an excellent exercise in suspense and character writing

Rating: 10/10 (27 March 2011)

I am 15 years old and i love horror movies. the reason that i believe this is John Carpenter's masterpiece is not only due to Rob Bottin's amazing and grotesque special effects, or of Ennio Moccorone's haunting score, it is because of the care and time put into writing believable and sensible characters. All of the actors (especially Wilford Brimley)execute their lines and actions very well, and they make it seem like the characters handle situations much like a real group of people would. another great aspect of the film is the atmosphere presented in each set and location. all of the suspense is well executed and the scares are not expected upon first viewing. the kills (or transformations rather)are inventive and truly frightening.
This movie was ahead of it's time for 1982, and remains an essential classic for any horror fan.i just hope that it won't be remade like the fog, another Carpenter classic.