There’s something psychologically awry, deeply tragic, and wholeheartedly hilarious about Buffalo ‘66 that makes it a blast to watch every single time. In a weird way, it subverts your expectation at just about every turn, and it continuously unfolds in inventive and charmingly uproarious ways. The basic fundamentals of this kidnap-turned-romance romp are set into motion by a character needing to urinate, which immediately tells you the kind of realistic absurdity the film embraces. It’s also a humorous catlyst that builds to a highly funny moment of literal release.

Buffalo ‘66 is full of intriguing and oddly compelling moments like this; Ricci’s tap dancing interlude to King Crimson’s “Moon Child,” Ben Gazzara serenading Ricci with Frank Sinatra, the flashback’s to Billy as a little boy that inform the viewer of his dysfunctional relationship with his parents, the photo booth scene about “spanning time,” the strip club showdown — there are really just too many to name. These scenes are made all the more memorable by the film’s terrific ensemble cast that includes the likes of Mickey Rourke, Rosanna Arquette, and Keven Corrigan (aside from those already mentioned).

The film is essentially divided into two stories; Billy’s attempt to perpetuate the false narrative he concocted for his parents (who see right through him) while he was in prison, and his want for revenge against the Buffalo Bills kicker, Scott Wood (based of actually Bills kicker Scott Norwood) who blew the big game that landed him in prison. All narrative threads converge as Billy attempts to wrestle with his inner demons, loneliness, and depression, leading him closer and closer to Layla, who may be the real salvation he’s looking for.