Reviews of Jeff Goldblum’s performances in films
by Susan Panaway

I spent lots of time trying to figure out which Jeff Goldblum film to review for the anniversary issue of Moviejawn. Sure, I could review Independence Day. That obviously deals with a celebratory event. I even considered discussing Jurassic Park. Both movies are action-packed and fun. However, I felt Moviejawn deserved more. After all, it’s celebrating its first year. I had to go big this time by reviewing the 1984 cult classic, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension. Ladies and gentleman, prepare to dive into another dimension.

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension is a science fiction flick about a comic book character, Buckaroo Banzai, who can do anything from preform neurosurgery to play in a rock n’ roll band. He’s so cool in fact that he has an entourage called The Hong Kong Cavaliers. Buckaroo and his crew spend most of the film trying to protect the over thruster, a device that allows someone to travel through solid matter.

During their journey, Buckaroo and the Cavaliers pick up a tall gentleman named New Jersey (Jeff Goldblum) in New Jersey. Clever. New Jersey is also a neurosurgeon and a cowboy. Yes, a cowboy and my ideal man. Please note the thick framed glasses. He fits in quite well with the rest of Buckaroo’s bandits. Goldblum is known for his eccentric style of acting (i.e. the wide eyed glances and almost robotic speech). It’s one of the many things that I admire about him. He brings his signature style to this character. He also adds in some clumsiness…okay a lot of clumsiness. New Jersey is super sophisticated when it comes to science, but not so much in every other area. At one point, he awkwardly speaks into a microphone, hits it, and then has difficulties with readjusting it. This is one of my favorite scenes. New Jersey is also apparently a big Orson Welles fan who helps the Cavalier Crew unravel conspiracy theories. I love the way he pronounces “alien.” Thank you Mr. Goldblum for making my heart swoon again.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai…it was goofy (i.e. the constant references to John Bigboote), visually stimulating, and fun. There’s also a super cool song featured at the end. It could easily become one of my top five favorite science fiction films.

Remember…no matter where you go, there you are.