The Coen Brothers' most entertaining film (some spoilers)

Rating: Null/10 (13 January 2001)

The Big Lebowski has got to be one of the funniest movies I've seen in a long time. The film centers on The Dude (Jeff Bridges), a White Russian drinking hippie/slacker who is seeking reparations for his soiled rug and is then ensnared in a sinister kidnapping scheme.
Although the convoluted plot makes less sense the more you think about it, where this film really shines is its ensemble of colorful characters, and much of its humor is derived from quirks in their personality. In an era where it seems most movie characters are nothing more than one dimensional cardboard cutouts, it is refreshing to see fully fleshed out characters in The Big Lebowski. A good example of this is The Dude's bowling buddy, Walter Sobchak (John Goodman). At first glance, he seems like a pretty shallow character, a boorish, belligerant loudmouth. He has no second thoughts about smashing up a Corvette or biting a nihilist's ear off to aid the Dude's quest. However when it comes to issues in his own life, he is rather powerless. Notice that when the flamboyant, trash talking bowler Jesus Quintata taunts Walter, he just sits meekly and takes the abuse. He takes care of his ex-wife's dog without any protest and is still observes her religion (Judiaism). Walter's character flaws in turn causes the normally mellow Dude to lose his cool.
Oh, look at me, I'm rambling again. This is just one fun movie to watch, with a message that just bumbling through life doing nothing isn't such a bad thing. Whenever I'm feeling down, watching it cheers right back up. Definitely recommended.