Horror fans find it hard to believe that The Thing was a box office bomb when released, with mostly mixed and negative reviews. It’s wild to go back and read what was written even though I agree with most of it. The characters start out with a dehumanized detachment because of their long period of isolation. The ensemble gets through on their charisma. Rather than distinct or engaging personalities, they’re remembered for some truly bonkers line deliveries, like the one about being tied to the couch
The critics also thought Carpenter went to far with Rob Bottin’s gory effects, and that’s where I disagree completely. This film is in the Top 10 because it is the definitive creature feature, and with filmmakers now too afraid to not use computer assistance, this will probably remain the greatest use of practical monster effects in movies. Those moments are so good, the rest almost doesn’t matter. It’s a case where the film itself isn’t perfect, but if you’re making a list of the must-watch Horror films for someone to conquer, this has to go into the Top 10.
And that makes TWO for Mr. Carpenter.
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