Director: John Carpenter
Writer: Bruce A. Evans, Raynold Gideon (Screenplay)
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Karen Allen, Charles Martin Smith, Richard Jaeckel, Robert Phalen, Tony Edwards
Plot: Jenny (Allen) never did get over the death of her husband. So when an alien life form decides to model ‘himself’ on the husband, Jenny is understandably confused if not terrified. The alien known as Starman (Bridges), has a deadline to meet, and kidnaps Jenny in order to meet it, but on their journey together they become close and Starman gives Jenny a chance to say good bye to her husband which she was unable because of his accident. With the government chasing them down they have three days to make the journey across the country.
Verdict: Sci-Fi Different
Story: Following a very simple story for the modern audience this stories ability to shift between genres effortlessly is incredible. The struggling language and culture barriers for Starman work to great effect as he learns as the journey continues. The idea that the Americans would panic and think the worst when something visits Earth. But they always have one member of the team who would ask questions rather than be violent. We also have a more touching side where Jenny gets to spend time with her former husband and get to say the final good byes. Putting all these together this really makes a trans-genre movie way before its time. (9/10)
Actor Reviews
Jeff Bridges: Starman after finding the recording we sent into space, he crash lands on Earth and takes the form of dead painter Scott. He has three days to get across America and takes Jenny with him, first as a hostage but soon as his teacher. He processes powers we can only dream off including reincarnation. Jeff got an Oscar nomination for this and he was brilliant in the role. (10/10)
Karen Allen: Jenny the grieving widow, who wakes up to find her dead husband back but different. She travels with the man but is always trying to escape during the first day until she sees his ability and wants desperately to help him find his way home. Good performance from Karen who does stand up next to Jeff very well. (9/10)
Charles Martin Smith: Mark a member of the government trying to find the alien being, but believes the visitor has come in peace and not looking to cause any trouble. Good supporting performance showing that not all government people are evil against visitors. (7/10)
Richard Jaeckel: George the man who wants to shot first and ask questions later, he sums up how the America’s seem to think that way about visitors from another world. Good performance filling in as the villain of the piece. (7/10)
Director Review: John Carpenter – Great direction from Carpenter showing that he was talented enough to swap genres with ease. (9/10)
Adventure: The adventure side of the story is only about the trip, which has a string of events on that put the couple in trouble. (7/10)
Romance: The romance side feels almost awkward but it does offer someone who was in love one last couple of days with the loved one they lose. (7/10)
Sci-Fi: Though the whole story is about visit from space, it could also be a visit back from heaven from a lost loved one. (8/10)
Settings: Each setting adds to the adventure all leading to one of the most talked about places in America. (7/10)
Special Effects: The special effects are used rarely but when they are they work very well for the story and haven’t dated too badly at all. (9/10)
Suggestion: I think this is one worth watching, it has plenty for fans of all the genres out there, it really hasn’t dated and with it being 30 years old in the sci-fi world is a rare thing. (Watch)
Best Part: The deer scene.
Worst Part: I would say the genetic Government figures.
Favourite Quote: Starman ‘I watched you very carefully. Red light stop, green light go, yellow light go very fast’.
Believability: No (0/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: Had a TV Spin Off.
Post Credits Scene: No
Similar Too: K-Pax
Oscar Chances: Nominated for Best Actor.
Box Office: $28,744,356
Budget: $22 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 55 Minutes
Tagline: He has traveled from a galaxy far beyond our own. He is 100,000 years ahead of us. He has powers we cannot comprehend. And he is about to face the one force in the universe he has yet to conquer, Love.
Trivia:The only John Carpenter film to have an Academy Award nomination.
Overall: Brilliant Sci-Fi Romance
Rating 
