Rating: 
Summary: a sci-fi film that`s a cut above the rest in it`s genre
Review: James Caan wasn`t in peak performace here like he was in ROLLERBALL but still he managed to pull of a good performance as a hard nosed cop stuck in a futuristic socitey of unwanted aliens with human qualities. Another highlight is seeing this film in dvd instead the visual graphics and imagrey were much more stunning in this version. The storyline is nothing exceptional a cop goes after his parnter`s killer with the help of an alien cop who he`s forced to work with. Good film to watch but after seeing this film it`s nothing worth remembering.
Rating:
Summary: a sci-fi film that`s a cut above the rest in it`s genre
Review: James Caan wasn`t in peak performace here like he was in ROLLERBALL but still he managed to pull of a good performance as a hard nosed cop stuck in a futuristic socitey of unwanted aliens with human qualities. Another highlight is seeing this film in dvd instead the visual graphics and imagrey were much more stunning in this version. The storyline is nothing exceptional a cop goes after his parnter`s killer with the help of an alien cop who he`s forced to work with. Good film to watch but after seeing this film it`s nothing worth remembering.
Rating: 
Summary: yes -- i really like it but really want the tv series..
Review: this is a great pilot for the tv series that followed. the tv series allowed each character to grow and change, and their alien-ness to one another to blur as they continued to fight crime.
there were a lot of layers to this series besides the basic sci-fi "stranger in a strange land"-"my how different we are" type of story. The episodes dealt with family, romance, detective work, friendship, and a horrific past endured on the way to planet earth.
It has that blade-runner sort of feel, on the edge of the apocalypse type of city, and a pinch of buckaroo bonzai, cagney and lacey (the team had to prove themselves and break "glass ceilings") mixed up with a dash of starman for good measure.
i really enjoyed the tongue in cheek, the partnership formed, and the overcoming of racism.
...'bring me your huddled masses..." i really really implore the powers that be to bring the tv series to DVD.
Thank you in advance.
Rating:
Summary: Very watchable, funny, and provocative.
Review: This is a very watchable movie that succeeds because of: a) bravo performances by James Caan (as always) and Mandy Patinkin; b) a solid storyline; and c) the fact that the movie does not try to take itself too seriously even as it makes some social and political points. In effect, this movie is racial politics wrapped in equal parts science fiction and a satirical cop thriller. The amazing thing is, it works--this movie is a brisk and enjoyable viewing experience. The storyline never drags and always entertains. The social commentary, while pervasive, never intrudes on the storyline.The basic premise of the film is that a huge spaceship full of alien "Newcomers" lands in the California desert. They have high IQs, average over 6 1/2 feet in height, get drunk on sour milk, cannot eat cooked meat, and have a variety of other odd characteristics as well. Their goal, and the government's goal, is to assimilate the Newcomers into American society as quickly as possible. James Caan plays a police detective who is assigned the first Newcomer detective partner: Detective Sam Francisco (Patinkin)and they are investigating a murder involving the Newcomer community. The chemistry between Caan and Patinkin is excellent, and both turn in fine performances. Lots of interesting and downright hilarious things happen along the way, which makes this film downright entertaining even as it gives a certain amount of lighthearted social commentary about the challenges that the most recent people "off the boat" can expect to face when entering American society. The movie succeeds in its most important goal: it entertains. This is good lighthearted entertainment with a frosting of social commentary that avoids being PC. The movie works.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent!
Review: This is perhaps one of the best views of social interaction while entertaining people with action and some comedy. James Caan and Mandy Patinkin are great as the human/alien cop duo forced to work together to solve a recent string of crimes leading to an alien drug ring. The action may be too heavy at times, but still is entertaining, and at the end, suspenseful. A great film which was the basis for the best TV series ever to air on broadcast television!
Rating:
Summary: WHY ISN'T THIS ON DVD!
Review: While some of the storyline can be corny at times, the concept for this film was excellent. Not just aliens, but aliens who were treated like garbage as slaves find refuge on earth... more specifically, California. They're highly intelligent and much stronger than humans, but most of them are grateful to be on earth, despite the harsh, racist treatment they receive from many who want to keep a "pure" human race. Like any culture, there are always some bad apples and the Newcomers (as they are called) are no exception. Their unique strength gives them advantages over humans, but their larger-than-ours, spongy heads make it hard for them to hide in a crowd. The unique culture of the Newcomers is explored and seeing their culture integrate with ours is insightful concerning the way many immigrants are treated today. The make-up is awesome and totally believable and the language developed for the aliens is also well done. The good acting helps to make up for what is sometimes a mediocre script, yet a great concept. If you're into sci-fi, this is an interesting flick you won't want to miss.
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