Finally saw the uncut version - oh my God, what have I been missing out on!

Rating: 9/10 (10 February 2008)

The other day I finally saw an uncut version of John Carpenter's "The Thing". I had had no idea what I had been missing out on. This movie has up and away the best special effects that have been created during the 80's! The best thing, though, is that "The Thing" also has an interesting story to back up the gory moments.
Even more so than its elder brother "Alien", John Carpenter's movie creates a tension of suspense that has yet to be rivaled by a similarly themed sci-fi/horror-movie. Up until the very end the director makes great usage of the basic premise that a monster from outer space can disguise itself by taking on the form of any living being. The movie is tense and tight all the time and with Kurt Russell it's got a badass-hero, too. Still, Carpenter never falls into the trap of making any of the characters in the movie a stereotypical clichÃ© of the 80's like so many later flicks who stole from "The Thing" would. There is almost no moment here where you can only shake your head because of the obvious stupidity of some of the characters' actions.
So, having seen the real, the untouched version of "The Thing" I have to say that I think this is John Carpenter's best movie and one of the most effective horror movies of the 80's period. Just steer clear of any cut versions.