There's a power-mad space slug slithering among (and through) the innocent citizens of L.A., and it's up to a hardboiled cop and a detective from way up north to stop it in this wonderfully straight-faced sci-fi action flick. The basic plot may be nothing new, but this remains one of the most underrated testosterone fests of the '80s, with a plethora of amazing stunts (there are more expensive cars smashed here than in the entire oeuvre of Hal Needham), characterizations far beyond the call of duty by Michael Nouri and the otherworldly Kyle MacLachlan, and a startlingly creepy denouement. Babylon 5 's Claudia Christian has a memorable role as a stripper with a high-caliber fetish. Essential viewing for audiences in the mood for something slimy. --Andrew Wright