Shows more originality, wit and invention than possibly any other film you might call a remake... as influential as Alien for its blend of action, sci-fi and chilling horror.
The Thing (1982)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:40
Fresh:32
Rotten:8
Average Rating:7.1/10
Consensus: The Thing is a tense sci-fi thriller that features good action scenes and remarkably gory make-up effects.
Theatrical Release:15-09-2009
Synopsis: Based on both the short story by John W. Campbell, Jr. and the 1951 film produced by Howard Hawks, THE THING is John Carpenter's stunning masterpiece of horror. A group of weary scientists enduring... Based on both the short story by John W. Campbell, Jr. and the 1951 film produced by Howard Hawks, THE THING is John Carpenter's stunning masterpiece of horror. A group of weary scientists enduring the winter in an isolated camp deep in Antarctica chance upon an alien spacecraft buried in the ice. Near the strange craft is the body of an alien being, frozen solid. Thinking they have made the find of a lifetime, the scientists bring the alien body back to camp and thaw it out. The alien awakens, not in the best of moods, and proceeds to take over the identities of the scientists, one by one, body and all. Helicopter pilot MacCready (Kurt Russell) must lead the surviving men in discovering who among them is human and who is not and how they can destroy "the thing" before it takes them all and moves on to the heavily populated mainland and the rest of humanity. Rob Bottin supplies the awe-inspiring special effects of the creature in its many, ever-changing forms. The effects were groundbreaking at the time and hold up flawlessly over the passing years. But Carpenter does not rely solely on special effects, utilizing his spectacular cast, which includes Wilford Brimley and Richard Dysart, to create three dimensional characters enduring an unthinkable situation. The score from Ennio Morricone is understated, yet increases the tense mood tenfold. Shooting was difficult and done in below freezing conditions, but despite the discomfort the cast and crew produced a truly terrifying film that will stand the test of time. THE THING is surely one of Carpenter's definitive films and a true horror classic. [More]
Starring: Kurt Russell, Keith David, Wilford Brimley, Richard Dysart
Starring: Kurt Russell, Keith David, Wilford Brimley, Richard Dysart, Richard Masur, T.K. Carter, David Clennon, Charles Hallahan, Peter Maloney, Donald Moffat, Joel Polis
Director: John Carpenter
Director: John Carpenter
Screenwriter: Bill Lancaster
Producer: David Foster, Lawrence Turman
Composer: Ennio Morricone
Reviews for The Thing
The special effects can’t hope to be as creepy to our seen-it-all eyes as they were to the film’s first viewers, but we can still enjoy the monster’s unique weirdness, and the story is a rock-solid yarn.
It's pretty scary and entertaining stuff, though I always get the feeling that nothing in it lives up to the tremendous opening section.
The Thing is a masterpiece: a black comedy, monster movie, conspiracy thriller and whodunit.
The Thing is one of [Carpenter's] greatest moments, creating a terrifying atmosphere of claustrophobia, suspense and paranoia. And Kurt Russell is as good as he's ever been, wearing one of the best beards in movie history.
Russell's sub-Eastwood heroics hardly compensate for the absence of all characterisation, while Bill Lancaster's script boasts the most illogical climax any monster movie ever had.
Carpenter's rethinking of producer Howard Hawks' classic is an honorable attempt to hew closer to the original story.
The strong cast brings the somewhat underwritten characters to vivid life, and the elaborate special effects (designed by then 22-year-old Rob Bottin) set a high standard for films that followed.
If it's the most vividly guesome monster ever to stalk the screen that audiences crave, then The Thing is the thing. On all other levels, however, John Carpenter's remake of Howard Hawks' 1951 sci-fi classic comes as a letdown.
John Carpenter equaled the unrelenting suspense of Halloween with this nerve-racking remake. Carpenter's The Thing is one of the all-time great horror films.
The original has been built up to classic scale, but Carpenter's remake is actually far scarier and equally thoughtful.
The Thing may be a tad too careful and schematic to stand shoulder with Carpenter’s very best films.
Latest News for The Thing
February 08, 2010:
Two Sign for Uni's Thing Prequel ![]()
Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Joel Edgerton have joined the cast of Universal's prequel to "The Thing," to be directed by Matthijs Van Heijningen. More...
January 13, 2010:
Eric Heisserer Talks The Thing Prequel ![]()
Curious about that upcoming prequel to "The Thing"? Screenwriter Eric Heisserer shared a few details in a new interview with Bloody Disgusting. More...
January 04, 2010:
Prequel to The Thing Filming in March ![]()
According to Production Weekly, Universal's prequel to "The Thing" will start rolling in March. More...
January 29, 2009:
Uni Moves Forward with Prequel to The Thing ![]()
Universal's prequel to "The Thing" is moving forward with writer Ronald D. Moore and director Matthijs Van Heijningen. More...
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