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Kingpin
1996 114 min United States of America PG-13 16+
★6.4
Comedy
Director: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
Trailers
Description
After bowler Roy Munson swindles the wrong crowd and is left with a hook for a hand, he settles into impoverished obscurity. That is, until he uncovers the next big thing: an Amish kid named Ishmael. So, the corrupt and the hopelessly naive hit the circuit intent on settling an old score with Big Ern.
Budget:
$27M
US Gross:
$25.02M
Worldwide:
$25.02M
Starring
Woody Harrelson
Actor
Randy Quaid
Actor
Bill Murray
Actor
Key opinion
Kingpin is widely regarded as a standout effort from the Farrelly brothers, praised for its memorable performances and unique blend of absurdity and heart. While some critics find the humor crude or uneven, many viewers appreciate it as a sharp, character-driven road comedy that transcends generic tropes.
| Acting | The lead ensemble—anchored by Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, and a scene-stealing Bill Murray—consistently elevates the material through memorable character work. | |
| Score | The soundtrack provides an atmospheric and effective accompaniment to the road trip sequences, enhancing the overall viewing experience. | |
| Humor | The humor is polarizing; some view it as sharp, inventive, and genuinely hilarious, while others find the reliance on crude or vulgar tropes distracting. | |
| Theme | The narrative subverts traditional sports comedy expectations by focusing on a protagonist who finds redemption and humility rather than a conventional, perfect victory. |