Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Not just for boys!
Sci-fi with cute boys, romance and lots of action. Definitely fun. Campy without being obvious. Each time I watch it I get another joke. I'm thrilled to see it out on DVD.
Rating: - Laugh while you can, monkey boy!
I've tried and failed to explain this movie to people who had never heard of it. That's part of its charm: it is such a melange of comic book uber-achieving characters, science fiction distorted reality, tongue-in-cheek wierdness, and a steady torrent of subliminal jokes (think "Airplane") that it defies easy explanation. That complex mixture also makes this as rewarding in its thirtieth viewing as its first, and has made this a regular favorite at Science Fiction & Fantasy Conventions and at Mensa Gatherings. The reviews can tell you the plot; I'll tell you why I liked it. I'll also tell you that you're likely to either love or loathe this movie. You'll be in the first group if you 1)pay close attention to dialog and details, 2) thought that B-movie science fiction needs a send-up, 3) appreciate (or can at least tolerate) some inspired weirdness, and 4) want to see what an "all star" cast can do with some of the most (intentionally, I think) insipid lines ever placed in a script. This is the movie that gave us that gem, "No matter where you go, there you are."I jumped up and down in the store when I first saw that Buckaroo Banzai (easier to say than the full title, or even TAOBBATED) on DVD, and plunked down my money immediately. I was not disappointed. The quality is exceptional after all those years of VHS viewing. (The Anamorphic Letterbox presentation also fixes that disturbing compression of the end titles that marred earlier tape releases). The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack was a pleasant bonus. The DVD includes the expected outtakes, director's commentary, alternate beginning with Jamie Lee Curtis, and other goodies to keep the faithful entertained for hours! All of that doesn't detract from the fact that this is one of the oddest movies of the last two decades. The alternate beginning helps only a little in the initial impression that the viewer missed the first third of the film. That disorientation causes many to miss some good throw-aways that serve as the film's visual wallpaper. (For example, the computer displays during the countdown [in a test of Buckaroo's Jet-powered, oscillation overthruster-equipped pickup truck] show status as "Sined", "Seeled" and "Delivered".) I can get choked up just thinking of Dr. Banzai's resume: Brain Surgeon, Particle Physicist, Test Pilot, frontman of the hard-rocking (and heat packin') Hong Kong Cavaliers, and leader of an elite team that mobilizes to save the world, with a posse of Blue Blaze Irregulars (whom I believe discovered their calling from an ad in the back of a comic book.) If you're not sold yet, maybe you should rent this movie first--it's not for everyone!
Rating: - CAMP CULT CLASSIC - A MUST OWN
Before "Austin Powers" there was BUCKAROO BANZAI - Poet, Doctor, Global Protector and Man-About-Town. Buckaroo made it to the 8th dimension a dozen years ago, but it took a minor miracle to get himself released on DVD - and at an affordable price at that! IT'S WELL WORTH THE WAIT. This is a hysterical, inspired movie that lets the audience enjoy a wild bumpy unexpected and thrilling ride (if you dare.) John Lithgow is brilliant as the hunch-backed mad scientist Lizardo. He's a chameleon of an actor and here proves he can and will do ANYTHING to become his character. With bad hair days and bad teeth to boot, his Lizardo is a devilish creature you'll love! Lithgow plays this part TO THE HILT. Peter Geller looks great in the title role, but in his character's self-depreciating style, is regularly upstaged by Chris Lloyd and Ellen Barkin in flashier supporting roles. Still, you can't help lovin' Buckaroo and his band of heros as they fight off the bad guys, tackle resident aliens, cure diseases, rescue entire nations, and go about their everyday humdrum Superhero lives. Like "Rocky Horror" before it with its inside jokes, wild characters and odd edits, "Banzai" time warps, space-travels and shimmies. Heck - the Banzai theme ALONE will keep you humming for days. And when you least expect it, out of nowhere you'll burst out laughing thinking about a particular scene or character (and that's easy to do with names like Perfect Tommy, Penny "Pretty" Priddy and John Big Booty (John Big-bootaay.) Destined to always stand as a camp epic, movie-moguls and Broadway producers should consider varied versions for the masses(as in BIG BUCKAROOS). At minimum the film should have extended run midnight show at the local cinema (like "Rocky Horror" ... a much needed alternative to Friday nights.) I bet plenty of folks would enjoy experiencing Buckaroo on the big screen, since most of us missed it the first time around!
Not only is this a fun family flick that withstands repeat viewings it also provokes uninhibited childish outbursts that we all need every once in awhile - especially these days. PLUS,
the DVD is chock-full of goodies that BUILD on the film experience, and tie some tangled pieces together for its audience (and trust me, you'll be confused.) Yes, the sets are truly tacky at times, and Ed Wood-ish qualities abound. But those exact same qualities make it that much more FUN! In fact, as strange and as stupid as it becomes at times (and it WILL BE at first) part of the magic is letting it swallow you whole! In the end, it may still seem stupid or inane, but I bet you'll never forget it! I'm suprised the BANZAI franchise hasn't been more deliberately marketed to new generations and audiences. Most likely, no one can be really be expected to improve on this original and its dishevelled work of genius. Plus, the film's idiosyncracies and values might be doomed in an update or remake, and that would be a shame. Think "Planet of the Apes". THAT SAID, in the right hands, with its RAIDERS of the LOST ARK themes and STAR WARS shtick, I'd bet on Buckaroo! Calling Dreamworks! Again, the story needs repeat viewings to be enjoyed fully, but don't worry about keeping up - half the fun is not knowing exactly WHAT's going on, but experiencing it anyway. Just listen closely and enjoy! And remember - "no matter where you go, there you are"!!
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