Where the Buffalo Roam (1980)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Graham J

  
  Ridiculous but still entertaining.

• Chris W

  
  This was the Hunter S. Thompson movie before Terry Gilliam decided to do his version. It's more of a series of episodic vignettes based on several of Thompson's stories instead of being an adaptation of just one. It basically covers Thompson's relationship with Chicano… More
  This was the Hunter S. Thompson movie before Terry Gilliam decided to do his version. It's more of a series of episodic vignettes based on several of Thompson's stories instead of being an adaptation of just one. It basically covers Thompson's relationship with Chicano lawyer "Carl Lazlo Esq." during Hunter's attempts to cover Super Bowl VI and the '72 Presidential Campaign, as well as some other crazy shenanigans. The film doesn't quite do justice to Hunter, his relatiosnhip with Lazlo, or the source material, but it is faithful to the spirit of gonzo journalism and Thompson's nuttiness. Plus, the performances are not too bad. Their far less histrionic than the ones in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, but the actos still really get into character, and it's funny as hell watching Bill Murray and Peter Boyle do Thompson and Lazlo, respectively. This is a chaotic mess of a film, but it is rather fascinating to watch. It's not really a complete success as a movie, but it is entertaining. It's kind of a bummer that this is so underappreciated and not given all that much time of day. You gotta be in the right mood for something like this, but it is worth a watch, despite the flaws.

• AJ V

  
  Watching this movie, I was expecting a comedy, but it's really more of a biography of journalist Hunter S. Thompson, and as that it's interesting, but not enjoyable enough. Only see this if you're a fan of his work.

• Curtis L

  
  This movie was like 100% un-entertaining. Not once did I find it enjoyable. It's only interesting to see how crazy H.S. Thompson was, but unlike Fear and Loathing it focuses more on his Lawyer being the real crazy. I realize now why this one isn't as popular.

• Ken S

  
  Better than Fear and Loathing...but not my cup of tea

• Michael G

  
  Not quite Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, but how can you be upset at the possibility of Bill Murray playing Hunter S. Thompson? It's silly and a must for any HST fan.

• Dann M

  
  Where the Buffalo Roam is a comedic drama that seems as lost and befuddled as its main character. Based on the experiences of Hunter S. Thompson, the story follows the meandering exploits of an outlaw "gonzo" journalist. Bill Murray plays the lead, but fails make Thompson… More
  Where the Buffalo Roam is a comedic drama that seems as lost and befuddled as its main character. Based on the experiences of Hunter S. Thompson, the story follows the meandering exploits of an outlaw "gonzo" journalist. Bill Murray plays the lead, but fails make Thompson sympathetic or interesting. And the storytelling is exceptionally poor; there's no rhyme or reason as to where and when the film jumps to, and no attempt is made to give context and meaning to the character's journey. Where the Buffalo Roam is a chaotic mess of a film that serves no purpose.

• Mike T

  
  Bill Murray is in top form in this film, and it is mainly him that makes it as entertaining and interesting as it is. Filled with constant mayhem and hilarity, this one's definitely worth a watch.

• Marcus W

  
  This isn't as downright mental as Fear and Loathing, but it's still a decent portrayal of the original "gonzo" journalist - played beautifully here by Murray - Hunter S. Thompson. And don't waste your time looking for a plot...

• ken j

  
  Well way before there ever was a film Fear and Loathing came this movie starring Bill Murray as Hunter S Thompson and Peter Boyle as his out of control lawyer the only difference between this and fear and loathing is this was more straightforward and not so out of control as the one… More
  Well way before there ever was a film Fear and Loathing came this movie starring Bill Murray as Hunter S Thompson and Peter Boyle as his out of control lawyer the only difference between this and fear and loathing is this was more straightforward and not so out of control as the one with johnny depp but Murray as Thompson i would have to say in one of his best roles comes across perfect and the funny moments are spot on worth a watch for fans of murrays and thompson or who feel they wanna see a slightly different version to depps performance

• Miriam K

  
  OK but I prefer Fear & Loathing better.

Read all 11 featured audience ratings