The Big Lebowski Reviews

The Dude Abides!

Many people saw his film as a disappointment upon its initial release following on from the hugely acclaimed Fargo but since then it has rightly claimed its place as one of the most popular Coen brothers films. This is largely due to the fact that this is a film that improves upon every viewing.

Neither before nor since have the Coens brought together so many wonderful characters in one movie. The film is anchored by possibly Jeff Bridges best ever performances as The Dude, a laid back, aging LA dropout with a taste for Credence. It really is an exceptional, perfectly timed and delivered comedic performance.

However this is backed up by a host of near perfect characters. John Goodman excels as the ‘Jewish’ Vietnam vet Walter who is partnered with Steve Buscemis bug eyed Donny. John Turturro delivers one of the greatest movie cameos ever as bowling Jesus. And as if that wasn’t enough you have top class turns by, among others, David Thewlis, Julianne Moore, Sam Elliott, Philip Seymour Hoffman and David Huddleston.

The script is certainly the Coen’s funniest (with so many quotable lines it would be an insult to single any out) but as always this is twinned with wonderful visual imagery, most notably in the brilliant trip sequence.

This is without a doubt one of the best comedies of the decade and personally one of my favourite films of all time. Unmissable.

Rubbish

Absolute rubbish, a couple of quite funny scene's. However not worth the 2 hours or so of your time. Awful ending to an awful plot. IF you like a poor slap-stick film then rent this. Not my preferred choice

Simply Amazing

The first time I saw this movie I just couldn't believe it. A real epic that rewards multiple viewing with nuances that don't become apparent until third or fourth time round.

I'm not a fan of Jeff Bridges or John Goodman but both are superb and totally plausible. My wife and kids are sick of hearing me repeat soundbites from this movie - 'Calmer than you are!'

Hey man, without a doubt this enters my top ten bowling movies.

The Coen brothers are relentlessly good a making films.

I passed it by in the video shop having seen other films of theirs, I think becuase John Goodman was on the cover and its fair to say has not got a great film track record, unless you are a particular fan of the flintstones, I thought it might be an also run part of their film portfolio.

Buts its not, he plays a suprisingly mad character in a whole hearted, funny film.

Bolwing plays a staring suprisingly sexy role.

Everyone in the film is a great character, particularly Jeff Bridges, with a fab beard, constantly smoking reffers, I don't know whether he had it written into his contract that he should be smoking and drink white russians in every scene.

The story is essentially about him failing to get too stress out in a drama that he get engulfed in surrouding a kidnapping and the missappropriation of a large sum of money.

overrated

Turgid, boring , rubbish. Rented because of the reputation and quickly wished I hadn't. Slow and boring for the first 60 minutes then I turned off, I'd had enough. Totally over-rated.

an undoubted classic

In ten years from now, when we're looking back at films which defined the nineties, "The Big Lebowski" will be one of those films.

I can see it now: ten best actors, ten best actressess, ten best films with funny hats, and ten best era-defining, genuinely funny and touching films of the decade, and there it will be with awe-inspiring performances and a killer script - "The Big Lebowski".

Watch it, or you will (seriously) be sorry...

DO NOT BOTHER WITH THIS ONE!

I like the Coen brothers, I like Jeff bridges, I even like comedies with a strong US feel to them, but this was a real disappoinment. Weak humour, too much aimless dialogue, shoddy performing, I have seen better school plays. Characters pathetically unreal and polarised to gain sympathy with and just plain toilet style humour. This really is not funny if you are over 12 years of age. I have spoken to friends who said they loved it but on questioning can't remember why. I think this is a film that it has become trendy to like. If you have a free thought in your head DO NOT BOTHER WITH THIS.

Dude Ive got a beverage here...

I have watched this dvd more than any other. funny enough to bring tears to my eyes. Every time i watch it i see something new.

Most people regard this as a 'stoners' movie but i definitely disagree. anyone with an open mind and a good sense of humour will enjoy this movie. a good one to watch with your mates and a few beers.

An inconsistant failure

I'm a great fan of the Coen brothers but this is definately their worst film so far. Perhaps it is the poor casting of Jeff Bridges, he is unconvincing as 'Dude'. All their films have an element of the surreal but somehow remain very convincing apart from the Big Lebowski. There is some great photography and the biker from hell is good fun but this is not a film I would recommnend.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Jeff Bridges was born to play this role. This is possibly my favourite Coen brothers movie. The ashes scattering scene is up there in my top 10 movie moments.