. Jeff Bridges as the Dude, was great in this movie."

"Using bowling as their metaphor, the Coen Brothers launch into one of their most ambitious, and hilarious projects ever, The Big Lebowski, a tale of mistaken identity, art, and a rug that really tied a room together. Jeff Bridges stars as Jeff Lebowski, the epitome of the `60s counterculture, known to all who care (and any who dont, for that matter) as simply, The Dude, whose existence beyond the bowling alley is nothing less than indifference made manifest. And Bridges brings him to life with a performance that should have won him an Oscar. He is The Dude from the inside out, delivering a total package filled with nuance and attitude that just flows with a natural ease; the look, the mannerisms, its all there, and Bridges masterfully blends it all together to make him a truly memorable character, one of the best hes ever done. Just to watch The Dude in action is alone worth the price of admission. John Goodman is also exemplary here as Walter, the Dudes best friend and a member of the bowling team. Walter is an opinionated Vietnam vet with his own agenda and a unique perspective on life and the rules by which it must be played. It is a singular performance by Goodman that should have earned him at least a Best Supporting Actor nod; he makes Walter his own from the ground up, and hes a character youre not likely to forget. Steve Buscemi, in a smaller role, plays Donny, one of the more normal characters hes ever done. In a role not much more than a cameo, John Turturro steals the moment as Quintana, a rival bowler. Hes absolutely outrageous, but once he gets on the alley, he can really roll. And, man, can he polish a bowling ball. The story itself is clever, the dialogue is witty and real and, it must be noted, peppered with the most colorful of expletives, none of which are gratuitous, however; this is just the way these guys talk. Much of it is politically incorrect and audaciously flagrant, and be advised, ventures into territory beyond the pale. As The Dude and Walter bowl their way through the turmoil of a possible kidnapping, they encounter a band of Nihilists (lead by Peter Stormare); a stranger (Sam Elliott) who assists in the telling of the tale; a man named Jackie Treehorn (Ben Gazzara), a self-styled purveyor of adult entertainment; a moronic pair of rug soilers; a local beach community constable long on attitude; a shady Private Eye; an errant toe; and a marmot. In the end, youll find that The Big Lebowski is quite unlike anything youve ever seen; it is stylishly crafted and wickedly funny, and it will leave you craving more of the same. You may be shaking your head over it, but youll be laughing while youre doing it. When you think about The Dude, Walter, Donny and the rest, you wont be able to help yourself; youre just gonna have to laugh."

"Though some might say that Fargo does it better, this film is probably the best example of exactly what the Coens are capable of. Deadpan humor has found its resting place in this tale of mistaken identity, and the actors deliver said humor like pros.



Joel Coen's vision as a director has often been bemoaned as showy by many of his detractors in Hollywood, saying he makes flashy and oftentimes hard to understand films because, frankly, he "can." While Joel does sometimes take the viewers to rather weird and funky places, he does so with a certain panache that other directors could only dream of doing. Consider him a visionary, then, (not an egocentric blowhard) for his films are daring, thought-provoking, and original. Part of the credit goes to his brother, Ethan, for without him we wouldn't have the gorgeous scripts they have come up with together. I think the humorous side of the siblings comes from Ethan, and his words (or the collaboration of their words) hit every movie goer in a personal and very different way.



The Big Lebowski is the Coens at their finest, funniest, and frank. The actors are true savants with Jeff Bridges giving the performance of a lifetime and giving men a reason to call each other "dude" without sounding like a complete moron. Actually, thanks to "The Dude's" palatable want for a certain white alcoholic drink from the Balkans, it's actually ok (perhaps even cool) for men to order White Russians now...and thank god, because it has always been one of my favorite potent potables.



Sure, Fargo is a masterpiece in its own right, but lest you actually enjoy seeing appendages being minced in a woodchipper, perhaps you should give the Big Lebowski a shot for your humor needs. It's a film that not only will live in your heart, but it will also linger in your vernacular for ages to come."

"The Coen brothers characters get better and better as you watch the movie. I watch The Big Lebowski almost once a week, and even though I can quote the movie from beginning to end, hearing my favorite lines delivered by Jeff Bridges, Steve Buscemi, and John Goodman never gets old."

"This is an exceptionally funny movie, and the performances are outstanding throughout. Unfortunately, the movie has so much foul language it will turn many viewers away for that reason alone. But it's rated R, and there's a reason for that. Overall, film buffs are sure to enjoy this comedic masterpiece, especially those who have an affinity for the works of the Cohen Brothers. However, those living in the family setting don't want to leave this one laying around the house, unless they want the kids speaking in all sorts of obscenely naughty tongues."

"On the surface, ''The Big Lebowski'' may appear to be pretty mundane: a bum who curses a lot gets mistaken for a rich guy and this causes him problems. However, the Coen Brother's ability to meld genres (everything from comedy, noir, 60 psychadlia, and performance art are represented in ''Lebowski'') coupled with one of the most language rich scripts used for a film in years, create a great movie and a wonderful way to spend an hour an a half. What's more, The brothers Coen are of the few auteurs who are still working in cinema. Their use of lighting, editing, and color (I dare you to find a scene in the entire movie that does not use the blue and green motif) make it a brilliant visual experience as well. Do yourself a favor: buy this movie."

"This has to be one of the most solidly constructed movies out there. Underrated when it originally hit theaters, it has since achieved cult status. The character development is excellent, the situational comedy - hilarious, and practically every line in the movie is quotable."

"WENT TO SEE THIS FILM BECAUSE MY SISTER AND BROTHERINLAW WERE EXTRAS IN MOVIE AT THE BOWLING ALLEY, BROTHERINLAW BERNIE WAS THE BARTENDER AND SISTER VICKI WAS A SIT IN CUSTOMER AT THE BAR, SHE DOES NOT DRINK, IT WAS 6AM AND MY BRO WAS POURING HER BEER AND KEPT FILLING IT AND VIC HAD TO SIP IT AND SHE GOT TIPSY FROM SO MANY TAKES, AND THEN THEIR SHOT WAS NOT EVEN IN THE MOVIE.. ANYWAY WAS FORCED TO GO SEE MOVIE TO SEE IF WE COULD SPOT THEM. AND FOUND MY SELF AND MY FAMILY LAUGHING INSPITE OF OURSELVES THERE ARE A LOT OF FUNNY SHOTS ESPECIALLY THE LAST SCENE ON THE CLIFF OVER THE OCEAN..."

"This movie has to be in my top five comedies off all time. Jeff Bridges as "Dude" make you like him right off the bat with his antics... John Goodman with his "Nam" flashbacks and new holidays while bowling play well with the dudes laid back personality. Finally, Steve Buschemi who plays Donnie ties the trio together with his smarter than the other two attitude. Funny how when they bowl, Donnie always got strikes, until the end when he got nine pins down.....(just something to look for in the film)"

"This movie has my vote for funniest movie of all time. I've watched it over 100 times easily. Jeff Bridges is brilliant as the misunderstood slacker and John Goodman steals the show as the overzealous war veteran. But the real star is John Turturro who only has a small part but is unforgetable as "Jesus," their bowling rival. This movie has even spurned a yearly festival in its honor: The Lebowski Fest held in Louisville, KY. If you don't own this movie, you are missing out."