A spin-off of The Big Lebowski (1998) centered on the notable bowler, Jesus Quintana.
Many things came directly as a result of “The Big Lebowski”’s cultural impact: memes, jokes, an inspiration for Marvel’s “Thor,” and even an entire religion. One thing no one expected was a follow up in the form of “The Jesus Rolls” but like all Lebowski-adjacent things, it very much rules. “The Jesus Rolls” plays a delightful R-rated meandering odyssey that takes more inspiration from Huckleberry Finn than “The Big Lebowski” to great success.
John Turturro wrote, directed, and starred as the titular Jesus. Fresh out of prison, Jesus Quintana reunites with his good friends Petey (Bobby Cannavale) and Marie (Audrey Tatou) to do what all charismatic criminals freshly out of jail do: have fun! Commit crimes! They bound all over the place stealing cars from angry hairdressers (Jon Hamm), picking up other inmates (Susan Sarandon), then picking up their son (Pete Davidson). Often times they sleep with each other or new friends along the way. Some things go well, others go poorly. It’s a free-form trip that delivers on laughs as well as heart.
Turturro’s performance feels lighter than air. The aloof Quintano spends most of his time educating others around him on caring less, enjoying things more, and caring for people. Bobby Cannavale counters his free-spirit with a more grounded worrier that learns to loosen up. He’s the Cameron Frye to Quintano’s Ferris Bueller. If there’s a Cameron and Ferris then there’s a Sloane as well, played to perfection by Audrey Tatou. Together the three anchor the film in gleeful buddy dynamics. Whether they’re eating steak dinner or sharing the finer points of lovemaking all three have chemistry I could watch for hours. It’s what makes this aimless film so watchable.
Turturro’s direction similarly leans into the free form nature of this story. The shots all line up beautifully in precise measurements reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film but less self-serious. The colors pop in every frame. Much like Jesus Quintano, Turturro directs this film with boundless confidence trusting the audience to lean into its leisurely pace and beautiful cinematography.
This movie takes so many cameos in stride. I imagine if John Turturro calls you and asks if you’d spend a day or two on a Big Lebowski-adjacent movie with him directing and Bobby Cannavale starring then I’d say yes as well. Audrey Tatou’s presence enhances many guest stars foiling near-perfectly several short-lived guests: Jon Hamm and Pete Davidson especially.
One thing: to enjoy this movie abandon any preconceived notions you might have about “sequel” or “prequel” or any other tenuous link to the Coen Brother’s “The Big Lebowski.” This movie doesn’t bother to tie into its predecessor, not one iota. Instead, Jesus Quintana honors the spirit of The Dude by mimicking his devil-may-care laissez-faire spirit. Only, instead of stoner surfer vibes, Jesus Quintana is just the real deal.
This movie came along to me out of the blue. I’d been meaning to catch it as John Turturro has worked with a number of the greatest living directors there are. His performances are always fun to watch so it’s a treat to see him not abuse carte blanche as a writer/director of his own movie. Its light-hearted spirit went a long way to comfort me from the ongoing melodrama outside our front doors. If you want to tune in, catch a few goofy folks having fun then check this movie out. I enjoyed it thoroughly! I could watch John Turturro, Bobby Cannavale, and Audrey Tatou for hours!
Available on Blu-ray and DVD May 5th
