“The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension” – Nathan’s Movie Challenge, Week 22
“Why is there a watermelon there? I’ll tell you later.”
Really, really weird.
What a crazy movie. It’s bewildering. I can’t really even articulate how I felt about it, it was just so… odd. No matter where you go, there you are.
Goldblum. Lloyd. Weller. Barkin. Lithgow. What a cast! This is another movie that seems preposterous that it was ever made in the first place. An anomaly that shouldn’t exist in the world, but somehow does. For that alone, it’s a very special film.
I think I’ll just dive right in to the rankings and see what happens…
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension was at the time of this review at #769 on my Flickchart list of shame (ranked #1290 among the best films of all time). Here’s how it entered my chart:
Buckaroo Banzai vs. Titan A. E.
I really like Titan A. E., and it’s definitely one that flew under the radar that most haven’t seen or heard of. Banzai‘s just eclectic and unique enough to be the more compelling movie.
Buckaroo Banzai vs. Catch Me If You Can
While I enjoyed Catch Me If You Can well enough, it’s not as good as many other Spielberg films. Banzai will take the matchup.
Buckaroo Banzai vs. The Martian
Man, The Martian is really good. The script, Matt Damon, Ridley Scott… it’s got a winning combination. Banzai‘s good, but it’s not that good.
Buckaroo Banzai vs. The Sessions
“An unusual story with incredible actors” could describe both films, but The Sessions worked for me on a whole other level. I’ve never believed in a character so much then when John Hawkes brought his A-game to that movie. The Sessions wins.
Buckaroo Banzai vs. Modern Times
Modern Times, of course.
Buckaroo Banzai vs. Night Watch
Night Watch has even more style than Banzai – which is saying a lot.
Buckaroo Banzai vs. The Bear
Have you seen The Bear? If not, you really should. It’s amazing.
Buckaroo Banzai vs. The Imitation Game
It was an interesting enough story, but a little ho-hum in the direction, I’d say. Banzai wins for being way more fun and interesting, despite its insanity and cheese factor.
Buckaroo Banzai vs. Idiocracy
I used to dislike Idiocracy, but I’ve since come around to what Mike Judge was trying to do with that movie. He’s always a step ahead of everyone. Banzai was too, but I think I like the execution of the lunacy more in Idiocracy.
Buckaroo Banzai vs. The Blues Brothers
It’s also a pretty weird movie. Not as weird as Banzai, but still very weird in its own way. I think Blues Brothers speaks a little clearer to me than Banzai.
Buckaroo Banzai vs. Eyes Wide Shut
Lots of weirdness in these matchups! Almost everything Kubrick ever did was unusual, and Eyes Wide Shut is no exception. I’m a big fan. It’s a cinematic triumph. Sorry, Buckaroo!
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension is now ranked #354 out of 1442 movies on my Best Movies of All-Time chart.
It’s now my 20th favorite Sci-Fi Comedy I’ve seen and my 9th favorite film of 1984.
Last up is The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956), Footlight Parade, and Open Range. In the meantime, check out the other films I’ve ranked during the challenge.
