Review of The Big Lebowski (1998) by Drew O — 11 Nov 2012

One of my top ten favorite movies of all time, The Big Lebowski is a comedy that very few can stand up against. With some of the most hilarious dialog I've ever seen, and some of the funniest comedic performances ever from both Bridges and Goodman, there's nothing to do but consistently laugh out loud throughout the entire movie.

Bizarre and featuring a story that is enough to get laughs just from the description, the Coens are really at their best here. There's plenty of things that serve no purpose, but the talented Brother directing duo make it work, and make it work to perfection. What was the point of the entire "Gutterballs" sequence? Absolutely nothing, but it's hilarious and one of the best scenes from the movie.

All of the actors in the film also all give their personal best performances I've ever seen from them, the only exception might be Buscemi, who really doesn't do much and stands out more in films like Reservoir Dogs and shows like Boardwalk Empire. Goodman, however, gives such a great performance that I even feel that an Academy Award nomination wouldn't have been argued. Bridges is just as great as well as The Dude, as he perfectly forms into the character and really looks like all he wanted was his rug. And who can forget John Turturro, who was able to get so much out of Jesus without so little screen time. The unbelievably limited time he gets in the movie is the only thing wrong with it.

The Big Lebowski is one of the funniest films I've ever seen. Featuring the strangest and most memorable characters and some of the most quotable dialog ever written, this is a comedy masterpiece.

The Dude Abides!