Simultaneously scary and fun thriller manages to send shivers down your spine.

Rating: Null/10 (30 March 1999)

A thoroughly enjoyable horror masterpiece conceived by the one and only John Carpenter (HALLOWEEN, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK). THE THING is a great horror movie with plenty of spine tingling chills, and much genuine suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. State-of-the-art special effects and make FX provided by Rob Bottin (ROBOCOP, TOTAL RECALL) help propel THE THING above the usual films of the science-fiction/horror genre.
"The Thing" has been discovered by a dozen explorers at the Arctic. They've made a startling unveiling of a mysterious life-form...but little do they realize the destructive capabilities of this creature. This alien creature is so malevolent that as it mutates, it assimilates the form of its nearest, most unlucky victim. Later, the creature masquerades itself as whatever the life-form it has consumed and deformed. The leader of this expedition, Kurt Russell (STARGATE, SOLDIER), must deploy the explorers into employing ways to stop this alien mutant before it's evil spreads into worldwide, global proportions. However, as the toll rises, any one of Russell's colleagues...may in fact, be part of the demon already...
THE THING is an engrossing horror film with some of the most grotesque special effects seen on the screen. The literally eye-popping effects include melting faces, cremations, walking heads, deformity, heads bursting out of stomachs, and other sequences too gruesome to print in words alone. THE THING though, has been sadly criticized by film connoisseurs as merely exercise of disgusting special effects. In my sincere and humble opinion, THE THING is a film with more substance than what most movie critics have said.
This film is a parable. The expedition must learn to trust one another and stick together in order to essentially survive. Another interesting aspect about THE THING is that this movie shows what would happen if fear and isolation conquer a whole group. The consequences are devastating, people end up fighting each other and debating violently, instead of trying to work together to alleviate the problem. This film conveys a lesson saying that trusting one another and teamwork are the two main components for survival against the odds. Without those two traits, then everything else, even technology itself...is meaningless...
THE THING is a great movie to watch in the dark during midnight. You will be guaranteed to jump out of your seat at least a few times. THE THING delivers its fair shares of shocks and jolts.
Although the story-line in this film is not very efficient, it doesn't distract from the tension and suspense of this movie. If you enjoy truly frightening horror films with AWESOME special effects, then THE THING is a highly recommended movie perfect for you.
WARNING: If you have a modicum of squeamishness inside you, then steer clear of THE THING. Otherwise, get ready for an exciting and suspenseful presentation. Plenty of effort integrated into this film, thanks to the direction of John Carpenter, and the believable performances of the main characters including Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David, Donald Moffat, Richard Dysart, and the rest of the cast.
RATING: **1/2 out of ****.