John Carpenter's last great movie was also the most political, with "Body Snatchers"-like aliens inhabiting human bodies in a quest to turn the planet into the ultimate free market zone.

Professional wrestler Piper plays a construction worker who, after a series of amazing coincidences, learns that our entire planet is being run by these Republicans From Another World. Meg Foster (later seen in "Stepfather 2") plays his girlfriend. The worst thing about his situation is that many Americans have chosen to play along with these alien invaders in the name of making a fast buck! The film helps explain why Carpenter was never willing to direct a "Halloween" sequel, despite being offered oodles of cash to do it.

This was for a long time the last film that actually felt like a Carpenter movie. It has a pretty decent score, composed by him, and the kind of sci-fi horror tension we've enjoyed from movies like "Escape From New York." There's also some decent make-up effects. He wouldn't have another good horror movie until "Ghosts of Mars."

Recommended.

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