Is Kingpin Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Kingpin is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 114 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Kingpin Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1996, Kingpin emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After bowler Roy Munson swindles the wrong crowd and is left with a hook for a hand, he settles into impoverished obscurity. Unlike standard genre fare, Kingpin attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
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?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Kingpin (1996) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Kingpin Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Kingpin is a Comedy film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
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 film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags 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. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Kingpin Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: 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, 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 the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Kingpin Box Office Collection
| 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.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Kingpin
- Woody Harrelson – Roy Munson
- Randy Quaid – Ishmael Boorg
- Vanessa Angel – Claudia
- Bill Murray – Ernie McCracken
- Chris Elliott – The Gambler
Top Highlights
Woody HarrelsonRoy Munson
Randy QuaidIshmael Boorg
Vanessa AngelClaudia
Bill MurrayErnie McCracken
Chris ElliottThe Gambler
William JordanMr. Boorg
Nancy Frey-JareckiSarah Boorg
Richard TysonOwner Of Stiffy's
Lin ShayeLandlady
Zen GesnerThomas
Where to Watch Kingpin Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Kingpin is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, Kingpin stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1996 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kingpin movie hit or flop?
Kingpin has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Kingpin worth watching?
Kingpin is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Kingpin online?
Kingpin may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Kingpin
How Kingpin Compares & Where it Ranks
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 analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Woody Harrelson
Three Stooges 75th Anniversary Special
The World Is Watching: Making the Hunger Games
One Summer in Austin: The Story of Filming 'A Scanner Darkly'