I initially thought a semi-sequel to The Big Lebowski about memorable side character Jesus Quintana was a bad idea. After seeing the trailer for that semi-sequel, The Jesus Rolls, I now think it’s…still kind of a bad idea! But it seems more promising than I imagined.
Why do I feel that this might not be a solid decision? Mostly because the Coens are so great at writing supporting roles as supporting roles. They intentionally craft these parts as fully-fleshed-out-yet-still-completely two-dimensional. No one does it like them, they create these people as bit players, so memorable but also created for just a certain place and time in each film. And they’re always so good at giving us just the right amount of these characters. The idea of promoting one from side character to a lead seems risky.
Then again, it’s not the Coens making this film. It’s actor/writer/director John Turturro, who of course plays the titular Jesus. Turturro is a talented filmmaker and The Jesus Rolls honestly looks like a fun time. I just don’t know how I feel about it being related The Big Lebowski. I think if this was a movie about a completely new character and was totally unrelated to the Coens’ Jeff Bridges classic I would be all-in. As it stands now, I am cautious. Cautiously optimistic but still cautious.
But, damn, look at that cast! Turturro really knows how to bring them in.
The Jesus Rolls opens on February 28th.
“Hours after being released from prison for good behavior, Jesus Quintana (John Turturro) reunites with his best friend and fellow underachiever Petey (Bobby Cannavale). In the first in a series of rapidly escalating bad decisions, they steal a vintage car parked in front of an upscale salon and hit the road for a no-holds-barred joyride — until the car’s gun-toting owner (Jon Hamm) catches up with them, wounding Petey. Fleeing the scene with fiercely free-spirited shampooist Marie (Audrey Tautou), Jesus and Petey continue their adventure in a series of stolen cars, cementing their partnership with an epic petty-crime spree and a three-way romance. A darkly funny, irreverent and freewheeling road movie, The Jesus Rolls is written and directed by Emmy® winner and nominee John Turturro and pays tribute to the classic French farce Les Valseuses.”