Sheer comedic brilliance.

Rating: 10/10 (3 September 2002)

The Brothers Coen might be the only filmmakers in the world who could put out a comedy caper about a middle-aged unemployed stoner, his war-obsessed best friend, a paraplegic millionaire, his feminist sister, soiled rugs, an eccentric pornographer, a gang of 3 German nihilists late of a techno-rock band, and a trophy wife moonlighting as a porn actress and actually make it work.
Bridges, Goodman, and Buscemi are as great as would be expected. Kudos also to the terrific Swedish actor Peter Stormare in his 2nd go-round with Joel and Ethan Coen. His screen time is minimal but memorable.
As others have mentioned, be sure to give TBL at least 2 viewings before passing judgment on it. I saw it for the first time when it first came out. I found it to be only average at the time. Years later, a friend was howling about some of the great dialogue and urged me to give it another chance. I'm glad that he did.
The plot is certainly contrived. But it's a character and dialogue driven comedy. TBL may be the most quotable film of the last 10 years, if not of all time. The writing, cinematography, soundtrack, acting, and direction are all perfectly executed.
RATING: 10/10. Definitely not to be missed or seen only once.