Movie Review: Kingpin

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If you like the 90’s comedy genre, then this movie is for you.  Kingpin was directed by the Farrelly brothers (the same ones who directed Dumb and Dumber), released in 1996, and has that classic 90’s comedy feel to it.  It’s one of those light-hearted, fun comedy films that takes you for a very enjoyable ride over the course of its 114 minute run-time.  Starring a great cast of characters (Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, Bill Murray, and Vanessa Angel), each character plays their part perfectly, giving way to many memorable quotes and scenes.

The plot mostly centers around Roy Munson (Woody Harrelson) as he looks to begin a very promising bowling career after becoming an Iowa state legend.  That is, until an unfortunate injury leaves him incapable from fulfilling his dreams.  Living a dull life in Scranton, Pennsylvania, barely able to pay rent, he runs across Ishmael Boorg (Randy Quaid), who he believes is the next bowling phenomenon with the extra coaching of Munson, of course.  Munson’s ulterior motive, however, is to use Ishmael to win the $1 million bowling tournament in Reno, Nevada, split it 50-50 with Ishmael, and finally be able to pay his rent.  There’s just one big problem: Ishmael is Amish and isn’t even supposed to be sneaking out bowling, much less go all the way to Reno to bowl for money.

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But when the family farm Ishmael lives on with his entire Amish family is about to be foreclosed unless they can come up with a half million dollars, Ishmael quickly changes his mind about the Reno trip, as he wants to be the family hero.  Roy and Ishmael embark on a journey across America that includes a lot of laughs as Ishmael gets accustomed to the English world he never knew.  They gamble, drink, smoke, and run into all sorts of hilarious situations, especially for the unaware Amish Ishmael.  They meet Claudia (Vanessa Angel), the attractive woman who anxiously joins the journey and further complicates things for Roy, but is loved by Ishmael.

              Of course things in Reno don’t quite go according to plan, and the famous Ernie McCracken (Bill Murray) is also standing in the way of the $1 million prize.  McCracken is a professional bowler as well, along with being Roy’s old nemesis, and a great character.  Bill Murray plays his part to perfection, as he creates an unlikeable, but hilarious character to combat Roy and Ishmael in the big tournament.

Everything about this movie is enjoyable and takes you back to the golden age of comedy (in my opinion) of the 1990s.  The characters are a huge asset to this movie because, aside from all being played by very talented actors, they are all so different from each other and must learn to work together to reach one common goal.  Woody Harrelson’s character is one that many can relate to being an ordinary average guy just barely making it by in life, Randy Quaid as an Amish character is brilliant, Vanessa Angel is the attractive female that only would be hanging around those two guys in a movie plot, and Bill Murray does what Bill Murray always does, which is play an awesome and memorable character.

Kingpin is a must watch movie for everyone, especially fans of comedy.  90’s comedy is just different but in a very good way.  The humor is a type all its own.  It’s not on the same level as Dumb and Dumber, but it’s in the same ballpark, and  it’s one of those movies everyone should watch at least once, but they are probably going to want to watch it several times.

Rating: 4.5/5

Garett