Wow, dude, you have to see this movie!!

Rating: 10/10 (8 January 2003)

This film is a masterpiece of frivolity, invention and homage. Although Bridges is superb as the dude, the deadbeat 90s reincarnation of the film noir detectives of yesteryear, and the setpieces are truly memorable, the show is stolen by Goodman's ferocious Vietnam vet. He manages to play the frustration of paranoia and impotence within the constraints of compassion and, above all, loyalty. Hijacking the dude's every move, he muscles in on the chance to escape the boredom of his provincial life and glowers through the entire movie.
Of course, these are not the only notable performances from the Coens' familiar cast. The film is helped by a host of SUPERB supporting performances (Buscemi's put-upon bowling pal, Turturro's latino pederast and the awkward PSH particularly spring to mind) - and the script is just amazing. This film is destined to become a classic.
It is punctuated with moments of genius (from the best golfing gag ever through the North by Northwest pencil tracing homage, and the most painful "hit in the face with..." scene on film) and beautifully shot throughout (the bowling ballet opening sequence and Jesus' Hotel California are a joy to behold). And the narrator could not have been better chosen.
The film does maybe lack the melancholic, disciplined humour of Fargo, but it is just as good a film in other respects.
I recommend you buy, rent or steal a copy right now and enjoy yourself thoroughly!!!