Where the Buffalo Roam

R

Released Apr 25, 1980

1h 36m

Comedy

List

19%

Tomatometer

26 Reviews

73%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

In 1968, drug-addled journalist Hunter S. Thompson (Bill Murray) covers the drug possession trial of a group of young people defended by Thompson's old friend Carl Lazlo (Peter Boyle). After Lazlo loses the case, the idealistic lawyer and the cynical writer go their separate ways, but meet again five years later while Thompson is covering the Super Bowl. Now a revolutionary who has abandoned the legal system, Lazlo attempts to get Thompson to join his cause.

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Critics Consensus

Bill Murray delivers a noteworthy portrayal of Hunter S. Thompson, but Where the Buffalo Roam strains to get through its rambling narrative.

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

The movie is about manic energy, but you can feel everyone straining just to get the next shot on the screen.

Jul 21, 2015

Full Review

Gary Arnold

Washington Post

Where the Buffalo Roam is a shambling stiff, destined to tarnish the reputations of everyone responsible for it.

Jul 21, 2015

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

[Where the Buffalo Roam] features a number of amusing set-pieces of irreverent lunacy, but lack of serious substance renders film too frivolous and detached from reality.

Mar 26, 2009

Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

as a showcase for Murray, and as an advert for drugs, its persuasive stuff.

Rated: 3/5

Feb 16, 2022

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Hunter S. Thompson earned an "executive consultant" credit on the picture, but, like others involved with the troubled production, he was ultimately disgusted and disappointed with the end result.

Rated: 1.5/4

Nov 16, 2021

Full Review

Austin Trunick

Under the Radar

While [Bill] Murray is more than likable in his role, he isn't able to capture the larger-than-life figure he set out to inhabit.

Oct 18, 2017

Full Review

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The H

look at me, I am too crazy

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

02/29/24

Full Review

Nicolas M

I went to see the pre-screening in San Francisco with Hunter's brother Jim. The director was also there. It was so dreadful that a thoroughly negative vibe was pervasive when it ended. Audience members were asked to fill out questionnaires about the film, which I imagine were a bracing splash in the face of the studio execs.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

07/21/24

Full Review

Ari V

Perhaps I should have given it more of a chance, but couldn't wait get through it. Seemed like a bare, inartful version of Fear And Loathing. A dry run.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

11/17/23

Full Review

Diane J P

Hard to keep my attention through the whole thing, very iritic story

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

10/08/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A Hunter S Thompson classic.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Bill Murray is hilarious as Hunter Thompson but the film meanders in the second half until Peter Boyle returns to liven things up just a bit before the film abruptly ends.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

Full Review

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Art Linson

Director

Bill Murray

Hunter S. Thompson

Peter Boyle

Lazlo

Rene Auberjonois

Harris

Bruno Kirby

Marty Lewis

R. G. Armstrong

Judge Simpson

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Synopsis

In 1968, drug-addled journalist Hunter S. Thompson (Bill Murray) covers the drug possession trial of a group of young people defended by Thompson's old friend Carl Lazlo (Peter Boyle). After Lazlo loses the case, the idealistic lawyer and the cynical writer go their separate ways, but meet again five years later while Thompson is covering the Super Bowl. Now a revolutionary who has abandoned the legal system, Lazlo attempts to get Thompson to join his cause.

Director: Art Linson
Producer: Art Linson
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal/Universal Int
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 25, 1980, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 22, 2016
Runtime: 1h 36m

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