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Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critics What's this?

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Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

  • Starring: Bill Murray, Randy Quaid, Woody Harrelson
  • Summary: Woody Harrelson and Randy Quaid portray a mismatched duo intent on conning their way to a bowling tournament in Reno, Nevada. (MGM)
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 14
  2. Negative: 5 out of 14
  1. 88
    Some of the gags don't work, and yet I laughed at the Farrellys' audacity in trying them. And the humor isn't just gags and punch lines, but one accomplished comic performance after another.
  2. Reviewed by: Mike Clark
    75
    Potty humor to spare. [26 July 1996, p. D4]
  3. Reviewed by: Caroline Westbrook
    60
    As a barrel of easy, unsophisticated laughs, Kingpin delivers in spades.
  4. 38
    The really disgusting thing about this movie isn't the crude jokes themselves, but how grossly unfunny they all are.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. KenD.
    10
    You know what? I don't care about what the whole universe may say negatively about this movie. This is one of my favorite 'underdog' films of all time. The fact that this film is also funny is actually BESIDE the point for me. This movie is an inspiration to anyone who wakes up one day and finds themselves ten years past their 'prime', not where they planned to be ten years prior, and totally 'Munsoned'~ but still choose to refuse to give up on life. Of all the critics Ebert was the only one who really got it right this time. Expand
  2. Gnarles
    9
    Maybe I just have an awful sense of humor, but I don't see how anyone can think Kingpin is anything less than a total riot - and this is coming from a person who thinks that Adam Sandler movies are about as amusing as waking up to find your entire family murdered and your tires slashed. Luckily, a few big-name critics are on board with me for my love of this nasty, inspired idiot's epic. Harrelson is simply incredible, bravely throwing himself into this despicable part and making himself look awful at every turn. As his nemesis, Bill Murray might be the first actor to ever be upstaged by his own hair. A classic that has only improved with age. Expand
  3. Tim
    8
    Don't take this too seriously. Very left of centre humour. I loved it.
  4. 7
    Very enjoyable movie, maybe not the best comedy of all time, but quite a few chuckles. Woody Harrelson and Bill Murray put on quality performances, and a little bit of Vanessa Angel doesn't hurt either. Expand

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