Big Lebowski, The MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +1 1/2 Content: -3

Jeff Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) is a victim of mistaken identity. Thugs beat up on him thinking he's the rich millionaire Lebowski, instead of the unemployed, dope smoking bowler also known as The Dude. After the thugs urinate on The Dude's rug, he goes in search of his wealthy namesake in hopes of getting a replacement for the soiled carpet. The rich Lebowski's beautiful young wife has been kidnapped, so he asks The Dude to deliver the ransom money. When The Dude and his bowling buddy, Walter (John Goodman) hop in an old car, they drive into mayhem. They meet a bevy of oddball characters including some machine gun-toting German nilhists, a cowboy (Sam Elliot), a crazy feminist artist (Julianne Moore), and a notorious pornographer (Ben Gazzara). Several times when The Dude is hit on the head he has visions that include outrageous musical sequences in the old 1930's style. The cast will have some box office draw, but only die-hard Coen fans (FARGO) will find comedy in the film and see it again.

The Dude is a selfish lazy man whose "take it easy" philosophy colors everything he does -- but he is loyal to his bowling buddies. The rich Lebowski's wife is a young bikini-clad bimbo. She issues an obscene invitation to The Dude, before she learns his name. Maude, the crazy artist, is also a sex obsessed female whose dialogue is salted with anatomical terms and crude phrases. She seduces The Dude with the intent of having his child. The film does contain several views of rear male and female breast nudity. But in addition to the sexual content, the film is extremely violent -- German nilhists chase The Dude with guns, Walter beats a car with a bat, The Dude's head is stuffed in a toilet, a woman's toe is cut off, and a man's ear is bitten off. The dialogue is constantly punctuated with objectionable phrases. The blatant sexuality, drug abuse, violence, and constant foul language are disgusting and will cause a discerning audience to skip it.

Preview Reviewer: Theresa Zumwalt
Distributor: Gramercy Pictures, 9333 Wilshire Boulevard, Bevery Hills, CA 90210