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paulettepaglia
Reviews
Kingpin (1996)
Don't Get "Munsoned" - Watch This Movie!
This movie is, without a doubt, one of the most hilarious movies ever made. It's a real shame that it was released during the Olympics, it wasn't promoted very much (if at all) but thankfully it became a cult classic through cable.
I didn't see it until about 10 years after it hit the theatres. It was the day after a blizzard. My husband yelled, "What!? You never saw Kingpin!?" I immediately sat down and with zero expectations, watched it and laughed my butt off!
Casting is superlative: Woody, Bill, Lin Shay (landlady), Quaid, Vanessa Angel (Claudia), and so many other wonderful character actors - perfect in their roles.
I also found the cinematography beautiful - seriously. Yes it's a comedy but the cinematography is really wonderful. Great music too! This all means it's a movie with solid direction.
Plus the Farrelly brothers had a fantastic script from which to work. (Imho, a movie's success is 50% script - at least.) This script is so solidly hilarious, I put it up there with Some Like It Hot, Ground Hog Day, Young Frankenstein, Clueless, Stepbothers, Anchorman, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Caddyshack, Ferris Bueler's Day Off, A Fish Called Wanda, This is Spinal Tap and The Life of Brian.
Kingpin should really be re-released in theatres. It didn't get the love it deserved in 1996. I think 2026 directors' cut would be FANTASTIC!
In the mean time, don't get Munsoned, watch it NOW!
The Brothers Karamazov (1958)
Beautiful Film Which Deserves Higher Rating
The Brothers Karamazov is a beautiful film with a solid script taking the most important parts of Dostoevsky's novel from the page to the screen.
Gorgeous cinematography with many scenes photograhed like paintings - the use of lighting is absolutely genius.
There's brilliant acting all-around from well-known actors to the unknown (the actor playing the dying little boy was perfect casting).
Realistic set designs from lush wealthy to charming middle-class to impoverished interiors - each setting evocative. Beautiful costumes (especially Claire Bloom's gowns) & wonderful gypsy music.
It's incredible to me that this fantastic film does not have a higher IMDB rating.