I searched for this thread, high and low, and could not find. It took the massive search abilities of a mod to find this thing.
I watched the movie for the first time, last night. Yes, I've been a "The Big Lebowski" virgin for 11 years.
First of all, I have NO idea what the big deal is about the movie. There was nothing remarkable, groundbreaking, or awesome about it. The only thing awesome about the film is that some of the characters are based off of real people the Coen Brothers knew. That's pretty flippin' sweet.
I must say, I've been let down again. I was expecting some awesome hilarity that made my sides hurt. I didn't get that. The funniest part of the film is when Donnie approaches Walter and tells him that the next tournie meet is on Friday. Walter immediately responds with his usual, "Shut the f*ck up, Donnie...wait, what? Friday?" And then goes into his diatribe. That was pretty funny. I also got a laugh when Walter was beating the shit out of what he thought was Larry Sellers car. I found it quite funny as he screamed, "this is what happens when you f*ck someone in the ass, Larry!" And then, there's this part where John Goodman does this quick little step run thingie before he smashes out the head light. I don't know why, but that was really funny.
Other than that, the comedy was flat and recycled. The story was predictable as soon as Maude tells The Dude that her father withdrew the money from the foundation (though, to the Coen Brothers' credit, I think that was intentional as the watcher is supposed to get pissed at the characters being douche-bag idiots.) The story was annoying, and the characters were frustratingly stupid. I get that people find that funny (Michael Scott, is an example of this.), but I don't.
If I didn't know any better, I'd say that some of the people that recommended this movie to me as an absolute MUST SEE had crappy taste. But some of those same people call Animal House a comedy legend....and that it is. The Big Lebowski most definitely is not.
Please, can someone explain this cult following?
Spoiler:
Also, my internet screen name was original, "TheDudeMan." A line spoken be Jeff Lebowski as follows, "...I'm 'The Dude,' man." A coincidence, only, but I found it interesting.
I give the film a 5 out of 10...but I'm leaning towards a 4.
AT DDM:
----------------------------------------------------
Possible reason that you were disappointed : You were lookin' for a "side splitting " comedy. Wrong way to go into this film. What you did was like going and renting Big Trouble In Little China expecting to see an "on the edge of your seat" action movie, then saying the movie was shit. I love The Big Lebowski but would never describe it as "side splitting" material.
Another possible reason : this movie just isn't your taste. The The Big Lebowski is all about dialogue and characters, that's all it has, man. The story itself is orginal , IMO, but I suppose some can dismiss it as shit. If you hate well written odd-ball characters and subtly-funny tongue in cheek (best way I can discribe it) dialogue, of course you'll not think much about this movie.
From what you have posted in other threads, you adore the Dark Knight, and think it's "legendary" (I think it's the most overrated film of all time--mediocre at best) I think that explains why you dislike The Big Lebowski movie -- not your bag of chips.
Originally posted by dadudemonThat's just like... your opinion, man.
I searched for this thread, high and low, and could not find. It took the massive search abilities of a mod to find this thing.I watched the movie for the first time, last night. Yes, I've been a "The Big Lebowski" virgin for 11 years.
First of all, I have NO idea what the big deal is about the movie. There was nothing remarkable, groundbreaking, or awesome about it. The only thing awesome about the film is that some of the characters are based off of real people the Coen Brothers knew. That's pretty flippin' sweet.
I must say, I've been let down again. I was expecting some awesome hilarity that made my sides hurt. I didn't get that. The funniest part of the film is when Donnie approaches Walter and tells him that the next tournie meet is on Friday. Walter immediately responds with his usual, "Shut the f*ck up, Donnie...wait, what? Friday?" And then goes into his diatribe. That was pretty funny. I also got a laugh when Walter was beating the shit out of what he thought was Larry Sellers car. I found it quite funny as he screamed, "this is what happens when you f*ck someone in the ass, Larry!" And then, there's this part where John Goodman does this quick little step run thingie before he smashes out the head light. I don't know why, but that was really funny.
Other than that, the comedy was flat and recycled. The story was predictable as soon as Maude tells The Dude that her father withdrew the money from the foundation (though, to the Coen Brothers' credit, I think that was intentional as the watcher is supposed to get pissed at the characters being douche-bag idiots.) The story was annoying, and the characters were frustratingly stupid. I get that people find that funny (Michael Scott, is an example of this.), but I don't.
If I didn't know any better, I'd say that some of the people that recommended this movie to me as an absolute MUST SEE had crappy taste. But some of those same people call Animal House a comedy legend....and that it is. The Big Lebowski most definitely is not.
Please, can someone explain this cult following?
Spoiler:
Also, my internet screen name was original, "TheDudeMan." A line spoken be Jeff Lebowski as follows, "...I'm 'The Dude,' man." A coincidence, only, but I found it interesting.I give the film a 5 out of 10...but I'm leaning towards a 4.
Originally posted by Blinky
AT DDM:
----------------------------------------------------
Possible reason that you were disappointed : You were lookin' for a "side splitting " comedy. Wrong way to go into this film. What you did was like going and renting Big Trouble In Little China expecting to see an "on the edge of your seat" action movie, then saying the movie was shit. I love The Big Lebowski but would never describe it as "side splitting" material.Another possible reason : this movie just isn't your taste. The The Big Lebowski is all about dialogue and characters, that's all it has, man. The story itself is orginal , IMO, but I suppose some can dismiss it as shit. If you hate well written odd-ball characters and subtly-funny tongue in cheek (best way I can discribe it) dialogue, of course you'll not think much about this movie.
From what you have posted in other threads, you adore the Dark Knight, and think it's "legendary" (I think it's the most overrated film of all time--mediocre at best) I think that explains why you dislike The Big Lebowski movie -- not your bag of chips.
Thank you very much for you input. I really appreciate this type of intelligent feedback. I think I understand where I went wrong. Backfire gave this movie a strong recommendation and I must say that no movie Backfire spoke highly of has ever earned less than a 7 from me.
I was just...let down and disappointed. I was rather excited to see the film because of the rave from people on here I trust input from. (i.e. Robtard, RJ, Backfire, Sadako, etc.)
The Dark Knight IS legendary, but not my all time favorite. I would put Inglorious Bastards ahead of TDK in my all time favorite list.
Originally posted by Robtard
Characters, dialogue and how they all interact with each other is brilliant.Just as a point of reference, what are your three favorite movies/movies you think are exceptional?
Hmm. I disagree. At times it was entertaining...but altogether, it was a tad annoying and repetitive.
That'd be hard to say, really. I did list some movies that made my "9's" list to Sadako. I'll just post them here from my Netflix list.
Donnie Darko
Dark City
Batman Begins
Dark Knight
Inglorious Bastards
Equilibrium
Gladiator
Star Wars (all 6 earned 9s)
Matrix (all 3 earned 9)
The Bourne Identity
The Bourne Supremacy
Gattaca
The Count of Monte Cristo (I really really really like revenge flicks.)
Paparazzi (I really really really like revenge flicks.)
Hot Rod. (One of the funniest movies I've seen.)
The Incredibles.
The Inside Man.
The Island. (My wife and I watched it on our first date...so it's special.)
Les Miserables
Minority Report.
That's not all of them. That's just the first 20 or so from my top netflix ratings.
This is a movie where expectations can backfire on you. The comedy is very slight and nuanced and easy to miss. It's by no means a side splitter.
It's just very quotable. It's a movie that really grew on me after some time and after a few viewings. The characters are in my opinion very likeable and it's just fun to watch them. Especially Walter, he's pure gold.
Originally posted by dadudemon
Thank you very much for you input. I really appreciate this type of intelligent feedback. I think I understand where I went wrong. Backfire gave this movie a strong recommendation and I must say that no movie Backfire spoke highly of has ever earned less than a 7 from me.I was just...let down and disappointed. I was rather excited to see the film because of the rave from people on here I trust input from. (i.e. Robtard, RJ, Backfire, Sadako, etc.)
Donnie Darko
Dark City
Batman Begins
Dark Knight
Inglorious Bastards
Equilibrium
Gladiator
Star Wars (all 6 earned 9s)
Matrix (all 3 earned 9)
The Bourne Identity
The Bourne Supremacy
Gattaca
The Count of Monte Cristo (I really really really like revenge flicks.)
Paparazzi (I really really really like revenge flicks.)
Hot Rod. (One of the funniest movies I've seen.)
The Incredibles.
The Inside Man.
The Island. (My wife and I watched it on our first date...so it's special.)
Les Miserables
Minority Report.
An unusual list to say the least. I always thought that Donnie Darko was a film that mainstream filmgoers refer to as complicated and mature when most people that say that clearly haven't even heard of some of the most complicated and difficult films to penetrate beyond the surface. Primer is the perfect example. It even says on the dvd case "Donnie Darko for grown ups".
If you "really really really" like revenge movies then I suggest you get this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vAk3Og3HLA
It's cheap but it's absolutely astounding.
In the context of the entire movie this is probably one of the most touching scenes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sRwUFob18A&feature=related
As for the rest of them...A few that are badly underrated (Gattaca and Equilibrium) and some that are so far overrated it is utterly disgraceful that people fall for the hype. (Dark Knight)
A few I would recommend you see if you haven't already would be the two mentioned already plus
Casshern
Sympathy for Mr Vengence (along with the other 2 in the vengence trilogy...most people know Oldboy but now Lady vengence and Mr vengence)
eXistenZ
Mullholland Drive
Originally posted by dadudemon
I searched for this thread, high and low, and could not find. It took the massive search abilities of a mod to find this thing.I watched the movie for the first time, last night. Yes, I've been a "The Big Lebowski" virgin for 11 years.
First of all, I have NO idea what the big deal is about the movie. There was nothing remarkable, groundbreaking, or awesome about it. The only thing awesome about the film is that some of the characters are based off of real people the Coen Brothers knew. That's pretty flippin' sweet.
I must say, I've been let down again. I was expecting some awesome hilarity that made my sides hurt. I didn't get that. The funniest part of the film is when Donnie approaches Walter and tells him that the next tournie meet is on Friday. Walter immediately responds with his usual, "Shut the f*ck up, Donnie...wait, what? Friday?" And then goes into his diatribe. That was pretty funny. I also got a laugh when Walter was beating the shit out of what he thought was Larry Sellers car. I found it quite funny as he screamed, "this is what happens when you f*ck someone in the ass, Larry!" And then, there's this part where John Goodman does this quick little step run thingie before he smashes out the head light. I don't know why, but that was really funny.
Other than that, the comedy was flat and recycled. The story was predictable as soon as Maude tells The Dude that her father withdrew the money from the foundation (though, to the Coen Brothers' credit, I think that was intentional as the watcher is supposed to get pissed at the characters being douche-bag idiots.) The story was annoying, and the characters were frustratingly stupid. I get that people find that funny (Michael Scott, is an example of this.), but I don't.
If I didn't know any better, I'd say that some of the people that recommended this movie to me as an absolute MUST SEE had crappy taste. But some of those same people call Animal House a comedy legend....and that it is. The Big Lebowski most definitely is not.
Please, can someone explain this cult following?
Spoiler:
Also, my internet screen name was original, "TheDudeMan." A line spoken be Jeff Lebowski as follows, "...I'm 'The Dude,' man." A coincidence, only, but I found it interesting.I give the film a 5 out of 10...but I'm leaning towards a 4.
And that is why you fail. But seriously, the first time I saw it I thought it was just an okay movie. It wasn't until a few years later that I watched it again and realized that it is a rare gem, pure comedy genius. And yes, it is side splitting.
This is genius:
About Donnie Darko, that movie was somewhat confusing to me, probably somewhat more than Primer which I think is down to me not having any knowledge about it. As far as I can tell there's little implication about what we are seeing, while Primer more goes out saying "look dude, this is about time machines, think about time travel, k? on with the movie then" I'd say Primer is a more challenging movie though and I did enjoy it more than Donnie Darko (which was also good), but I think confusing people is not that hard if you don't tell them shit, while Primer was narrated nicely all the way through the concept was just more sophisticated.
Originally posted by Kovacs86
This is genius:
QUINCE
Hail, masters! I crave thine able readiness
To be dealt with roughly, as the Sodomites.
For men of sport have noted that our play
In semifinal hour draws on apace.
By Jove! I’ll wager well, Liam and me,
To thrash thee soundly at the fair tourney.
THE KNAVE
Yea, well, that be, forsooth, thy opinion, sir. 😆