Kingpin

Roy Munson, once an up-and-coming bowling prodigy, watches his career derail after a costly scam, and he loses a hand in the process. He drifts into a life of small gigs and failed schemes, refuting any chance of a comeback. Then he meets Ishmael, a naïve Amish kid who claims a natural talent on the lanes. Seeing a ticket back to the big time, Roy teams with Ishmael to hustle their way through bowling alleys and backroom promoters. Their odd partnership blends streetwise grit with innocent ambition as they chase a shot at cash, revenge, and the prestige that eluded Roy years earlier, all while staying one step ahead of trouble. Along the way they learn a thing or two about loyalty, pride, and what counts as a score worth chasing.

Directed by Bobby and Peter Farrelly, Kingpin draws on an original script by Barry Fanaro and Mort Nathan. Released in 1996 by 20th Century Fox, the comedy features Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, Vanessa Angel, and Bill Murray as a crew.

Kingpin joined the late 90s wave of offbeat comedies and became a cult favorite for fans of the Farrellys sharp crude humor. Bill Murray's cameo added a memorable spark, and the film's bowling set pieces linger in pop culture memory. It helped shape a late 90s wave of similar humor.

Critics offered a mixed verdict at release, praising the chemistry between Harrelson and Quaid while noting the crude tone can be grating. The movie uses humor to probe greed, friendship, and resilience, delivering a road trip satire that skews toward warmhearted mischief rather than sentiment. Still beloved by fans today.

Awards: Kingpin did not receive major nominations from the Oscars Emmys or Golden Globes. The film has earned a place in comedy fans' conversations, and over time it has become a cult favorite, celebrated for bold humor that still gets laughs.