The Adventures Of Buckaroo Banzai Across The 8th Dimension

Author: W. D. Richter

Arguably the smartest science fiction comedy of all-time, Buckaroo Banzai is actually an exploration of themes common in pulp fiction. Doctor Banzai, not only the world's greatest brain surgeon, but also a theoretical physicist, and rock 'n roll impresario, has managed to drive through a mountain, but also brought back something with him. Peter Weller as Banzai is probably the most over-the-top character in the history of cinema, but he's also exploring what it means to be gifted and interacting with two worlds – one that we live in and one that's above all of us. The silliness of the story might make you overlook the true quality of the script, which brings elements of golden age science fiction, like the 1938 War of the Worlds broadcast and Doc Savage, and brings them into the slightly skewed world of the 1980s. The fast and fun story, and getting to watch John Lithgowe playing a whacky, largely-mad scientist, makes this one of the most entertaining science fiction films ever made. Why it's on the list It's a beautiful snapshot of 1980s scifi, and just a super-fun watch!