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Peter Boyle, Bill Murray, Bruno Kirby, Rene Auberjonois, R.G. Armstrong ... see more see more... , Danny Goldman , Leonard Frey , Rafael Campos , Leonard Gaines , DeWayne Jessie , Mark Metcalf , Joe Ragno , Julie Andelman , Bruce Barbour , Linden Chiles , Caesar Cordova , Sonny Carl Davis , Lou Felder , Doris Hargrave , Jim Healy , Cork Hubbert , Sunny Johnson , Jon Mathews , Miles McNamara , Craig T. Nelson , Nancy Parsons , Quinn K. Redeker , Lisa Taylor , John Moio , Michael Cornelison , Danny Tucker , Joshua Daniel , Reginald H. Farmer , Jerry Maren , Janit Baldwin

Based on the writings and experiences of "gonzo" journalist Hunter S. Thompson, Where the Buffalo Roam details the adventures of Thompson (Bill Murray) and his attorney (Peter Boyle), whose character ... read more read more...is rewritten as Mexican-American rather than Samoan, as they pillage and plunder their way across America on a drunken, drug-saturated mission to...well, their mission is as yet undetermined, but they set about it anyway. Highlights include a staged broadcast of the Super Bowl from Thompson's hotel room and a scene in which he escapes from the police with a little help from his trusty sidekick. ~ Jeremy Beday, Rovi

Flixster Users

73% liked it

19,197 ratings

Critics

25% liked it

12 critics

R, 1 hr. 40 min.

Directed by: Art Linson

Release Date: April 25, 1980

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DVD Release Date: January 11, 2000

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Stats: 1,225 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,225)


  • fb1664868775
    November 20, 2011
    fb1664868775
    Ridiculous but still entertaining.
  • October 13, 2011
    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 "Ca... read morerl 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.
  • January 8, 2011
    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.
  • November 30, 2007
    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.
  • July 15, 2007
    Better than Fear and Loathing...but not my cup of tea
  • November 12, 2006
    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.
  • March 22, 2012
    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 sympa... read morethetic 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.
  • October 14, 2008
    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.
  • May 16, 2012
    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...
  • August 11, 2008
    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 ... read moreone 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

Critic Reviews


Rob Gonsalves
April 9, 2007
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com

It's just a ramshackle package of bizarre anecdotes, some only marginally connected to Thompson's writings. Full Review

Jake Euker
July 8, 2004
Jake Euker, F5 (Wichita, KS)

Finds no cinematic equivalent for Thompson's outrageous language; the material seems strangely meek.

Brian Mckay
March 18, 2003
Brian Mckay, eFilmCritic.com

Funny but campy rendition of Hunter S. Thompson by Bill Murray. Easier to watch than FEAR AND LOATHING

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Janet Maslin
January 15, 2005
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Cole Smithey
September 13, 2007
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com

No review available.

Emanuel Levy
July 5, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Linda Cook
August 4, 2004
Linda Cook, Quad City Times (Davenport, IA)

No review available.

Rebecca Murray
June 13, 2003
Rebecca Murray, About.com

No review available.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Where the Buffalo Roam Trivia


  • what is the name of the movie in which bill murray plays writer hunter s thompson  Answer »
  • What 1980's movie, starring Bill Murray, is the prequel to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas?  Answer »
  • Bill Murray potrayed Hunter S. Thompson in which film?  Answer »
  • In which movie did Johnny Depp not star in?  Answer »

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