John Carpenter has directed movies that redefined genres in their era—Halloween, Escape from New York, Big Trouble in Little China—so much so, that they remain seminal movies today. One of those films is 1982's The Thing.
Though it was much maligned critically upon its release and was a commercial failure—grossing just over $19 million on a budget of $15 million—The Thing's legacy is epitomized far more by the way it has persisted. It, like many of the films we have covered before, is a cult classic. But unlike some of our prior movies, it is also a damn fine cinema experience.
That is due, in no small part, to its insane creature effects—practical gore that more than stands the test of time—its dynamite cast, and an incredibly tense narrative. Set in a remote Antarctic research base, The Thing makes you feel as if you're trapped along with its characters. As the viewer, you, just like them, question who's infected and when the ambiguous pathogen will strike next. It's a mystery that you know will be unraveled, yet you can't help wanting to get to the answers before they're given to you in an increasing grisly and imaginative fashion.
That build—the blood soaked journey to the climax—is one any first-time viewer of The Thing does not soon forget.
So sit back, grab an Altered Beast IPA from Southern Prohibition Brewing, and exchange some nervous glances as I, the Thunderous Wizard (@WriterTLK), Capt. Cash, and Chumpzilla test our blood to discover which of us is really who we say we are!
This Week’s Segments:
And, as always, hit us up on Twitter or Facebook to check out all the interesting factoids—the deleted scene from the film's finale and more—from this week’s episode!
So I Married an Axe Murderer – Head, Pod Now!
Summer Catch – Strike’s Out Looking
Werewolves Within – Guess Wholf?
Renfield – Wiccan Tumblr for the Win
The Blackening – Enter the Game Room
Any Given Sunday – Steamin’
Dazed and Confused – L-I-V-I-N!
The Replacements – Chicks Dig Scars
The Faculty – Skat Man
Heavyweights – We’re Feeling Skinny, Tony
Wet Hot American Summer – Show Us the Fever
Indian Summer – Dirty Dogs
Sleepaway Camp – Dude Looks Like a Lady
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny – One Last Ride
Mac and Me – We’re Not Loving It
Heartbeeps – Request for Humor Denied
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace – Cast It into the Sun
Tiptoes – We Know What We Are!
Fast X – You Made One Mistake ... You Never Took Our Mics
X-Men Origins: Wolverine – Declawed
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