Reviews

I've watched many documentaries about our country's disastrous drug war, and about marijuana specifically, and this one is easily the best. Fact-based, extremely informative, high production value, great interviews, entertaining presentation; nothing was missed here.

The film certainly is not ambivalent about our current marijuana policies; the message is clear that drastic changes are called-for. However, it does not present this case dogmatically or condescendingly. Also, this piece is not simply a case against the drug war. Around halfway into the film, the focus narrows down onto the incredibly huge illicit marijuana business in British Columbia. In fact, the movie's title refers to an informal name used to identify the various industries and individuals involved, either knowingly or unknowingly, in the marijuana business in BC. Very enlightening stuff that I was largely unaware of, even with the amount of interest I have in the topic.

The only downside is the relative lack of exposure this film has had; I had never even heard of it until very recently, even though it was released in 2007. However, it is available on Netflix (both on disc and instant streaming), and hopefully people will slowly discover this hidden masterpiece. Highly recommended.

I almost gave up on this movie after 15 or 20 minutes. The characters are weird, the plot is weak, and the production value isn't all that impressive. However, the movie does start to pick up, and there are some genuinely funny parts. They kept the length reasonable, making this movie worth watching once.

I will say that I was expecting some more stoner comedy. For some reason -- maybe because they didn't want to be labeled a "stoner comedy" -- they shy away from any actual on-screen smoking (even though they already had an R rating). The plot revolves around trying to find a crop of weed, but most of the humor has nothing to do with the sweet herb. It's mostly just a bunch of weird dudes who are down on their luck looking to get paid.

All in all, I would call it decent. Not hilarious, but not unwatchable either.

I'll start by saying I wasn't offended because of any raunchy or debauched stuff. I am not sensitive at all when it comes to sex humor or any sort of sophomoric low-brow stuff. If it's funny, I like it.

That's the problem though: this piece of crap movie simply was NOT FUNNY!!! It's just a stupid, worthless collection of "this is how crazy college guys live" stereotypes, with a truly cringe-worthy love story slapped on top. I don't think there was a single line that I found interesting or unique in any way.

Again, I am the last guy to be offended by anything "explicit". But I am offended when formulaic BS crap is passed off as comedy.

There's not much that can be said about "The Big Lebowski" that hasn't already been said. Not only is it a hilarious tale of mistaken identity and personal greed, but it is a landmark film in terms of style, character, and philosophy. It is on a very short list of truly essential films from the 1990's, and stands up to as many viewings as you choose to throw at it.

One particular shining star is the main character, Jeffery "The Dude" Lebowski, played by Jeff Bridges. A perfect embodiment of the slacker lifestyle combined with the Zen mentality, The Dude carries the picture as the unfortunate victim of external events ("All The Dude ever wanted was his rug back"). Full of hilarious lines and deadpan reactions, Bridges ensures that no scene is without insight and comedy (even Donny's "funeral").

John Goodman is also a high point, turning in what is probably the best performance of his career as Walter Sobchak. A Vietnam vet holding a grudge against the rest of the world, Walter lends his unique form of support to The Dude. The scene with Walter substituting a "ringer" for the ransom money is one of the greatest few minutes of film I have ever seen. Goodman really dives into the character, delivering the little idiosyncrasies that lend unquestioned authenticity to the character.

There are plenty of other notable performances, including Steve Buschemi as the slow-witted Donny and Philip Seymour Hoffman as the tight-assed Brandt. The Cohen brothers spun a true masterpiece with this movie, one that seems only to become better as the years pass. A must-watch for any film fan.