Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cult dark comedy has strong language, threat.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Buffalo '66
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BUFFALO '66, Billy (Vincent Gallo) is released from jail and immediately called upon to visit his parents. In an attempt to stay inline with the lies he told them about being away with his wife and doing secret government work, he kidnaps a young woman, Layla (Christina Ricci), and forces her to help convince them.
Is It Any Good?
Gallo is a force to be reckoned with as co-writer, director, and central character in this directorial debut—his edgy, unhinged, but likable presence practically vibrating out of the screen. Buffalo '66 combines a psychological crime drama with romance and plenty of dark comedy, and has definitely found its place as a bit of a cult classic from the 1990s. Ricci also gives a fantastic performance, but an uncomfortable aspect is never being quite sure how old her character is supposed to be. She's kidnapped out of a tap class and portrayed with a heavy dose of childlike innocence by the actor, who was 17 at the time of filming. She claims at one point to be 28 to fit in with the expectations of Billy's parents, but there will likely be an unease around that for many viewers. That said, the movie is stylish, innovative, and emotionally intense in a way that sets it apart from anything similar.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of mental health in Buffalo '66. What were some of the things Billy struggled with during the film? How did his relationship with his parents shine a light on his childhood and how that might have affected him as an adult?
Early on in the movie Billy kidnaps Layla. How did the film portray their relationship? Was Layla scared of him? How did she show empathy and patience? How did Billy's behavior start to change based on how Layla treated him?
Talk about some of the language used. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie? Is a certain level of language expected in a movie like this? If so, why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 26, 1998
- On DVD or streaming : January 14, 2014
- Cast : Vincent Gallo , Christina Ricci , Anjelica Huston
- Director : Vincent Gallo
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language, strong violent images and scenes involving nudity
- Last updated : May 12, 2026
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