"Starman" DVD Review (3.5/5) - Jeremiah

Yes, it's an “E.T.” rip off. No, it's not as great as “E.T.” It is, however, one of my favorite John Carpenter movies. It's a very atypical Carpenter film, though: it has an actual budget, it's low on the campiness and the cast is full of solid performers. It was written by somebody else, and (gasp) the music was scored by another person as well. Hell, it's the only Carpenter film to have an Oscar nomination -- Jeff Bridges for Best Actor.

All that aside, it still feels like Carpenter. While he's not the film's composer, it still has a synthesizer track. And it still sounds like a Carpenter plot, even though he did not write it. It's filled with beautiful, almost western-like shots, which is very much Carpenter.

The alien (Jeff Bridges) crash lands in Wisconsin after being shot down by the military. He lands near a cabin inhabited by the gorgeous Jenny Hayden (Karen Allen). He uses a strand of her recently deceased husband's hair to copy his appearance. Jenny is understandably disturbed by this thing in her house, this thing that looks like her husband, yet isn't. Long story short, they go a road trip to Arizona, all the while being chased by the military and a lone scientist, Mark Shirman (Charles Martin Smith), who hope to get there first.

Along the way, we get treated to something fascinating. Rather than make this a typical “Alien phone home” movie, Carpenter goes another direction. It's a road trip movie which evolves into a love story. Carpenter's deft hand is only part of the reason. The real saving grace is Bridges and Allen.

Their performance and chemistry is mesmerizing. Allen seems to be honestly genuine, which is rare to see in these types of movies. Her evolution of fright, to confusion, to uncomfortable acceptance, to compassion, and finally leading to all-out love is a joy to behold. Yet, it's Bridges that practically steals the show. His physicality is, simply put, brilliant. The way he moves, as if he is unaccustomed to all the joint, nerves, and muscle reflexes of humans is astonishing. He talks, almost as if there's a delay between the thought and the speech. The way he gradually eases into being human, while never fully getting a handle on all the simple motor functions is well worth the Oscar nod he received.

Carpenter wisely chooses to let the story unfold in the foreground, while the majestic landscapes in the background struggle to steal every scene. Sure, at times the film gets a little schmaltzy, but that's okay. It's a refreshing attempt at the Sci-fi genre, plus it furthers itself from the phrase, “E.T. Clone”.

Personally it's one of my favorites, even though it lacks the Carpenter staples. Maybe that's why I love it so. It was a bold attempt to try something different. Or maybe I should say try the same thing in a different way. Either way, it's a sweet movie with a wonderful underlying musical score and some gorgeous cinematography. Bridges will astound you and Karen Allen will remind you just how good she was never given the chance to be.

3.5 out of 5

Yours Until Hell Freezes Over,
Jeremiah