Randy Quaid As An Amish Bowler?

Equally strikes and gutter balls, “Kingpin” is in the “Dumb and Dumber” tradition.

Alternately hilarious as well as abjectly tedious, this low-ball comedy basically follows two rollers who tour backwater America on the bowling circuit. Starring Woody Harrelson as Roy, a dipsomaniac who’s never realized his potential, and Ishmael (Randy Quaid), a straw-haired Amish who’s got a propensity for picking up unlikely spares, this meandering movie is not without its lackadaisical charms. Roy is a foundering boozer, while Ishmael’s goofy exuberance kicks the duo into hustling overdrive.

Narratively, “Kingpin” careens around the countryside as Roy and Ishmael endeavor to set up scams, all the while pointed toward the big bowl-off in Reno, Nev. Not surprisingly, they’re dogged by a nasty fellow pro, Ernie “Big Ern” McCracken (Bill Murray).

Mixing up a thunderous blend of low-level humor and greasing it with some savvy salvos at middle America, “Kingpin” is not without satire; especially in this day and age of the pampered superstar athlete, it lets loose some heady humor on the egotism of sports stars. In this regard, it is especially appealing, considering the dim-witted mentality of the bowling circuit as well as the underdog appeal of our bowler heroes.

Overall, the leads are well-cast: Harrelson brings a dogged determination to his loser role, while Quaid is wonderfully silly as the Amish bowler. Murray’s insincere sheen, once again, shines. In addition, Vanessa Angel provides some flashy pizzazz as a woman who knows the definition of hustle.

Unfortunately, “Kingpin” is hindered by its lethargic pacing: Directors Peter Farrelly and Bobby Farrelly dissipate the film’s antic potential with their slow-drive direction. Still, “Kingpin” has many funny moments, thanks in large measure to the shrewdly warped sensibility to the technical team. Mary Zophres’ polyester-inspired costumery, as well as Sidney Jackson Bartholomew Jr.’s ditzy production design, add plenty of laughs.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: “Kingpin” Location: East Sprague, North Division and Showboat cinemas Credits: Directed by Peter Farrelly and Bobby Farrelly, starring Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, Bill Murray, Chris Elliott, William Jordan, Richard Tyson, Lin Shaye, Zen Gesner Running time: 1:53 Rating: PG-13