Kingpin (1996) Review: A Hilarious Sports Movie with Heart
Kingpin is a classic sports comedy movie released in 1996. Directed by the Farrelly brothers, the movie stars Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, and Bill Murray. It follows the story of an ex-professional bowler named Roy Munson, who lost his hand in a bowling accident and has to train an Amish prodigy named Ishmael to compete in a high-stakes bowling tournament. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the story, cast, and humor of Kingpin.
Story: A Tale of Redemption and Friendship
At its core, Kingpin is a story of redemption and friendship. Roy Munson is a washed-up bowler who has hit rock bottom. He lost his hand and his career, and he’s been hustling small-time bowling games to make ends meet. But when he meets Ishmael, a young Amish man with a natural talent for bowling, he sees an opportunity for a comeback. As they travel together to Reno, Nevada, to compete in a high-stakes bowling tournament, Roy and Ishmael form an unlikely friendship that transforms them both.
Cinematography: Bowling, Humor, and Heart
Kingpin is a sports movie that’s visually impressive. The cinematography captures the essence of bowling with precision. It shows the balls rolling down the lanes, the pins falling, and the reactions of the bowlers. The movie also has a great sense of humor that comes through in the visual gags and the hilarious scenes. The lighting and the sets are excellent, with the bowling alleys and the hotels looking authentic and lived-in. The movie also has a lot of heart, and the emotional scenes are captured beautifully.
Cast: A Stellar Performance by Woody Harrelson and Bill Murray
The cast of Kingpin is excellent, with Woody Harrelson giving a standout performance as Roy Munson. He perfectly captures the character’s desperation and vulnerability, and his comedic timing is on point. Randy Quaid is also excellent as Ishmael, bringing an earnestness and sincerity to the role. However, it’s Bill Murray’s performance as Ernie McCracken, a sleazy bowling legend, that steals the show. He’s hilarious and delivers some of the movie’s best lines.
Conclusion: Kingpin is a Classic Sports Comedy with Heart
Kingpin is a classic sports comedy movie that’s hilarious, heartwarming, and memorable. The story is engaging and the characters are well-developed. The humor is top-notch, with the Farrelly brothers delivering some of their best work. The movie also has a lot of heart, and the message of redemption and friendship resonates long after the credits roll. If you haven’t seen Kingpin yet, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Booze we had for the podcast
- Style: American Amber Lager
- ABV: 5.5%
- From: Alternate Ending Beer Co.
- Style: Double Dry Hopped Double IPA
- ABV: 7.2%
- From: 450 North Brewing Company
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