This is probably one of the most quotable, one-liner filled movies of all time. It's hilarious, entertaining, has an interesting storyline/concept, and is well crafted. There's not a dull boring moment in the movie. And Carpenter/Russell's choice to make the lead a big-talking, bumbling fool and make the real hero the "sidekick" was ingenious.
It's a shame Hollywood brass didn't really get it, so they didn't pay for the promotions. This movie could have been a big-budget comedy/action hit every bit as big as Ghostbusters.
Favorite line delivery: What does that mean? Huh? China is here? I don't even know what the hell that means!