Prime Video just got one of the best comedy movies of all time – and it has 93% on Rotten Tomatoes
I’ve got information, man. One of the funniest comedy movies of all time is now available on Prime Video. And it’s not just The Dude who thinks so; Rotten Tomatoes agrees, giving the film a 93% rating – exceptionally high for a comedy.
The Big Lebowski is without a doubt a timeless classic, so if you’re looking for a brilliantly written and acted comedy-noir musical, this one should be at the top of your (admittedly probably quite short) list.
The Coen brothers and Jeff Bridges brought out the best in each other for this 1998 release, and the film quickly became a cult classic with fans around the world reveling in its abundance of quotable lines and visual slapstick humor. If you’ve seen it once, you’ve probably seen it a few times – to say it’s worth repeat viewings would be an understatement.
Overwhelmed by the cast
As mentioned, this film was written and directed by the legendary Coen brothers, Ethan and Joel. Actors often want to work with them when they announce a new project, so we can look forward to an all-star cast, many of whom will appear in subsequent Coen brothers films.
As such, we have Jeff Bridges (Tron) leads this comedy as The Dude – yes, that is his name in the credits and also in the film. Alongside him are John Goodman (Barton Fink, 10 Cloverfield Lane) and Steve Buscemi (Reservoir Dogs, Fargo, Boardwalk Empire), who form our main trio and, very importantly, the bowling team.
They face the hilarious Jesus Quintana, played by John Turturro (Transformers) participated in a bowling competition that forms a memorable, albeit small, part of the sprawling story.
The Dude is a slacker from LA who is forced to solve an incredible mystery of mistaken identity after his house is attacked by unknown assailants. The film takes us on a journey through the seedy side of California as Bridges and his bowling buddies try to get to the bottom of the mystery and emerge victorious, one way or another.
The Big Lebowski Also featured is a young Philip Seymor Hoffman (Capote, The Master, Moneyball), Julianne Moore (Boogie Nights, The Hours, The Hunger Games) and even Flea by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
Thanks to the increasingly absurd plot lines and scenes, every character sticks in your memory. The whole thing is held together by the literal script and our lovable stoner hero, played so masterfully by Bridges.
Made on a relatively small budget of $15 million, the film grossed over $47 million at the box office and has no doubt made a lot more since then thanks to DVD and Blu-ray sales and now streaming rights. There are also a number of regular “IRL” themed tributes to the film and a busy Reddit forum dedicated to remembering the film, such is its impact.
As Walter tells us, life doesn’t begin and end when it suits you – but you can watch The Big Lebowski this weekend with ease. And whether you’ve never seen the film before or have seen it multiple times, we think it’s always an ideal weekend movie – and it’s free for Prime Video subscribers. Don’t want to miss out? You can sign up for a free trial anytime. Awesome, man.
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