Before Peter Weller fought crime in Old Detroit as a cyborg cop in Paul Verhoeven's Robocop he saved the world from imminent destruction by two warring factions of shape shifting, inter-dimensional aliens called Lectoids.
Sound ridiculous? It is ridiculous. And it's meant to be.
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension is a campy, silly, satirical, ‘80’s sci-fi film centered around the titular Banzai and his motley band of tag-alongs (also his back up band), The Hong Kong Cavaliers (Clancy Brown, Lewis Smith, and Jeff Goldblum, among others).
Banzai is a physicist, rock star, neurosurgeon, comic book hero, race car driver, and, lately, an intergalactic hero. When Banzai and his team successfully attempt to drive a jet truck through a mountain, he inadvertently passes through another dimension and…You know what? It doesn’t matter.
It’s ‘80’s sci-fi schlock. But it’s inventive, and with an ear for comedy that many other films of this era and budget do not have. The production values may be low, and the plot convoluted, but the interactions between the characters, the hilarious names of the aliens, and the impressive cast of actors (John Lithgow, Christopher Lloyd, Peter Weller, Jeff Goldblum, and Clancy Brown, and the very hot Ellen Barkin*) employed here practically guarantee that you will be entertained.
Put The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension in your Netflix queue, pop a bag of popcorn, grab your favorite beverage, sit back and enjoy the show.
Score: 3/5
Kirk out.
*Edited to include Ellen Barkin. Thanks to fellow blogger Alex for pointing out this oversight.
*Edited to include Ellen Barkin. Thanks to fellow blogger Alex for pointing out this oversight.
I recall that I've seen this, but man, it must have been on HBO circa 1986 or something. So long ago, the only thing I remember about the movie is the line, "wherever you go, there you are." I can't really stomach 80's schlock cinema anymore, but I may just check for this on Netflix and see if it's on Watch Instantly...
ReplyDeleteLooks fun. Never heard of it, but if I'm in the mood for some 80's cinema, I'll keep this in mind.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! I always love the humor and tone of your posts. You have great insight that makes me want to delve into these awesome films and books. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
David and Logan-
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's just a fun movie, and I've been in this 70's-80's sci-fi mood lately, so it fits. Don't be surprised if you see more of this kind of movie reviewed here in the coming weeks and months. I've got some I've been sitting on.
Sarah-
Thank you for stopping by, and thanks so much for commenting. I see we share a love for writing and the desire to make it a profession. I'll put your blog on my watch list.
Thanks!
This is one of my favorite sci-fi movies! It's so fun and so weird and so nonsensical- I love it. I used to watch it all the time in high school but it's been too long since I've seen it.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, but you forgot to mention the awesome Ellen Barkin!
Alex-
ReplyDeleteCool! It doesn't surprise me that you liked it. You seem to have a broad interest in film, and very open minded approach to your reviews.
Thanks for stopping by, and I can't believe that I forgot to mention the beautiful Ellen Barkin. I am amending that straight away. Thanks for pointing it out!