Here's a DVD that you'll want to put of your gift-giving list.

This is a lowlife, on-the-road, buddy-movie comedy featuring Sports, Satire and Slapstick. Kingpin is a humorous "escape from reality" movie that most any guy will like. This is a very simple film, with a simple storyline: Woody Harrelson plays a washed-out, former pro bowler who discovers an Amish farm hand (Randy Quaid) and trains him to compete in a $1 million bowling tournament in Reno, Nevada.


And who are you? Alfred Einstein?
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Kingpin (1996)
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, Vanessa Angel, and Bill Murray. Guest appearance by Chris Elliot.

In its original theatrical release, this movie was rated PG-13 and was edited down to 113 minutes in length. The DVD version, released in 1999, is four minutes longer (117 minutes) because some pretty outrageous R-rated scenes were added back to the film.

There are a lot of sight gags and jokes in this film, and I found something to laugh about during almost every minute. The movie plays "straight" in some parts so that they characters can be developed and so that the audience can accept the characters as authentic personalities and even develop sympathy for them.

Some of the humor is subtle -- there is not a joke in every line, but there is something to laugh about everywhere you look... just keep your eyes and ears open. Some of the greatest jokes lie below the surface and are not immediately obvious. Like, for instance, the time Bill Murray -- who plays a pro bowler, a scoundrel and a cheat -- orders a Tanqueray [gin] and Tab [soda] at a greasy-spoon diner while Woody Harrelson (Roy Munson) eats breakfast.

There are some funny lines delivered, such as: "Your act is about as fresh as a Foghat concert." Well, if you don't know the 1970's rock band, Foghat, that line might not be too funny. But, if you do, you'll find yourself laughing out loud.

Also, there is some coarse and ribald humor. Like the time Woody Harrelson comes back from the pasture after milking a cow. He, sporting a "milk mustache," is told by the old Amish farmer that "We don't have a cow." And, of course, the funniest part of the movie: Woody Harrelson's escapades in attempting to connive his landlady, avoid paying rent, and his ultimate submission to the greatest humiliation a man can ever suffer.

Again, unlike the original theatrical release and the VHS video cassette version of this film, the DVD is rated R. Additionally, the DVD features these value-added bonuses:

   » Widescreen (letterbox) and Standard (formatted for TV) versions

   » Original theatrical trailer.

   » Co-directors Peter & Bobby Farrelly provide commentary throughout the film (option; separate channel).

   » Extra footage not shown in theaters.

   » Additional production notes and film trivia.

   » Great soundtrack; movie scored by Freedy Johnston and includes some hit songs from his 1994 album, "This Perfect World."


Price and Availability
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I purchased this DVD at Borders [Books] for $11.99 -- that's a great price for a feature-packed DVD. This is a video that most men will enjoy -- few can resist its ribald, low brow humor.


Recommendations
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This is a classic comedy film, one that I proudly added to my collection of comedy masterpieces like Fargo and The Big Lebowski (by Joel and Ethan Coen).

Rated "R" for some crude sex-related humor, I don't recommend this film for kids under the age of 16. Most women will find this film disgusting and offensive. My wife hated it. I loved it. My brother loved it. Most guys that I know who have seen it... found something to love about it as well. Maybe its the bowling humor, the wild comb-over bald-headed guy humor, or just the plain, sexy good looks of the leading lady -- played by Vanessa Angel.

The Farrelly brothers have put out some funny films, and this one is one of their best. Other feature films that you may also want to consider:

Dumb and Dumber
(1994, starring Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels. Not one of my favorites.)

There's Something About Mary
(1998, starring Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz. A classic.)


Verdict: 4-stars. A comedy classic. There is something new and funny to see every time you watch it. Be sure to listen to the commentary that Peter and Bobby Farrelly provide for some additional behind-the-scenes details.


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age