Some people say they don’t make movies like they used to, I happen to think those people need to see more movies. But, in the case of John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982) and They Live (1988), that expression holds a bit of truth.
Two eighties classics with larger than life leads that both happen to serve a hefty side of Keith David. If you haven’t seen them already I suggest you hit up your local Blockbuster…
The Thing, one of my all time favorites, stars Kurt Russell as the wise cracking helicopter pilot stationed with his team in a scientific Antarctic base. Pretty soon a shape shifting cellular space monster starts causing a ruckus, like they always do, and Kurt Russell and his awesome hat/facial hair combo have to take care of business, like they always do. The Thing has some of the best practical effects you’ll see, some of which rival any digital effect you would see today. It’s a horrific suspenseful piece of sci-fi that benefits from repeated viewing. On a side note it completely turned me off vacationing in Antarctica.
They Live, starring the larger than life Rowdy Roddy Piper (RIP) as the wise cracking homeless drifter who just wants to work and live like any other normal American. But there’s one thing in Rowdy Roddy Piper’s way. Aliens. Obviously. They Live is definitely a little strange but that’s where it gets its charm. The scenes and images are iconic having been parodied throughout pop culture, for example quite hilariosily in the South Park episode “Cripple Fight”.
So if your’re looking to waste your night on the couch or you’re a fan of sci-fi, horror, or the eighties, check out The Thing and They Live, two classics from master filmmaker John Carpenter.
If you agree, disagree, or have any thoughts on The Thing, They Live, or Kurt Russell’s awesome hat, please leave a comment! Thanks.
Photo Credit: Snagged from indiewire.comPhoto Credit: Snagged from drafthouse.com
dusty DVD 