Being that this is one of the first of Carpenter's works, and that it had O'Bannon's involvement(more the former than the latter), I made it a point to get to watch it. I noticed that, for being listed a comedy, there aren't that many laughs in it... which is not at all to say that it isn't funny, portions of it certainly are, with several kinds of humor blended together well... some is clever, there's a remarkably well-done absurdity bit(and more than one thing herein is bizarre), and there are black parts, as well. Not every gag or joke works, and with how far there can be between them, I should think that someone just going into this expecting only that will leave disappointed. Meanwhile, if you dig John and the other two genres, you're likely to have a great time. There is genuine tension(he managed to do that skillfully even then), and among the technology and such are interesting aspects to be found(according to the Trivia, a little of it was even inspired by two marvelous writers in the field). Music, as usual on one of his films, is done by John Carpenter himself, and also to be expected, is really good(if not necessarily his best or most memorable). Cinematography, editing and effects all show promise of things to come, from both men. Acting could be better. Writing varies, but there is the occasional nugget of pure gold. I recommend this to any fan of Mr. Carpenter and/or Dan, as well as those who are into sci-fi. 7/10
Review of Dark Star
