In the 1970’s, screenwriter W.D. Richter was introduced to novelist Earl Mac Rauch, and the two began a working relationship. When Mac Rauch introduced a new character he created named Buckaroo Bandy, Richter became interested and had him develop it. At one point during the revisions, Mac Rauch changed the character’s name to Buckaroo Banzai, which was suggested by Richter. Years later, a finished treatment was shopped around to various studios before eventually being picked up by 20th Century Fox. With Richter as director, they manged to assemble a cast of notable character actors, who were all fully on board. They also hired some talented crew members, including cinematographer Jordan Cronenweth, though producers replaced him with Oscar-winner Fred J. Koenekamp. With a $12 million budget, Richter and company set out to bring this new character to life. In 1984, we got The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension.
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Buckaroo Banzai (Peter Weller) is a world-renowned scientist, neurosurgeon, and rock star, along with his team, the Hong Kong Cavaliers. He’s working on a device called the Oscillation Overthruster, which makes light speed travel possible, alongside Professor Hikita (Robert Ito). Meanwhile, Lord John Whorfin, an alien living in the body of Dr. Emilio Lizardo (John Lithgow) learns of Banzai’s discovery. He and his fellow aliens, the Red Lectroids, have been stuck on Earth trying to return to the 8th dimension. At the same time, the Black Lectroids are trying to stop the Red Lectroids from their goal of world domination. Soon, Whorfin and his goons kidnap Banzai’s love interest Penny Priddy (Ellen Barkin) and threaten her life for the Overthruster. It’s up to Banzai and his Cavaliers to stop the Red Lectroids, rescue Penny, and save the world. Just remember, no matter where you go, there you are.
Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension is a fun, unique, and entertaining film that fully deserves its cult classic status. It’s one of those movies where you can tell that everyone involved was having a great time while making it. Much like in RoboCop, Peter Weller makes Buckaroo Banzai his own and lends his natural charisma to the part. John Lithgow is delightfully over-the-top as the villainous John Whorfin, and his Red Lectroids, particularly Christopher Lloyd, have great banter. The Hong Kong Cavaliers consist of some great character actors, including Jeff Goldblum, Clancy Brown, Lewis Smith, and Pepe Serna. Each of them have their moments to shine and really feel like a team with a long history together. Ellen Barkin is fun as Penny Priddy, though she does come off as a bit of a damsel in distress. Everyone in the cast helps add to the overall sense of fun.
For a first-time director, W.D. Richter does a great job and makes the film look bigger than its budget. The special effects, though minimal, have a delightfully weird look that helps Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension stand out. If there are any issues, nothing is really explained, and there isn’t much in the way of backstory or exposition. However, that actually works in its favor, as it’s more focused on delivering a fun story than dumping exposition. There’s a lot that’s hinted at, but never explored, mostly because they planned on a sequel that sadly never happened. But maybe, it’s better that we had one good, fun movie, instead of a good movie followed by lackluster sequels. This simply introduces this world and these characters, and just expects to go along for the ride. The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension is a ride worth going on.
