Kingpin
Performance & Direction: Kingpin Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Kingpin (1996) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Kingpin features a noteworthy lineup led by Woody Harrelson . Supported by the likes of Randy Quaid and Vanessa Angel , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Kingpin
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1996, Kingpin is a Comedy film directed by Bobby Farrelly. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Woody Harrelson.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. 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. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Woody Harrelson's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: Kingpin
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Bobby Farrelly, Kingpin concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Woody Harrelson, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Kingpin reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Kingpin?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Woody Harrelson or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: Kingpin
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $27.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $25.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Kingpin Budget
The estimated production budget for Kingpin is $27.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Kingpin
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Where to Watch Kingpin Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoKingpin Parents Guide & Age Rating
1996 AdvisoryWondering about Kingpin age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Kingpin is 114 minutes (1h 54m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, Kingpin is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1996 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kingpin worth watching?
Kingpin is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Kingpin parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Kingpin identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Kingpin?
The total duration of Kingpin is 114 minutes, which is approximately 1h 54m long.
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Critic Reviews for Kingpin
_**Farrelly brothers bowling comedy with Harrelson, Quade, Vanessa Angel and Murray**_ A former professional-class bowler (Woody Harrelson) discovers a childlike Amish prodigy in Pennsylvania (Randy Quade). While training him, they hook-up with the earstwhile girlfriend (Vanessa Angel) of a wealthy bowling enthusiast (Rob Moran) and head to a Tournament in Reno, Nevada, where they reaquaint with a conman and competitor (Bill Murray). "Kingpin" (1996) is a Farrelly brothers comedy marred by their usual distasteful elements, e.g. bathroom & sex humor. If you can get past that or roll with it, this is a decent story of redemption with some laughs augmented by the road-movie plot. The film runs 1 hour, 54 minutes, and was shot in Pennsylvania (Mars, Rochester & Pittsburgh), Nevada (Reno) and New York (Webster). GRADE: B-
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
