The Big Lebowski

The Big Lebowski, directed by Joel Coen, is a movie that I would have probably never seen if my friends didn't make me watch it the other night. I never even heard of the movie before. To my surprise I thought it was very amusing. The comedy in this movie is more laid back, and the characters are extremely believable in that they aren't even trying to be funny.

This film stars Jeff Bridges who plays "The Dude," a stoner in his 40's who's real name is Jeffrey Lebowski. One day when The Dude is going to the bathroom two thugs break into his apartment and start to beat him up. However, the robbers mistaken The Dude for millionaire Jeffrey Lebowski (David Huddleston) who also happens to live in the same town. After the thugs realize they have the wrong guy they proceed to pee on The Dude's rug and leave. The Dude is extremely upset that the thugs just ruined his favorite carpet which "brings the room together." All he knows he is not going to be the one to pay for his carpet, so he finds someone that will.

The Dude finds Jeffrey Lebowski (who the robbers were really looking for) and tells him about the thugs. The Dude does not care what Lebowski got himself into, he just wants a new rug. After The Dude gets into a huge fight with Lebowski he leaves his office and tells Lebowski's employee's that he was told he could have any rug in the house.

Later when The Dude is home he receives a phone call from Lebowski asking for his help. Lebowski tells The Dude that his wife, Bunny (Tara Reid) was "kidnapped" and asks for him to deliver one million dollars to the crooks in order to find out if they are the same men who peed on his rug. The Dude and his partner in crime, Walter (John Goodman) are dragged through a wild adventure that they never expected. All because The Dude is mistaken for the towns millionaire, he encounters mission he never wanted to be a part of. All he wanted was a new rug for his run down apartment.

This film was made in 1998, which is probably why I have never heard of it before. The acting in this movie is very out of place for the actors, but I could not think of anyone else better to play these roles. It is a hilarious comedy that I highly recommend.

Check out the trailer below.