Incredible

Rating: Null/10 (15 August 2002)

I rented this movie recently with very low expectations, having only read negative reviews of it. Well, I really can't see where any of that negativity comes from. The movie is exceptionally well done. John Carpenter has topped the rather dull 1950's version and created a horror masterpiece.
The secret to the film's success is not only the special effects (which are very impressive) or the performances (Kurt Russell and Keith David are standouts), but the general air of paranoia throughout the film. The men don't know who the Thing is, and neither do we. The scene where Russell ties his "friends" to chairs and tests their blood against a hot needle is absolutely terrifying. Understand, when this movie was made the Cold War was technically over, but everyone was still a bit on edge. I feel this scene perfectly represents the rather militant tactics Americans had used to route out communists.
Of course, the main intention of the film is not to make commentary on the state of the worlds politics. Its intention is to frighten, and that's what it does. The effects are wonderfully gory and very well done, some of the best produced in the eighties.
Overall, I highly reccommend this to anyone who wants to have a good scare.