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Now cemented as a cult classic there was a time when hardly anyone saw this movie, critics shrugged it off as virtually meaningless, and it was considered a massive step down from the Coen Brothers previous film (Fargo). They sure have changed their tune since then.
I'm glad to say i was one of those chumps sitting in a near empty theater in my teen years ready and willing to drink in what else the lauded duo had to offer and, boy, I was smitten.
On it's surface, it does seem somewhat expendable at first as we follow an aging flower child with zero aspirations other than to bowl, listen to the Creedence, and smoke weed. But looks are deceiving. This is no stoner flick or lowbrow comedy. Instead we get an eccentric and wild ride through the lives of the laughably banal and the eccentrically privileged as our reluctant hero is thrown in the midst of a kidnap plot because of a simple case of mistaken identity (and a stolen rug, no less).
The more astute will note that the film's structure owes heavily to film noir films of old and even shows hints of influence from neo-westerns, musicals, and mistaken identity films. These conceits are made all the more enjoyable when packaged in the big ball of the utterly mundane that is our hero's life.
The cast of characters is massive and every single one is memorable and beloved by fans. The art of line delivery is on full display as almost every line is a quotable affair. The soundtrack is one of the absolute best (and unique). The direction purposely outdoes itself considering the material at hand to great effect.
Most importantly, the film is hilarious in the most satisfying way and I'm glad it's earned it's place (and then some). This has been a favorite of mine for two decades now. Not a year passes without me seeing it a handful of times and it never gets old. Love this movie.
