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!
A Good Day to Die Hard – Davai Hard
F9: The Fast Saga – Space Cars
Legend – Glitter and Bubbles
Krull – Murder Frisbee
Conan the Barbarian – What's Worst in Life?
The Void – Right Next Door to Hell
The Rundown – Rock and Walk Connection
Walking Tall – Swing and a Miss
Doom – Dull, Dark, and Dumb
Baywatch – We're Oceanic!
Big Trouble in Little China – It‘s All in the Reflexes
The Chronicles of Riddick – It's an Animal Thing
Mortal Kombat – A Head Smashing Good Time
Fight Club – I am Jack's Podcast
Pacific Rim – A Jaeger Bomb
Godzilla vs Kong – Coming to a Universal Studios Near You
Hulk – The Incredible Sulk
Zack Snyder’s Justice League – Little Fish Stick and Big Tuna
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance – Ride Angry
Joss-Stache League – Stiff Upper Lip
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