Rating: 
Summary: First Impressions Can Be Deceiving
Review: There is no way I would have ever seen this movie if it hadn't been recommended to me. Let's face it, it just doesn't look good. Now, however, I am thankful for just being able to view it. This movie is great! Yes, it does look like a cheesy B-movie, but that is part of its appeal. It shows humor in that the film makes fun of itself and so do the characters in it. Peter Weller as the all-knowing, all-achieving Buckaroo Banzai is wonderful and so is Ellen Barkin as Penny Priddy. But the best thing in the entire movie is John Lithgow as the evil Lord John Whorfin. His accent and sayings are absolutely hilarious! His sidekicks Christopher Lloyd and Vincent Schiavelli are just as great. Yes, the plot is very implausible, but who cares? It's all good fun. There are only two things wrong with this re-release: the new cover and title. The cover does nothing to show how cool this movie really is. Plus, what happened to the original title, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the 8th Dimension? With only those two little things wrong, how can anyone not see this movie?
Rating:
Summary: DVD is stuffed fuller than Santa's Sack! Deleted scenes here
Review: THE FILMBB is second to "Rocky Horror" as the greatest cult film ever. A lot of the recent appeal is the "Before they were Stars" factor--Peter Weller, Robocop; JOHN Lithgow, 3rd Rock; Jeff Goldblum, Ten Speed and Brownshoe, Jurassic Park; Christopher Lloyd, Back to the Future, Taxi; Vincent Schiavelli, Subway Guy in Ghost; Yakov Smirnov, plays the Secretary of Defense. They characters look like the people they are supposed to play. Weller is gaunt and tan enough so that he does indeed look half-Japanese. Vincent Schiavelli looks alien enough, and Lithgow does one mean Mussolini. Ellen Barkin is perfect as a lost girl in a big city. This is sci-comedy, along the lines of Ghostbusters, Hitchhikers Guide, where it simultaneously contributes to the Genera while satirizing it. Look at all of the BB references on Star Trek! In the commentary, Ruach and Richter explain they were imitating the odd humor found in "DR. STANGELOVE," so see that film first before you judge! PS--the watermelon in the Steel press is explained in the audio commentary. There are emotions surrounding a film, and meaning found in repeating lines, as in Rocky Horror, or Princess Bride. It almost becomes a type of liturgy, where the filmed padre speaks his parts, and we respond-a communion of comedy! A morality play! Ruach and Richter want us to believe that BB is actually a docudrama of a real but enigmatic person. And at a certain level, we want to believe them! The choice for synthesized music was correct, and also a slice of the times, as in Ladyhawke, or Tron. The music itself is catchy, killer, and DEMANDS TO HAVE A CD ISSUE! For those who don't like this film, try these things. First, you need to see this film. Secondly, read some of the BB fan-pages on the Internet. Thirdly, see the film again. Fourthly, read the book, which is the indispensable companion to the film. Fifthly, see the film again. Repeat the process until you get it. I think it takes about 6 viewings (or is it 88?) viewings of this film to understand it. On the down side, this film has been described as being "Part 6" of a series. We enter "in the middle of things," but it is more like "in the muddle of things." There is the Elvis-esq Banzai, surrounded by a cloud of secondary characters that we see for a second, and then they pass. "In the middle of things" may not have been the best place to introduce the world to Dr. Banzai. Why not do the origin story and work foreword? True that Lucas began with Episode IV, not with Episode I, but the cadre of characters was smaller and easier to follow. "Doc Savage: Man of Bronze," Unbreakable," or "Batman I" are great origin films, and we are not complicated by secondary characters such as Patricia Savage, or Robin and Batgirl. Slowly they worked up to the secondary characters For example of this middle-muddle, the gatekeeper "Pinky Carruthers" has an extensive background. He is a Blue Blaze Irregular, is Knight Commander, and knows 47,000 unknown facts. But this in not germane to the story and is wisely never mentioned in the film, just in the book. But this background may have a bearing on any future episodes of this movie. There was a lot of work for something that never surfaced. The Simpsons slowly worked up to all the secondary characters, with the core of the Five Favorite Family members being the lynchpin of all Springfield. There was too much ambition--you always leave room for growth. Editing destroyed The Abyss, and hurt this film. I agree that the parts of Hanoi Xan were wisely taken out of the film, since this would only add another layer of complexity that was not germane to the film, but other scenes were taken out for no reason, which hurt the continuity of the film, such as the extended beginning which showed Dr. Banzai's early life, and death of his parents. This picture has a lot of action, but it doesn't accentuate the action. Dr. Banzai parachutes out of the spaceship, but they could have made his exit more dramatic. And he is a martial artist, but the extent of his physical action is to kick an alien in the crotch. Marital artist huh? !!!THIS DVD IS STUFFED FULLER THAN SANTA'S SACK!!! They are finally making DVDs that utilize the technology to the utmost! The copy is superb, light-years ahead of the grainy copy on the VHS re-release, plus it is in wide screen format, so you actually see the movies in its panoramic glory. It is indeed like seeing another movie! The only problem is that the work prints are of a lower quality than the rest of the film, but we can deal with it. Included are all of the deleted scenes from the editors work print, the bootleg that has been floating around for a decade and a half. Paramount of these scenes is the original opening with Jamie Lee Curtis as Buckaroo's mother. Frankly, this is the beginning that should have been the theatrical release, and the film not only makes more sense, but you emotionally connect with Dr. Banzai and the trauma he has experienced. In a movie they should show you what happened, you shouldn't have to read about it! Other extras are a bio on Dr. Banzai, and a sample of his philosophy, plus some of Pinky Carruther's 47,000 unknown facts are presented as an optional subtitle. This DVD will keep you busy for hours!!! Marketing note: The original film poster, the current VHS and the DVD cover all stink, but what would be a good one? I don't know. The VHS reissue is the least offensive, but the original and reissue book covers would be an improvement, with emphasis on the reissue book-cover. Packaging this film would keep any Madison Avenue up at night
Rating:
Summary: just for the record..
Review: Buckaroo's invention is called the 'oscillation overthruster'!
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best offbeat movies of the 80's
Review: This movie is for sure one of the best wacky, yet intelligent, comedy/sci fi movies ever made. Along with some other great "offbeat" 80's sci fi/comedy movies like Repo Man and Real Genius, this is a must see
Sure the plot makes no sense, but that's the point- once you realize that, you can basically enjoy the humor which is at certain points hillarious...
I first saw this movie when I was in around 8th grade back when it came out in 84 and while I didnt understand it back then either, the highly original and unique special effects ideas (the creature stuck to the bottom of Buckaroo's car) and style stuck with me for a long time.
If you grew up in the 80's this makes for a funny flashback film in some ways. However, even with Perfect Tommy's Duran Duran style, Peter Weller's straight from '84 striped shirt, the way overdone music video-type ending sequence, and the totally 80's synthesizer soundtrack, this movie isnt just "80's cheese" by any means. The plot, special effects design, and overall style of humor of this film were so original it stands the test of time pretty well. If you like sci fi and 80's comedies, this is one of the best of both and you should check it out
Rating: 
Summary: It's easy to miss the joke...
Review: This cult film is obviously a big send-up. What isn't so obvious is the film's interest. It has a big cult following and chances are, if you are reading this, you are part of that cult. I am bowing down to you and admitting the second time watching this film was a chore to me. I can't join in the resounding positive claims. Nor, can I join the nay Sayers who neatly place it in a can labeled "worst films". After all, I think this film is loaded with soul, something most mainstream films are without. There is no question about its theme. Buckaroo Banzai (ROBOCOP's Peter Weller) is a super surgeon who lives by eastern mythology, is the lead singer for an awesome band and is always ready to save the world. His collection of apostles include Perfect Tommy, Rawhide and New Jersey (Jeff Goldblum in a plum role.) They battle eight dimension aliens assisted by John Lithgow and Christopher Lloyd. Intentionally tongue and cheek with B-movie effects, sets and make-up, the film goes for the irony jugular. I don't know if BANZAI is the Doctor to repair it. The DVD is loaded for the superfan and carries an audio/video transfer above the actual film quality. Still, you don't find out what the watermelon is for. In fact, if you want to know what the watermelon is for, you missed the joke too.
Rating:
Summary: Once you see this film, you'll want to become a Blue Blazer!
Review: The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai, lovingly written by Earl Mac Rauch, harks back and pays homage to the wonderful Doc Savage novels by Lester Dent with a little comedy thrown into the mix. It's funny. When I first saw this movie at the Oleander Theater in Wilmington, NC, I was one of ten people in attendance. Everyone in the theater, including myself, thoroughly enjoyed himself or herself and I kind of felt sorry for everyone who either deliberately ignored the movie or laughed at me for going to see it. Now, those same people are telling me how much they like this film! If only they listened to me the first time. Now, you, fellow customer who is considering to part from your hard earned money, can slap those bucks down and purchase this wonderful, tongue-in-cheek, science fiction adventure packed with a lot one liners and memorable quotes. For example, everyone has heard of the quote, "No matter where you go, there you are." It originated and was first spoken by Buckaroo. Don't be a monkey boy. Buy this film!
Rating:
Summary: DVD is stuffed fuller than Santa's Sack! Deleted scenes here
Review: THE FILM BB is second to "Rocky Horror" as the greatest cult film ever. A lot of the recent appeal is the "Before they were Stars" factor--Peter Weller, Robocop; JOHN Lithgow, 3rd Rock; Jeff Goldblum, Ten Speed and Brownshoe, Jurassic Park; Christopher Lloyd, Back to the Future, Taxi; Vincent Schiavelli, Subway Guy in Ghost; Yakov Smirnov, plays the Secretary of Defense. They characters look like the people they are supposed to play. Weller is gaunt and tan enough so that he does indeed look half-Japanese. Vincent Schiavelli looks alien enough, and Lithgow does one mean Mussolini. Ellen Barkin is perfect as a lost girl in a big city. This is sci-comedy, along the lines of Ghostbusters, Hitchhikers Guide, where it simultaneously contributes to the Genera while satirizing it. Look at all of the BB references on Star Trek! In the commentary, Ruach and Richter explain they were imitating the odd humor found in "DR. STANGELOVE," so see that film first before you judge! PS--the watermelon in the Steel press is explained in the audio commentary. There are emotions surrounding a film, and meaning found in repeating lines, as in Rocky Horror, or Princess Bride. It almost becomes a type of liturgy, where the filmed padre speaks his parts, and we respond-a communion of comedy! A morality play! Ruach and Richter want us to believe that BB is actually a docudrama of a real but enigmatic person. And at a certain level, we want to believe them! The choice for synthesized music was correct, and also a slice of the times, as in Ladyhawke, or Tron. The music itself is catchy, killer, and DEMANDS TO HAVE A CD ISSUE! For those who don't like this film, try these things. First, you need to see this film. Secondly, read some of the BB fan-pages on the Internet. Thirdly, see the film again. Fourthly, read the book, which is the indispensable companion to the film. Fifthly, see the film again. Repeat the process until you get it. I think it takes about 6 viewings (or is it 88?) viewings of this film to understand it. On the down side, this film has been described as being "Part 6" of a series. We enter "in the middle of things," but it is more like "in the muddle of things." There is the Elvis-esq Banzai, surrounded by a cloud of secondary characters that we see for a second, and then they pass. "In the middle of things" may not have been the best place to introduce the world to Dr. Banzai. Why not do the origin story and work foreword? True that Lucas began with Episode IV, not with Episode I, but the cadre of characters was smaller and easier to follow. "Doc Savage: Man of Bronze," Unbreakable," or "Batman I" are great origin films, and we are not complicated by secondary characters such as Patricia Savage, or Robin and Batgirl. Slowly they worked up to the secondary characters For example of this middle-muddle, the gatekeeper "Pinky Carruthers" has an extensive background. He is a Blue Blaze Irregular, is Knight Commander, and knows 47,000 unknown facts. But this in not germane to the story and is wisely never mentioned in the film, just in the book. But this background may have a bearing on any future episodes of this movie. There was a lot of work for something that never surfaced. The Simpsons slowly worked up to all the secondary characters, with the core of the Five Favorite Family members being the lynchpin of all Springfield. There was too much ambition--you always leave room for growth. Editing destroyed The Abyss, and hurt this film. I agree that the parts of Hanoi Xan were wisely taken out of the film, since this would only add another layer of complexity that was not germane to the film, but other scenes were taken out for no reason, which hurt the continuity of the film, such as the extended beginning which showed Dr. Banzai's early life, and death of his parents. This picture has a lot of action, but it doesn't accentuate the action. Dr. Banzai parachutes out of the spaceship, but they could have made his exit more dramatic. And he is a martial artist, but the extent of his physical action is to kick an alien in the crotch. Marital artist huh? !!!THIS DVD IS STUFFED FULLER THAN SANTA'S SACK!!! They are finally making DVDs that utilize the technology to the utmost! The copy is superb, light-years ahead of the grainy copy on the VHS re-release, plus it is in wide screen format, so you actually see the movies in its panoramic glory. It is indeed like seeing another movie! The only problem is that the work prints are of a lower quality than the rest of the film, but we can deal with it. Included are all of the deleted scenes from the editors work print, the bootleg that has been floating around for a decade and a half. Paramount of these scenes is the original opening with Jamie Lee Curtis as Buckaroo's mother. Frankly, this is the beginning that should have been the theatrical release, and the film not only makes more sense, but you emotionally connect with Dr. Banzai and the trauma he has experienced. In a movie they should show you what happened, you shouldn't have to read about it! Other extras are a bio on Dr. Banzai, and a sample of his philosophy, plus some of Pinky Carruther's 47,000 unknown facts are presented as an optional subtitle. This DVD will keep you busy for hours!!! Marketing note: The original film poster, the current VHS and the DVD cover all stink, but what would be a good one? I don't know. The VHS reissue is the least offensive, but the original and reissue book covers would be an improvement, with emphasis on the reissue book-cover. Packaging this film would keep any Madison Avenue up at night
Rating: 
Summary: pure torture
Review: Like many other reviewers here, I have tried and tried to watch this film in its entirety. But it's just not possible. This movie is tedious. The entire opening home-movie sequence is incredibly laborious. There are a few funny moments in the film, but overall, this movie is painful. The folks at the School of The Americas could probably use this movie as part of their torture training program. John Lithgow's performance is excrutiating to watch. It's uncomfortably over the top. I first saw this movie when it came out in theaters and fell asleep. This movie is BAD. People say it's a cult classic, but it's nothing like the Rocky Horror Picture Show, which is a true cult classic.
Rating: 
Summary: Either ya love it or ya hate it! There's no medium!
Review: "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension"is a movie that is, as the filmmakers intended, hard to categorize; it's part comedy, part social satire, part bug-eyed alien flick, and part doomsday thriller. It's such a hodgepodge that it deserves repeat viewings to get all the jokes, nuances, and confusing plot line. The biggest smiles come from the puns at the expense of the alien "John's". Christoher Lloyd's character's last name is a prime example of this technique. The actors seemed to have had a ball in their respective roles. Especially memorable are bits by John Lithgow as the demented Dr. Lizardo, Carl Lumbly as a quirky alien with a Rastafarian complex, Matt Clark as a representative of the military, the aforementioned Lloyd, Robert Ito as Dr. Nikita, and in a brief appearance, the late Rosalind Cash. The extended opening sequence, offered on this DVD, features an uncredited Jamie Lee Curtis and provides some much needed background prior to the opening credits. The film's frentic pace and off-the-wall sight gags/jokes might cause some confusion and slight discomfort, but it has its pluses. After all these years, it would be interesting if, say a Tim Burton, decided to "reimagine" this film from 1984. Now, that would be something! Actual rating: 3.5, rounded off to 4.
Rating:
Summary: doo doodoo doo, doo doodoodooodoo doo
Review: The trailer for Buckaroo Banzai has to be the greatest trailer ever. I have fond memories of it popping up on all the old Roadshow videos. Despite being mesmerized by the trailer, I never actually saw the film until a couple of days ago. I have been whistling the theme ever since. There is some very funny stuff in this film, and the music is fantastic. But I think if you haven't seen this film before, you might not appreciate it as much as the many people who have a nostalgic love for it.
|
