The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension Stats:
Internet Movie Database
(Link opens new browser window.)
In a hurry? Go right to the pictures
A reviewer once said Buckaroo Banzai seemed to be trying real hard to be a cult movie. Truer words were never spoken, though I'm not sure the observation was meant to be flattering. But for someone like me, who watches movies the way other people play CDs, little quirks like a guy asking "Why is that watermelon there?" only add to the appeal.
A running joke in this film (amongst the much beloved clutter) is that all the aliens - both good and bad - are named John. And many of them have a knack for choosing pretty unlikely surnames. John Yaya, John Small Berries, John Parrot...
Buckaroo also gave me a second look at John Lithgow after having first noticed his turn as Roberta in The World According to Garp. Over the top is no crime when it's done this well; I adore his whacked-out Lord John Whorfin!
Peter Weller starred as Buckaroo Banzai, the neurosurgeon, scientist, rock star and superhero before he went on to even greater fame as the tragic hero turned cyborg in RoboCop and RoboCop 2. Weller's detached, intellectual style made him the perfect leading man for the 80's (and utterly convincing as a spiritually bankrupt post-80's yuppie in 1994's The New Age.)
Familiar faces among the Hong Kong Cavaliers include Ellen Barkin as Buckaroo's dead wife's long-lost identical twin, Jeff Goldblum as the cowboy neurosurgeon, New Jersey, Robert Ito as Professor Hikita, and Clancy Brown (Kurgan in the first Highlander, Sgt. Zim in Starship Troopers) as Rawhide.
A special favorite of mine is Buckaroo's right-hand man and best friend, Perfect Tommy, played by Lewis Smith, whom I have not had a chance to see in anything else. He's likable and cute.
Honorable mention among the aliens goes to three brilliant comic actors, Dan Hedaya as John Gomez, Vincent Schiavelli as John O'Connor and Christopher Lloyd as the alien with the hilariously unpronounceable name, John BigBoote.
It's been almost twenty years since this movie came out, but I'm still waiting for Buckaroo Banzai vs. the World Crime League...
Sounds from The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
| "Home is where you wear your hat." | - | The wit and wisdom of Lord John Whorfin. No wonder he's in an asylum. |
| "Laugh while you can, Monkey boy!" | - | Best quote in the movie! |
| "No matter where you go..." | - | Is Buckaroo serious? |
| "... so was Mr. Wizard." | - | Perfect Tommy getting his top scientists straight. |
| ".. because you're perfect." | - | Can't argue with that. |
| "I've been ionized..." | - | Just another day at the office for Buckaroo. |
| "The deuce you say." | - | Pithy remarks from Buckaroo. |
| "Why's there a watermelon there?" | - | We'll never know. |
| "Character is what you are in the dark!" | - | Inspirational message from Lord John Whorfin. |
| "Where are we going?" | - | Rallying the troops. |
| "Sealed with a kiss..." | - | Brilliant repartee... |
| "What is your name?" | - | Taking names and kicking ass. |
| "Look at this place!" | - | Secretary of Defense McKinley has had it with this crappy military contractor. |
| "Tell him 'yes' on 1 and 'no' on 2..." | - | Would you please repeat that? |
| "So what. Big Deal." | - | Post-modern ennui, Black Lectroid style. |
 |
||