Do you want to see ‘Starman’?

Starman (1984)

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All Critics
Top Critics

Average Rating: 6.6/10
Reviews Counted: 24
Fresh: 19 | Rotten: 5

What initially begins as sci-fi transforms into a surprisingly sweet, offbeat drama, courtesy of John Carpenter's careful direction.

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 4
Fresh: 2 | Rotten: 2

What initially begins as sci-fi transforms into a surprisingly sweet, offbeat drama, courtesy of John Carpenter's careful direction.

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User Ratings: 23,079

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Movie Info

Having crashed to Earth, an extraterrestrial space traveller must assume a human identity lest he be captured by the authorities. The alien (Jeff Bridges) chooses the likeness of the recently deceased husband of Jenny Hayden (Karen Allen). At first dumbstruck, Jenny becomes both hostile toward and frightened of her guest. He gradually wins her confidence, learning a few vital English-language phrases so that he can explain his presence. The "starman" has come to Earth with a message of peace, in

PG-13, 1 hr. 55 min.

Drama, Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Directed By: John Carpenter

Written By: Raynold Gideon

In Theaters: Dec 14, 1984 Wide

On DVD: Mar 6, 2001

Columbia Pictures

Starman Trailer & Photos

Cast

Jeff Bridges
Starman
Karen Allen
Jenny Hayden
Charles Martin Smith
Mark Shermin
Richard Jaeckel
George Fox
Robert Phalen
Maj. Bell
Tony Edwards
Sgt. Lemon
Russ Benning
Scientist
Dirk Blocker
Cop
Stephen Brennan
Roadblock Sergeant
Dennis Burkley
Man in Gas Station Rest...
Kenny Call
Donnie Bob
Ron Colby
Cafe Waiter
Ralph Cosham
Marine Lieutenant
Alex Daniels
Gas Station Attendant
John Walter Davis
Brad Heinmuller
James Deeth
S-61 Pilot
M.C. Gainey
Cop
Charlie Hughes
Bus Driver
Mickey Jones
Trucker
Lu Leonard
Roadhouse Waitress
Jeff Ramsey
Hunter
Carol Rosenthal
Gas Customer
David Wells
Fox's Assistant
John Anderson
John Carpenter
Man in Helicopter
George 'Buck' Flower
Cook
Jerry Gatlin
Hunter
Ted White
Deer Hunter
Pat Lee
Bracero Wife
Jennifer Shull
Betty Bunch
Truck Stop Waitress
Sean Faro
Hot Rodder

Critic Reviews for Starman

All Critics (24) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (19) | Rotten (6) | DVD (9)

There is little that is original in Starman, but at least it has chosen good models.

June 6, 2007 Full Review Source: Variety

| Comment

Variety Staff

Variety

Top Critic

It isn't pleasant to watch a talented filmmaker like John Carpenter willfully distort his personality to fit a commercial (read Spielbergian) profile, and only the opening suspense-horror sequences have the weight of real involvement.

June 6, 2007 Full Review Source: Chicago Reader

| Comment

Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Top Critic

Starman contains the potential to be a very silly movie, but the two actors have so much sympathy for their characters that the movie, advertised as space fiction, turns into one of 1984's more touching love stories.

October 23, 2004 Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times

| Comment

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Top Critic

In Mr. Bridges' hands [his role] becomes the occasion for a sweetly affecting characterization -- a fine showcase for the actor's blend of grace, precision and seemingly offhanded charm.

May 20, 2003 Full Review Source: New York Times

| Comment

Janet Maslin

New York Times

Top Critic

Jeff Bridges as appealing alien; best for teens.

January 2, 2011 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media

| Comment

Randy White

Common Sense Media

I didn't recall the logic being so bullet-riddled, or Starman being as much of a Rain Man as he is.

July 29, 2009 Full Review Source: Movie Metropolis

| Comment

James Plath

Movie Metropolis

Bridges' portrayal of Starman can be as hard to take as the lapses in logic.

July 29, 2009 Full Review Source: Movie Metropolis

| Comments (2)

James Plath

Movie Metropolis

An enjoyable film filled with the kind of sensitivity, love, and humor seldom seen on today's screens.

June 6, 2007 Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide

| Comment

TV Guide's Movie Guide

The best special effects are in the first five minutes. Thereafter, it's all rather predictable.

June 24, 2006 Full Review Source: Time Out

| Comment

Derek Adams

Time Out

Early Jeff Bridges starrer is fun sci-fi.

October 30, 2004 Comment

Steve Crum

Kansas City Kansan Source: Kansas City Kansan

Carpenter is a master of framing for widescreen, and Starman is certainly a forum for him to show off his prowess behind the lens.

August 1, 2003 Full Review Source: Reel Film Reviews

| Comment

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

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Audience Reviews for Starman

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The most touching film John Carpenter ever made, a strange love story disguised as science fiction.

November 2, 2011

Graham Jones

Super Reviewer

Directing something a little different from his normal fare, this film is one of John Carpenter's best and most interesting that he has ever come up with. The story is a sci-fi tale (with elements of romance) about an alien who crash lands on Earth and journeys across the country to rendezvous with his kind in three

June 13, 2006

Chris Weber

Super Reviewer

Starman Quotes

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1. Starman: Up yours!
– Submitted by Kenny B (11 months ago)

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