Hysterical stuff...

Rating: 10/10 (1 June 2004)

KINGPIN is an early highwater-mark for the current kings of filmed comedy, the Farrelly Brothers. While DUMB AND DUMBER is probably their best, (and possibly the funniest film of the 1990s), KINGPIN might be the Farrelly's silver medalist. The pitch alone is worth a laugh: a one-handed bowler (crippled by thugs after a fixed bowling game!) takes on an Amish protege and heads to Reno for the national tournament. And the cast elevates this ridiculous premise to comedy-heaven. Woody Harrelson gives a hilarious performance in the lead, and his character is surprisingly well-rounded. And Bill Murray has never been better than as the smarmy Ernie McCracken; he steals every scene he's in without breaking a sweat.