The Big Lebowski *** (out of 5) (1998)

Cast: Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, Peter Stormare

Directed by Joel Coen

 

An out-of-work amatuer bowler gets mistaken for a wealthy business man due to having the same last name and becomes embroiled in a quagmire of trouble when the rich Lebowski's daughter gets kidnapped and he is entrusted with delivering the ransom money.

The plot isn't anything too fresh, but this work is almost entirely driven by weird characters, much like the Coen brothers' other work (RAISING ARIZONA, FARGO, BARTON FINK). The film itself is a mixed bag, with a story that's not focused and some performances needlessly phony and over-the-top. There are genuinely funny moments, and I did enjoy watching it, but it is my least favorite Coen brothers movie (well, maybe MILLER'S CROSSING was worse) and considering all the talent here and critical acclaim of FARGO just behind them, it is a bit of a letdown. Here's proof that a collection of great moments and characters does not necessarily make a great movie.

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