DVD : The Big Lebowski [1998]

Rating: - Much overhyped Coen brothers comedy that feels like a bumpy ride
'The Big Lebowski' has been dubbed a 'cult' movie and with reason. It is a movie for a very specific clientele and one that is likely to disappoint a more mainstream audience.

First of all, it is not THAT funny. It definitely has its good moments thank to the script and the more than able cast. But don't be fooled: those moments are the exception and not the norm.

The movie seems to be too pleased with itself and it certainly falls short of the comic brilliance of 'Fargo'. The storyline is never plausible and after a while one fails to be even mildly interested with all the twists and turns of its kinky plot.

It is perhaps the quality acting that saves the whole enterprise in spite of its very obvious shortcomings. All in all, an interesting if disappointing experiment that fails to deliver despite the acting talent.

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Rating: - Not great
I've given The Big Lebowski a 2 star rating, as I've seen worse. I like/love a lot of the Coen brothers' films but this didn't do it for me. The cast was good, it was original, it was weird but it felt like someone else's daydream in the end. Disappointing on the whole.

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Rating: - The Dude Abides
I was going to try to write a fair and balanced review, free from hyperbole and gushing praise for this film. The problem is I love this film. A lot. I'm wearing my Dude t-shirt as I write. So I'll dispense with any attempt to create a critical and objective response.

How to describe The Big Lebowski? Well, it's a comedy mixed with a Marlowe-esque detective story. One seen through a fug of weed smoke and set to a soundtrack of Creedence Clearwater Revival. The main character, an ageing hippy, called Jeff Lebowski who goes by the name of The Dude doesn't want much in life; smoke some weed, listen to some Creedence and bowl some, has his life take an unexpected and complicated turn when a Chinaman pees on his rug.

I can't begin to cover everything this film has and I've re-written this review to try and do it justice. I can't do that either. It's just a wonderful mix of great characters, everyone gives a star turn, Jeff Bridges in particular (though John Turtorro as 'the Jesus' in a purple jumpsuit will stick with me forever).

Still my favourite film after ten years, it makes me grin like a fool when I think of it even now. "That rug, man, it really tied the room together." :)

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Rating: - aww man what a cool drama Dude
Jeff Bridges (The fabulous baker boys) stars as the Dude Lebowski, who is mistaken for another Lebowski, which ultimately leaves his rug ruined.

Taking this up with the Big Lebowski, the Dude is sent on a mission to recover his kidnapped wife.

The Big Lebowski is one of the Coen brother's finest creations by being different, funny and entertaining all the way through with smart direction and acting.

You will have never seen anything like this before as Jeff Bridges gives an unbelievable performance as The Dude, an unemployed bum who likes white Russians and bowling who seeks a very bizarre retribution in his ruined rug.

The ideology of the rug and the whole obsessive nature behind it is very funny, as is Bridges in a very weird character, which is loveable for being so hip, and relaxed.

Though his character can be extremely rude and annoying, John Goodman (Roseanne) plays Walter extremely well and makes an interesting paring alongside the Dude.

The plot is excellent and very consistent. Very character driven, The Big Lebowski packs in plenty of laughs along the way with some breathtaking twists and turns and strong ideologies to keep it entertaining.

One particular factor which helped the film along, was the beautifully directed bowling scene fantasies, so bizarre and unique that the film is a must watch just for these couple of moments of pure genius. They are so out of place in the film, so wacky that it is pure amazement. Forget J.D's fantasies in Scrubs, we have the funniest and wackiest fantasies right here in a completely twisting and turning storyline.

Come the end of the film, you may have lost your way a bit as to what happens with all the money dealings and who all the characters were and so forth, but you will definitely not mind watching again, as you will have seen the most coolest Dude in the history of cinema in a very finely directed comedy drama.

8.5/10

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Rating: - Must Have Seen it 50 Times
The genius of the Cohen brothers is not always appreciated and when I sing their praises am often thought to be quite mad. The content is so rich that every time I see it I find something new, the person bowling in the poster on the wall of his sitting room is Richard Nixon for example. They are creating art and because they are pure artists I am not crazy about everything they have made. The Big Lebowski and Miller's Crossing are perfection in my eyes, if you don't feel the same watch their other films and you may find a treasure or two of your own. What a film this is and thank you Joel and Ethan for daring to be different.