inkblot11 Review of Starman

Starman (1984)

Deserves a galaxy of stars, does Starman; lovely film with superb acting and a terrific story

[10/10 · 11 January 2012]

In the 1970's, NASA launched a probe to the universe, one may remember. Inside was a map of earth's position, a recording of greetings in several languages and some information about the blue planet's conditions. Also included were some rock n roll songs, like Satisfaction! Now, its the early 1980's and there has been no response yet from the world beyond. Until now. An alien being (Jeff Bridges) comes to earth, after finding the probe, but his ship goes off course and instead of landing in Arizona, near a famous crater, it goes down in Wisconsin. Nearby is a young widow, Jenny (Karen Allen) who is still grieving over her husband Scott's death. As she sleeps, the alien enters her home, finds a scrapbook of memories of Scott and clones his body from a lock of hair. When Jenny hears noises, she is terrified to discover her the new "Scott" in her home! The alien has grabbed her gun and explains that he needs her to drive him to Arizona, in order to reconnect with another spaceship from his planet. Still very afraid, Jenny has no choice. But, at first, she tries to alert other travelers that she has been kidnapped. The alien always manages to foil her pleas for help and keep them on the road. Soon, amazingly, Jenny discovers that the Alien means her no harm and the two develop a strong friendship, one universal creature to another. It is just at this moment that the two learn that NASA scientists are on their trail, hoping to kidnap Scott and "study" him. Jenny knows now that unless he can leave earth, he will die. Will the Alien make it to Arizona and escape the clutches of the American astronomers? This terrific film deserves as many stars as critics and viewers can muster. First, Bridges is downright superb in his portrayal of an Alien being trapped in a human body. He was nominated for an Academy Award, that's how good he is. Allen, Charles Martin Smith, and all of the other numerous cast members do great work as well. Naturally, since the sets goes cross country, one gets a good look at the expansive American terrain while the script and direction are of the finest. Have you missed Starman, especially if you were born after its release? In the ever-increasing catalogue of world films, it still stands out.