Kingpin (1996):

Starring:

Woody Harrelson - Roy Munson

Randy Quaid - Ishmael

Vanessa Angel - Claudia

Bill Murray - Ernie McCracken

Chris Elliott - The Gambler

William Jordan - Mr. Boorg

Richard Tyson - Owner Of Stiffy's

Lin Shaye - Landlady

Zen Gesner - Thomas

Prudence Wright Holmes - Mrs. Boorg

Director:

Bobby & Peter Farrelly (Dumb & Dumber; There's Something About Mary; Me, Myself & Irene)

Synopsis:

In the '70s, Roy Munsen (Woody Harrelson) was a bowling phenomenon. He was none too sharp about picking friends, though, and the champion he had to beat, "Big Ern," takes him under his supposedly friendly wing. Big Ern (Bill Murray) shows him the high-living lifestyle, and induces him to go on the road with him, hustling small-town bowlers. A couple of the men he bilks take exception to the scam, and show their displeasure with Roy by mangling his hand. Twenty years later, Roy (who now has a hook in place of his hand), earns his living as a salesman. On a visit to a bowling alley, he cannot help but notice the incredible talents of an Amish boy, Ishmael (Randy Quaid). Bowling is not part of the Amish lifestyle, but Ishmael occasionally sneaks into the bowling alley and plays a frame or two. Roy takes Ishmael under his wing, and together they begin a quest for bowling success.

Review:

Back when The Farrelly Brother's made good movies.... A comedy legend in Bill Murray & two very underrated comedians in Woody & Quaid. A cult favourite the world around. Who would have guessed that a man with a claw for a hand could team up with an Amish boy and take the bowling world by storm. A hilarious film lead by an incredible bad guy performance by Bill Murray. Holds up really well 12 years later. Laughed all the way through. A fucking ridicilous performance by Lin Shaye as Harrelson's landlady.

Budget: $27,000,000

Box Office: $25,023,434

Profit: -$1,976,566

Rotten Tomatoes: 50%

Flixster: 62%

82%

Lead Acting: 14/15

Supporting Cast: 12/15

Plot: 7/10

Compared To The Genre: 7/10

Cinematography: 14/20

Intrigue: 18/20

                                                                       Extra: 10/10