Not a typical Carpenter film but it’s pretty good. It’s a good story with a good cast. The irony of us sending out greetings for extra terrestrials and then trying to gun them down when they get the message is always fun.

My favourite John Carpenter movie besides The Thing. Such a different story than he usually tells. Bridges is amazing as the alien and Allen trying to explain humanity to him is very human and familiar.

I really, really dug this movie. Bridges' alien speaking choices are a little funny sometimes and a few developments had me going, wait what? But I really dug it. Karen Allen is a goddamn star and super babe. And Dirk Blocker shows up for a scene! Very good, very interesting movie. The score is an all timer for me. I know the theme well from repeated listens of Carpenter's theme compilation and hearing it finally in the movie was a joy.

A sweet and touching romantic drama, that doubles as a well worn sci-fi tale. Carpenter masterfully weaves in between the genres with grace. Bridges and Karen Allen are excellent in it. Allen especially, really sells the human, emotional turmoil.

Funny, muted, and hopeful. Just a nice, well-crafted film. 1984 (57nd) Academy Award nominations: Best Actor (Jeff Bridges)