Will anyTHING top this Sci-Fi Horror flick? Not Yet!

Rating: Null/10 (21 December 2000)

For me, this is unquestionably the best science fiction / horror flick of all time, and I can explain why. First of all, the story is fantastic, based on "Who goes there" by John W. Campbell and adapted by Bill Lancaster. Although made into a movie earlier in 1951, the first shot at making the movie simplified the story and had a creature that was much different than the one envisioned by Campbell.
The latest version captures the claustrophobia and paranoia of the story it is based on, and in my view, improves upon it. The cast is magnificent. You just don't get top notch actors like this working together with such incredible chemistry in your average monster pick. There is always the actor you wind up going "why in the world is HE/SHE in this movie?" about, always a weak link.
Not so here, where everyone gives stellar performances, the characters act like real people would in their situation and the photography by Dean R. Cundey and direction by John Carpenter are amazing.
And let's not forget the jaw-dropping special effects by Rob Bottin and Stan Winston, which hold up as good or better than just about any computer effects I've seen. Below is the criteria for which I judge all horror and sci-fi movies now, and this movie gets a 10 in every category. Can you think of another one that can?
1.Story / Adaptation: True to original, excellently written. the script begins eerily and escalates to a fantastic climax.
2.Direction: Truly creepy and claustrophobic with scary hand held work and disturbing camera angles and movements.
3.Acting: EVERYONE is good here, not one even halfway lame performance. The actors act like real people would, and work really well together to create a believable atmosphere.
4.Photography: Beautifully shot by Dean Cundey, the film makes you feel cold it's so representative--which brings me to...
5.Location: External shots were done on location in British Colombia, lending a believable arctic quality to the feel of the film. Internal shots were done on a refrigerated set to mix seamlessly with the feel of the outdoor stuff.
6.Music: Score is haunting, fitting, and used well. Also, it's done by veteran film guy Ennio Morricone...what else could you ask for? Bernard Hermann wasn't around!
7. Special effects: Innovative to say the least, this Thing really LOOKS scary. You don't want anything that looks like that coming near you! Realistic blood, believable wounds, it's...well...great.
8. Ending: I would mention the ending here, but they wouldn't print the review. Just as well, though, as it is terrific. Let's just say it's very "Non-Disney".
Well, that's my list of why it wins as the best sci-fi horror flick of all time for me. I've seen lots and lots of 'em and it STILL tops the list even after years and years. I'll keep looking for a better one, but it seems to me they just don't put the kind of bank into making them like they did with this one anymore, and even if they did, the chances of getting all eight of the above as good or better is going to be quite a feat.
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