sometimes there's a man, well, he's just the man for his time and place

Rating: 10/10 (21 May 2002)

Hilarious. The Coen brothers put together a comic gem involving Jeff `The Dude' Lebowski, played masterfully by Jeff Bridges, as an un-employed, white-russian sipping bum who, only wanting retribution for his soiled rug, stumbles into a kidnapping-ransom scenario that has several twists and turns. Along for the ride are Walter (John Goodman), his high-strung Vietnam veteran bowling buddy, Maude (Julianne Moore), the ultra-feminist daughter of another Jeff Lebowski (this one a millionaire, and who's wife it is that is kidnappedif this sounds a bit confusing, well, just watch the movie and it'll all make sense), a pornstar, and a group of nihilists. Oh, and John Turturro is uproarious as Jesus, Walter and Dude's bowling rival.

What makes this movie so good is not the story itself, but rather how the hapless Dude and Walter stumble around, changing allegiances and theories as to what happened to the `Big' Lebowski's wife (again, just watch the movie). The back-and-forths between Walter, the Dude, and Donny (their 3rd bowling partner) are wonderfully written and delivered. The dream sequences are great (Saddam Hussein handing out bowling shows? Priceless) and the soundtrack is excellent.
This movie is a classic among college and high school guys, and I'm sure you'll realize why when you see it. All in all, a well written, acted, directed, and funny film.