What’s There to Say? A Holiday Warning, Movie Tangents, and Bowling Perfection in Buffalo '66
Bob E. Logger
The holidays are here, and as I’ve warned before, things can get a little…chaotic. Between big movie announcements, tangents about underrated films, and the bizarre brilliance of Vincent Gallo’s Buffalo '66, let’s dive into the whirlwind.
First up, Hollywood’s endless remake cycle continues. American Psycho is being reimagined, with Austin Butler tapped to fill Christian Bale’s iconic shoes. You know, the guy from Dune and Elvis, who looked uncomfortably intense during awards season because he couldn’t drop the Elvis accent for months. Oscar strategy or method acting gone awry? You decide.
Meanwhile, Ryan Reynolds is reportedly taking on Mighty Mouse. I have to admit, I’m a little “Reynolds’d out.” He’s been everywhere, doing everything. Sure, he’s great, but with Deadpool dominating, it feels like we’re heading into Dead Mouse territory. (And no, that’s not a crossover with the musician Deadmau5, though it’d be hilarious if it were.)
Sony’s Spider-Verse Stumble
Sony’s Spider-Verse villains’ movies keep missing the mark. Fans just want to see Venom and Spider-Man on screen together—that’s the billion-dollar ticket. Marvel Studios mastered the formula, but Sony? Not so much. They had all the villains and no web-slinger. Missed opportunity, but hey, maybe next time.
This week’s “Stocking Stuffer” movie is Buffalo '66. These are the films gifted to you over the years—whether you wanted them or not. Buffalo '66 is one of those movies that surprises you. At its core, it’s about a guy (Vincent Gallo) fresh out of jail who lies to his parents about his incarceration, kidnaps a woman, and convinces her to play his fiancée at a family dinner. Charming, right?
But here’s the thing—Gallo’s film is stunning.
Behind the Scenes Chaos
Vincent Gallo, the film’s writer, director, and star, is a polarizing figure. Known for being difficult to work with, he wanted to shoot on reverse film, which caused the original cinematographer to quit. What is reverse film? It’s a method that creates a positive image directly on film without needing a negative. Risky, but the result is a unique visual style—bright yet muted colors, like a modern story trapped in a ’70s time capsule.
Gallo claims he doesn’t homage other filmmakers intentionally, but the film feels like a love letter to auteurs. Fun fact: the house used in the movie is supposedly his real childhood home, and his actual father recorded the singing voice for the lounge singer character in the film.
The Cast Buffet
The cast is stacked with legendary actors:
Ben Gazzara (Road House, Killing of a Chinese Bookie) as the dad.
Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler, Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man) as a bookie.
Anjelica Huston (The Addams Family, Captain EO, Ice Pirates) as the mom.
Jan-Michael Vincent (Airwolf) in a small but memorable role.
Each actor brings a level of gravitas that elevates the film beyond its quirky indie roots.
Bowling and Buffalo Bills
One of the movie’s standout elements is its odd reverence for bowling. Gallo’s character is a former bowling prodigy, complete with custom shoes, a personalized ball, and his picture immortalized above lane 13. The bowling alley still reveres him as a local legend.
This ties into the character’s strained relationship with his mother, who blames him for being born on the day she missed a Buffalo Bills game—the last one they won, no less. It’s petty, ridiculous, and heartbreakingly human.
There’s a distinction between “movies” and “films,” and Buffalo '66 straddles the line. Its story is raw and weird, but the visuals are undeniably artful. It’s the cinematic equivalent of turning a cheap cut of meat into a gourmet meal.
Gallo’s oddball genius—paired with the film’s melancholic beauty—cements Buffalo '66 as a cult classic. If you haven’t seen it, add it to your list.
Closing Thoughts and Holiday Deals
Before I wrap, don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Manscaped. Get 20% off with code BWPod at Manscaped.com. Trim that tree, folks.
And with that, I’ll leave you to enjoy the holidays—and maybe take a second look at those “stocking stuffer” movies you’ve been avoiding. Who knows? You might find your next Buffalo '66.