I remember not liking the first one as much upon first viewing, but becoming more enamored of it later on. What bothered me about the first one was when it got to the part with the creature in the suit in the street (if you know the scene); the suit just didn't work for me. However, later on, I just started to appreciate the story and the atmosphere. I do remember though loving how the film started right from first seeing it, and that love only grew -- I loved how it took its time, and seemed like a throwback to older horror films like Chainsaw. The second one I thought was great fun, and was one of those professional, smooth, plot-driven commercial horror vehicles ushered in during the post-Scream era.
Out of Order, I love that Stevie Wayne quote. Great character; great Carpenter film. From what film is the Barbeau image? Interesting too how the third film seems to be finally coming together. Been too long a wait. In this Blumhouse horror era, I would have figured this would have been a go long ago.