The Thing (1982) Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: At a research base in Antarctica, a group of men encounter a shape-shifting alien that can assume anyone's form.

Review: This film is based on the famous story "Who Goes There" by John W Campbell and is essentially a remake of the original "The Thing From Another World" in which both took liberties with the orginal story. Although this movie was a financial and critical disappointment at its premier, it has garnered respect and love over the years and rightfully so. This film is beyond excellent and probably one of, if not the, best sci-fi horror movie out there. A lot of people criticized this as a gross-out film, but it has some of the best practical effects I've ever seen used for the many monster transformations (which there are many). It's truly depressing seeing how incredible the effects were back then and now seeing shitty CGI all over the place ruining what could have been a perfectly good shot. The "thing" itself is awesome, and its appearances are always surprising and inspire a sense of dread. It's fun to re-watch the film and try and pinpoint the moments when a character is converted into the "thing." You will be guessing the whole film long, and even at the end we are still not entirely sure who could still be a "thing." This mystery aspect enhances the overall atmosphere of the film making it feel amazing; you really feel the paranoia and confusion of the characters as they try to figure who is the "thing" and who's human. Definitely the two strongest points for this film are the special effects and atmosphere because they are done so superbly. The acting is great especially from Kurt Russell, as MacReady, and Keith David as Childs, but the large cast does not disappoint. Even the somber music score fits the overall tone of the film perfectly and enhances the paranoid vibe. John Carpenter, who directed, pays respect to the 50s version while giving a truly improved remake in every aspect. Other than some shoddy effects toward the end, there is not much negative to say except that this is one of the best sci-fi movies there are! Any fan of this genre should have watched this one, and any horror fan should also give this a view. This could easily be one of the most underrated films out there; let it continue to gain cult status because it deserves to be recognized.

Notable Moment: When MacReady is testing the blood samples and one of them "springs" to life.

Final Rating: 9.5/10