The Icon Of A Perfect Horror Film

Rating: 10/10 (21 July 2013)

I remember seeing this at the drive in (now you know that I'm old), when it first came out - and it was sweet! This is actually one of the very best horror films that I have ever seen. John Carpenter did well.
I also remember that even before that I had seen the original old 1950s version on T.V., and that one even holds up pretty good today. Overall - it seems that the basic, original story plot and premise is so good that it works almost completely on it's own merit - so far - every time it's made (or more accurately "remade"). The original story that both films are based upon - entitled "Who Goes There?" - by John Campbell, seems to have been a literal magic formula for the perfect model of horror. It seems to press just the right buttons in our brains to reliably work.
The core premise to the 1980s version is terrifying to contemplate. Imagine a compound creature that can infect you with tiny, microbial versions of itself like a virus just by physically touching you even briefly - and then slowly eat you from the inside out while it replicates and grows, and perfectly copies every cell, every organ, every tissue it consumes ruthlessly - until all that is left of you is an imitation. A creature that can just "absorb" you by touching you - or infect you with itself by spraying you with it's bodily fluids. The absolute definition of a "monster". A trail blazing - red letter concept, and a ground breaker for the Sci Fi and Horror genres.
I have seen this film about a hundred times, and it's still creepy and blood curdling every time I see it. If you can get a Blue Ray, DVD, or digital downloaded copy of this movie - then I strongly recommend establishing viewing it as an annual Halloween night ritual. It goes great with dim or no lights, popcorn or T.V. dinners, soda pop, a comfy sofa, and a friend or family member - especially if they are easily spooked!