Review of Starman (1984) by Ben F — 09 Dec 2010

"Starman" really did grow on me as the movie slowly progressed. At first I didn't think I was going to watch anything special, but I was pretty wrong. This was a fairly awesome movie. Some people may think that this film is silly and stupid, but I actually thought it was a pretty engaging sci-fi romance. It was actually heart-warming. This is definitely a movie to watch.

Karen Allen lost her husband, and she is extremely sad. An extra-terrestrial lands on her property and takes the form of her husband so she doesn't freak out (Jeff Bridges). Over time, she begins to care for the alien, and they actually both start to love each other. Now...by just reading the plot that I've laidd out for you, the movie definitely seems ridiculous. I thought the same thing...but seriously...you need to see the movie to really start feeling for the characters.

So this movie is pretty funny at certain moments, and sad and touching during other moments. Sometimes when Jeff Bridges doesn't know what something is and questions it, it's funny. But there are scenes where you really learn what the alien is all about, and it truly makes you shiver. Really, there are a lot of elements in this film that are pretty epic.

The effects in this movie are pretty cool for the time period. I thought that the idea of the alien was really cool, like a flashing beam of light, or whatever. I was impressed.

Both Karen Allen and Jeff Bridges to a good job. I'm pretty sure that Bridges was nominated for best actor for this movie, which was the only nomination for a John Carpenter movie...ever. Karen Allen was good too.

What's really interesting and surprising is that this film brings a message about our civilization as well. Jeff Bridges can't comprehend why we kill each other so much, and why we take life for granted. It actually makes you think a little bit...

The music is pretty amazing as well. The theme by Jack Nitzsche is pretty amazing...and really epic. It'll definitely give you shivers...

The ending sequences are like the best in the film. I'm not going to give anything away...but its pretty fantastic. The way Carpenter executed the last 30 minutes was just....brilliant. "Starman" on the outside may seem like a dumb movie...but once you view it...you will truly appreciate Carpenter's composition, the message of the film, and the development of the characters.

Starman (Speaking about the Human Race): "Shall I tell you what I find beautiful about you? You are at your very best when things are worst.".