If I had a choice, I’d be a 40-something stoner who basically lives in a bowling alley and is surrounded by a supporting cast that is so useless it makes my life seem important. Unfortunately, I am not that man. As a matter of fact, none of us really have a choice, but thanks to the Coen brothers, we can cinematically experience the life we can never have by watching “The Big Lebowski.”

Our main character in this case of mistaken identity is the Dude (Jeff Bridges). He is all the things I described above. What he is not is Jeff Lebowski. When a group of thugs assault him as a warning that his wife owes money to a man named Jackie Treehorn, he is understandably confused. When he goes to confront the real Jeff Lebowski about what happened, he becomes involved in delivering a ransom for his troubled young wife’s return in exchange for a reward.

Mr. Lebowski’s butler Brandt (Philip Seymour Hoffman) informs the Dude that this is a delicate situation due to the fact that this is not the first time she has disappeared. The Dude and his best friend Walter (John Goodman) are sure that this is a self kidnapping and a cheap way for her to make money. However, they have conflicting ideas on how to handle the situation. The Dude wants to just hand it over — no questions asked. Walter wants to throw a ringer suitcase and keep the cash for themselves. One thing goes wrong after another and the Dude finds himself in a situation he shouldn’t be involved with in the first place.

Of all the Coen brothers’ films, I believe that “The Big Lebowski” is the most character driven, and with a vast amount of characters, it is done impressively so. They allow us to become one of the guys — hanging out in the bowling alley, observing the absolute nonsense that is usually the topic of conversation. The writing is driven by brilliant imaginations at their best.

In his performance as the Dude, Jeff Bridges gives what I believe to be the best and most likable performance of his career. He becomes his character so intensely that if I ever meet him, I will expect to see the Dude and not Jeff.

The supporting cast is one of the most entertaining aspects of the film. John Goodman is great as the naive best friend with a taste for action. Steve Buscemi is well, classic Steve Buscemi. He’s awkward, scrawny and freaked out by the idea of conflict. Last but not least, in a small but influential role John Turturro is hilarious as Jesus Quintana, a flamboyant rival bowler with a knack for taunting and suspected pedophile.

“The Big Lebowski” is a classic piece of American cinema. The dark comedy mixed with the exuberant story line is one for the ages. This isn’t much of a surprise seeing as the Coens never fail at what they do and are so close to perfection it’s scary.