this 1987 film be a wonderful combination of sci fi and comedy and romance and thriller element . it be briskly pace despite be almost two hour in length and and feature superb performance from the lead while dennis quaid be excellent a usual and a be meg ryan in her best role . yet the plaudit must go to martin short in a truly great performance he have never match . he just need the right role . the support cast be great a well while the delightful villainy of vernon well who be unrecognisable a usual . also robert picardo camp it up superbly a the cowboy and one of his most memorable creation and plus the great pairing of fiona lewis and kevin mccarthy and who memorably say to his dog before feed it represent never beg and never beg . the cinematography and special effect or makeup be all great a well and and jerry goldsmith score be brilliant and perfectly complement the tone of the film and alternately exciting or sprightly or romantic . joe dante bind it all together with magnificent verve and plus dick miller make his trademark appearance . a great and timeless classic . highly recommended .