31 Days of Halloween: Day Nine

The Thing (1982 – Rated R in the US for strong graphic sci-fi/horror violence and gore, grisly images, language and some drug content.  Sounds like college)

Summary (from IMDB):

An American scientific expedition to the frozen wastes of the Antarctic is interrupted by a group of seemingly mad Norwegians pursuing and shooting a dog. The helicopter pursuing the dog explodes, eventually leaving no explanation for the chase. During the night, the dog mutates and attacks other dogs in the cage and members of the team that investigate. The team soon realizes that an alien life-form with the ability to take over other bodies is on the loose and they don’t know who may already have been taken over.

RB Wood’s rating (out of 5): 4 Wilford’s

This is a remake of the 1951 classic The Thing From Another World and John Carpenter does a superb job…probably his best in the genre in my opinion.  While staying true to the original, Carpenter also uses the paranoia rampent in John W. Campbell Jr.s short story which all interations of this movie draw from.  This is the movie that moved Kurt Russell from a ‘Disney Darling’ into mainstream acting and it really shows his range (many people will say it was Escape from New York, but I believe this movie is the one that made him).  The suspense generated in this film–from the opening scene with the husky being chased down by a helicopter to the final, most fitting, ending is fantastic and still works thirty years later.

What made this movie suffer at the box office was its proximity release near Spielberg’s ET.  Many critics complained about the gore and violence in this flick as compared to the family friendly alien movie.  But, make no mistake.  This is a masterpiece.  The script, lighting and camera work are superb and the acting draws you into the confining quarters and desolute setting of Antarctica. Don’t miss this one for the Halloween season and don’t use it as a date night flick–trust me.

Tomorrow: In space, no one can hear you scream

Peace