Rating: Summary: Hey you! Review: Drop that latte, get that lemon biscotti out of your mouth, drag your behind down to your local dvd retailer and buy The Thing. Even if you've never seen it, buy it anyway. This is one of the best examples of what a "B" movie can be; Yet another example of the magic of 70s/80s horror films. You're not gonna see any annoying psychic kids, hipster know-it-all teenagers, cutesy hero animals,[sissy] CGI monsters, or happy endings in this one. No, this is a cast of middle aged, hairy, unattractive, alcoholic brutes. In other words-REALISTIC. This was one of my faves as a kid, and still is today. The fx in this film are still fantastic, and there's not one computer effect to be found. But don't take my word for it, kiddies, take a look at all of the reviews here; You'll come across maybe three or four truly negative reviews. Everyone else knows what they're talking about here. The negative reviews seem to be nothing but complaints that there is too much gore and violence in the film. Is there such a thing in a horror film? Saying that there's too much gore in a horror film is like saying that your employer pays you too much.
Rating: Summary: The Greatest Thing Review: The Thing is one of my most favorite movies ever. In my opinion it is the greatest 80's horror film ever.Kurt Russell stars as R.J. MacReady, an alcholic helicopter pilot for a U.S. science outpost in Antarctica. When a shape-shifting alien takes over one of their dogs and tries to kill them, he takes charge of a cast which includes Wilmford Brimley as Blair, the medic, Charles Hallahan (From Hunter) as Dr. Norris who is violently killed by the Thing in one of the best sequences in film history, and Tommy Waites, who looks creeply like Hyde from That 70's Show. All in all, this film is very good. Buy this now. You will not be disapointed.
Rating: Summary: The Classic Sci-Fi/Horror Film Review: "The Thing" is one of those movies that's as good today as it was when it came out over 20 years ago. The effects still look good, the acting is still great, and the chills are still throughout the film. "The Thing" is really an ensemble piece about a group of men at an Antarctic research station who discover an alien lifeform that can take the shape of any living organism. This creates fear and tension within the camp, as nobody knows who's human and who's the creature. The acting is simply tremendous. Kurt Russell is excellent as MacReady, the only person in the group that you're certain throughout the film isn't the creature. There are eleven others who make up the cast, including Wilford Brimley and Joel Polis, the guy who played Gary on "Cheers". The dynamic among the group is fantastic, as what seems on the surface to be a tightly knit team is slowly broken apart by fear and mistrust. Adding to the tension is that there really is never a clue as to who the creature is disguising itself as. It's never who you think it is. Instead, there's a continual shock everytime the creature is discovered. And what a creature! Unlike most movie monsters, this one is never the same thing twice. Each "Thing" is grotesque and brilliantly detailed. You almost can't believe someone came up with these designs. The special effects as a whole are pretty well done and stand up even today, in part because John Carpenter insisted on live action as opposed to stop motion. The result is some of the most terrifying and realistic creatures ever. Overall, the movie's dark tone is very good. From the first time the creature appears to the time the end credits roll, the tension is tremendous. It's one of the most suspenseful and terrifying movies I've ever seen. As far as extras go, you get a fair amount, including an 80-minute documentary on the making of the film. It's really interesting, although I've seen better "making-of" films on DVD (see "Legend - The Ultimate Edition"). The best parts are about some of the problems they had with the special effects. Other extras include deleted scenes, still, production notes, and other things you'd expect to find. There's also several extra things on the special effects, which are interesting. If you're a horror fan, get this DVD. If you're a sci-fi fan, get this DVD. If you're a fan of neither, get this DVD anyways. It's a must-have in any collection.
Rating: Summary: Carpenters Best Review: John Carpenter has made some of my favorite movies but this one is probably his best. Not for the faint of heart, "The Thing" delivers on all fronts. Likable characters, good story, nerve racking suspense, and a heaping helping of gore. What more can you ask for?
Rating: Summary: "Who Goes There?" Review: In the sub-zero temperatures of Alaska, a team of scientists led by Kurt Russel stumble upon an alien virus that literally becomes its host. They are oblivious that this virius is living inside of a dog they are watching over at the camp: that is, until it tries to transform into another dog right in front of them. The sight is horrifyingly grotesque: the dog is splitting open, as tentacles and and arms and other...things emerge from the "dogs" mangled body. Thus begins "The Thing," one of John Carpenters most terrifying thrillers. The idea behind the movie is that no one is who he appears to be. "The thing" could be inside of anyone of the scientists, waiting to kill the other members of the team. It is a very frightful premise, and John Carpenter milks it for as much terror and suspense as it has to offer. This suspense is then relieved with some of the most terrifying, disgusting special effects ever caught on camera. The whole movie is very exciting, and it always has something new to offer. Many people did not enjoy the film when it was first released, claiming that it contained too much over-the-top violence. I am not much of a "gore-hound," but in this film, I found that the violence only amplified the terror. "The Thing" is a top-notch thriller which should be appreciated by any serious fan of horror.
Rating: Summary: the thing Review: The thing is set in an Antartic base camp they find a thing in the ice. The thing can look like you in everyway. I don't wont to tell you the movie wold for world but it is a good scary movie. What is cool is that ther ant a lot of shooting like crazy. There is only 54 gun shots but they use a flame thrower alot. I fave seen this movie at lest 100 time if you by this movie get it on DVD.
Rating: Summary: Great Flick for Late-Nite Horror Freaks!! Review: I really dig this movie. I'm really into scenarios where there is a small group of motivated, interesting people that are locked into a situation and required to overcome some weird dilemma. Throw in some techie stuff, an alien or two, some shotguns and various other weapons, and some rough-and-tumble he-man types, and you've got a seriously engaging flick to occupy some quality time. The Thing fits this formula exactly. Kurt Russell was excellent in the role, and they toss in exactly the right amount of environmental creepiness to accent the rest of the plot. Give it a try.
Rating: Summary: Awesome John Carpenter Review: No one can bring a musical score and the "scary" story together then John Carpenter. Kurt Russell plays the lead role to perfection. This movie is basically a sci-fi movie that can scar the [stuff] out of you. Without giving things away, it involves an alien who can mimic or enter any living thing. Once the crew of this Anartica base figure out what's going on all hell breaks lose. This is the first movie I've ever seen, many years ago, in which the special effects blew me away. If you like "Escape from New York" and similar John Carpenter movies then you must have this movie.
Rating: Summary: AWESOME FLICK!!!!! Well Ahead Of It's Time!!! Review: John Carpenters "The Thing" is one of the best horror/sci-fi movies in history. The movie takes place at an Antartic research station in the winter 1982. When twelve scientists lead by R.J McReady(Kurt Russell) find an alien intruder amongst them that can replicate any species they must find out how to destroy it before it destroys them. The film moves along at a good clip and will keep you guessing as to who's been infected and taken over by the aliens. The special effects in this movie, compliments of Rob Arbogast, were really ahead of it's time. The movie is scary and smart. It's just a great film to watch especially if you enjoy the horror genre. Even if your not a fan of the genre I believe The Thing is well worth a look it's a suspenseful masterpiece by one of the greatest directors in horror movie history. Add it to your collection today!!!
Rating: Summary: Carpenter's masterpiece Review: Shame on me for not writing a review for this seminal sci-fi horror film until now. The Thing was the first dvd I ever bought, and it's arguably still the best(loaded with extras). John Carpenter doesn't get enough respect. Here's a true auteur with many talents. He writes, directs, and composes all of his films except for The Thing(although no one will debate the very obvious trademark Carpenter music laced throughout). He values strong characters with human flaws, and his realistic approach to extrordinary situations is unmatched in the genre even twenty years after it's intial release. When a John Carpenter film begins, you know immediately who's film you're watching, even if you're not a fan. The Thing is Carpenter's masterpiece, although I gather most critics would call Halloween his one and only great movie. The critics....those snobs. So many of them are eating their harsh words now, some of them completely reversing their initial disdain for the movie. At least now Carpenter can enjoy the notion that it's discussed, analyzed, dissected, and praised almost as much as landmark horror films like Psycho and The Exorcist. It boils down to this. The Thing is a nihilistic, claustraphobic, apocalyptic tale that came out in the wrong decade. America was enjoying a healthy economy in the 80's. That's why everyone went to see E.T. instead. Carpenter's forewarning morality play would have fit right in with the risk taking films of the 70's(but we wouldn't have those great effects if it did come out then). If you want proof, just look at the film's popularity now, at a time when America doesn't take the word "apocalypse" lightly. Now that's if you want to get into the analysis mumbo jumbo. For me, I just know a good horror film when I see one, and The Thing is one of the best. Loved it then, love it now. Hey, all you horror fans know; if a horror film offends nearly every critic in the nation, then you know the filmmakers did something right.
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