Mandy sits down with her producer, confidant, consigliere, part-time chef, and friend Pete Wright to dive into the wacky world of the 1984 cult classic, "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension." Discover the enduring charm and infectious sense of fun that has made this quirky sci-fi adventure a beloved favorite among its dedicated fans.
Pete shares his first encounter with "Buckaroo Banzai" as a teenager, watching it with friends and being captivated by its quirky humor and unique worldview. He acknowledges that the film may not hold up as well for newcomers today but still appreciates the passion and dedication of the talented cast, which includes Peter Weller, John Lithgow, Christopher Lloyd, and Jeff Goldblum.
They cut into the behind-the-scenes stories of the film's production, highlighting the creative team's studio notes and their clever ways of testing whether the suits were still paying attention. They also touch on the film's intentions as a potential franchise starter and the enthusiasm of the actors and creators in building this unique universe.
While acknowledging some problematic elements, such as the questionable casting of Peter Weller as a half-Japanese character and the underutilization of Ellen Barkin's character, the pair ultimately celebrate the film's enduring charm and the infectious sense of fun that permeates every frame. For Wright, "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai" serves as a reminder of the joy that can be found in the creative process when working with a passionate and dedicated team.
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What is Make Me A Nerd with Mandy Kaplan?
Hey folks. Mandy Kaplan here. I’d like to share a bit about my intentions and mission for MMAN if you’ll indulge me. You will? Huzzah!
Look, I am a lot of things. I’m a writer, actress, mother, and lover of musicals and cats, but NOT Cats, The Musical. Give me a little bit of credit, would ya? So...throughout my life, I’ve been surrounded (and intrigued) by all things nerd. A sister who plays D&D, a Star Wars-obsessed husband, friends who love anime, comic books, video games, and...well, you get the picture. Somehow, I have always held it all at arm's length. Not to get too deep, but maybe I never thought I was smart enough to follow it. Or maybe I have control issues and have never been able to embrace fantastical things like dragons and time travel. Until now!
So, with an open mind and heart, I am ready to join this massive (and beautifully inclusive) club and GEEK THE #%$ OUT! It’s time for all my wonderfully strange friends to baptize me into NERD-DOM. Please join me on this journey. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover or remember a side of yourself along the way. Or at least make fun of me as I try!