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Editorial Review:
Amazon.com essential video:
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the 8th Dimension is one of the most agreeably insane movies ever made. Peter Weller stars as Buckaroo, an acclaimed neurosurgeon, particle physicist, and, of course, rock star. He travels with the Hong Kong Cavaliers, a band of hard-rocking scientists who are also really good dressers. Buckaroo's interdimensional experiments with his Operation Overthruster throw him (and the Earth) straight into the middle of an alien war, and before you know it, he's got just a few hours to save the world. Confused? Hang on, we're only 10 minutes into the movie. Buckaroo Banzai hurls you right into the middle of its comic-book universe and keeps going at a breakneck pace. It's chock-full of overlapping jokes (even as we're trying to make sense of Dr. Lizardo's hospital room, a voice calmly announces that 'lithium is no longer available on credit' over the PA system), hilarious throwaway dialogue ('You're like Jerry Lewis: you give me hope to carry on.'), and weirdness just for the sheer joy of it ('Why is there a watermelon there?' 'I'll tell you later.'). You'll want to watch it at least twice--there's just no way to catch everything the first time around. Ellen Barkin has a terrific time doing a dead-on film noir moll parody as Penny Priddy, and John Lithgow turns in a brilliant manic performance as Dr. Lizardo/John Whorfin. There is no reason not to own this movie unless you are cold and dead inside. Laugh while you can, Monkey Boys. --Ali Davis
Amazon.com:
Peter Weller plays that Renaissance Man, Buckaroo Banzai, a neurosurgeon, car racer, rock singer, and alien chaser in this overdone sci-fi adventure from 1984. After crashing his nuclear-fueled race car and causing a disturbance in the eighth dimension, Banzai releases some extremely unappealing aliens into our atmosphere. First-time director W.D. Richter (Late for Dinner) pulls out all the stops, resulting in a manic dash that is often incoherent. The intent may have been to re-create old-time serials with a pulp-fiction bent, but the screenplay, full of macho dialogue and cool poses, tries too hard. We could have done with a less complicated story and more character development. Still, consider this flawed fun, because it may be silly, but it is also clever. Originally released as The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension. -- Rochelle O'Gorman
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Fun, But Don't Expect Anyone Else to Get It
It's made in the 80's. It includes 80's music, 80's sci-fi visual effects, Rastafarian aliens... need I say more? The plot is simple. The character's are standard. In fact, it's mundane qualities are so mundane that they make the movie enjoyable. This movie relishes in it's ridiculousness all the while throwing in witty comments and jokes. And there's a watermelon. Don't expect groundbreaking performances or a plot that will make you think - this movie is about fun. So, "laugh-a while you ... Read More
Rating: - A cult classic in the truest sense
I have loved this film since I first saw it in high school. Peter Weller does an amazing job as the main character Buckaroo Banzai. This extended DVD version has some great extras that really make it worth the purchase.
This movie has all you could want from a cult classic - from the campy special effects to the great dialogue "It's bivouac man, they sleep here" This movie is simply a lot of fun. As such - you definitely cannot take it too seriously or you will be disappointed. John Lithgow ... Read More
Rating:  - A bedtime story for an alternate universe.
Once upon a time ... there was a neurosurgeon who was also a rock & roller, and his wife died, or did she just leave? Not sure that really matters because he can drive through solid rock, except that it's really not solid, it's actually another dimension, or maybe not.
Confused? Not surprising. You may be just as confused the first time you watch Buckaroo Bonzai. You may need to watch it a few times to catch it all. You see, it's a bit like a cross between a screwball comedy ... Read More
Rating:  - Not so hip after all
Sadly this is a movie that has not stood the test of time. The jokes are dated, the performances are unconvincing, and what one seemed outrageous now seems tame. It's destined to be forgotten along with "Strange Invaders" and "Earth Girls Are Easy."
Rating:  - Wow
I was bored and thought I'd look for a good movie I haven't seen. Wow look at all the great reviews I'll give it a shot. The worse movie I've ever seen! Seriously it drove my friends out of the house during movie marathon night. Finished it just to say I did. Only thing good about it is giving it to the most hated person in the office during the company party. Yup I'll buy for those I don't like in hopes they also waste their life's watching it.
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