The Thing (1982)

  Director: John Carpenter

Writer: Bill Lancaster

Starring: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David, T.K. Carter, David Clennon, Richard Dysart, Charles Hallahan, Peter Maloney, Richard Masur, Donald Moffat

Story Set in Antarctica a small base filled with scientist, there peaceful environment is interrupted by a Norwegian helicopter chasing a husky. After the helicopter lands one man comes out with a gun and starts shooting aiming for the dog, not very well shooting one of the scientists before being killed himself. Another man falls out the helicopter dropping some dynamite blowing up the helicopter and himself.

R.J. MacReady Mac for short (Russell) goes to investigate the base of the Norwegian only to find the place has been burnt out and what looks like a deformed body burnt outside. Upon further investigation Mac finds a block of ice half melted inside the base.

The Base

Back at the home base the husky from the beginning has been wondering around all day but is forced to stay with the over huskies. With the people gone the dog soon starts changing shape shifting trying to use the other dogs. The scientists catch it during the process. Grab the flamethrower to dispose of the creature; is that the only creature on the base? Isolated tension between the scientist’s rises no one knows who to trust, who is still human? What is the creature?

  

Verdict This horror film is considered one of the best films of all time. And after watching again just yesterday this film just doesn’t seem to age. It is truly a brilliant film the tension through out is full blown edge of your seat stuff. Each character has hints they could be one of the creatures but just after you start thinking it one character you are more convinced it is another. John Carpenter is one of the masters of horror and this is a strong contender to be his best having Halloween in there to makes it hard to pick his best. If you a horror fan you watch this movie, if you a film fan in general you should watch this movie.

The Thing

Story Mark 10/10 Many films have tried to copy the simple ideas this one uses to brilliant effect, this would be the best of the ones with the same story.

Action Mark 9/10 Explosions, flamethrowers all against an snow storm background.

Horror Mark 10/10 The shock values brilliant the fear given to the characters works to great effect, isolated in the middle of Antarctica no where to run against a deadly creature.

Special Effects Mark 10/10 No CGI just old fashion brilliant special effects.

Star Performances Kurt Russell great lead performance able to keep calm through out all the panic.

Mac

Favourite Character Childs (David) seems to be level headed but also looks ready to snap at any time

Best Part One of the characters who has died head comes off turning into a creature and tries to sneak off.

Worst Part Nothing

Best Quote Clark ‘I dunno what the hell’s in there, but it’s weird and pissed off, whatever it is.’

Fun Trivia John Carpenter has stated that of all his films this is his personal favourite.

Similar Too – Well only comparing this to worse movies in Whiteout, The Thing (2011)

My Rating 94%


Trailer