The Thing (2011)
Brief review: Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.'s prequel to the 1982 movie of the same name, is nowhere nearly as incredible as Carpenter's cult horror classic, but at least it doesn't insult his version, nor it tries to top it. Its plot may be pretty similar to the 82 version and often predictable, but the skillful and competent execution compensates for the lack of originality. Heijningen Jr. demonstrates great versatility directing this prequel, and manages to create enough tension to keep you intrigued and glued to the screen. The characters are well-written and believably-portrayed. Mary Elizabeth Winstead shines as the bossy paleontologist, Kate, the underrated Joel Edgerton gives another solid performance as the fearless pilot Sam Carter, and the supporting cast also delivers the goods. Since it's been rated "R", all you can expect from "The Thing" is gore, gore and more gore, and thankfully, it doesn't disappoint in this area. The gore effects are nothing less than brilliant, but it's the creature that deserves a special mention - it's crafted with care and imagination, and its freaky nasty look will surely give you the creeps. The isolated icy setting is claustrophobic and utterly chilling, and thanks to a budget of $35 million, the visuals are polished and quite atmospheric.
Overall summary: Compared to John Carpenter 1982 masterpiece, it may be disappointing, but Matthijs Van Heijningen Jr.'s "The Thing" is still an entertaining, solidly-crafted and visually-adequate prequel, that delivers plenty of tense moments, slick gore and grotesque images.
18 comments:
I'll keep my expectations low, because I think Carpenter's movie is sheer brilliance.
Alex, keep them low than. I hope, you'll end up pleasantly surprised by it. :)
Wasn't expecting much from this, but I'm hoping for that pleasant surprise.
Joel, me neither, but it ended up pretty decent. Just try not to think of Carpenter's movie while you watch it.
Oh I love the original but I am excited to see this since it doesn't "insult" the original; I appreciate that. Plus once you mentioned gore I was officially sold. If a film sucks, for me, it can always redeem itself with gore or bad ass special efx overall. Great Review!!
Thank you again, Nicole.
I'm a huge fan of this original as well, and I expected this one to be a huge let down. Well, it wasn't. :)
The gore effects were great and the thing itself was really nasty. I think you'll have a good time with it. ;)
wow, that's a surprisingly high rating! :-o
Will watch it in December and although I'll try my best not to think about Carpenter, I'm sure I will fail in doing so :)
C'mon, Harry. A 6.5 is not that high, it's a slightly above average rating. :)
It's a decent remake and pretty well made, just watch it with your mind open and try not to be prejudiced. ;)
Terrific review! The original is one of my all time, ultimate faves so I'm not going into this with high expectations. However, in reading the back story, I know that Matthijs' is a huge fan of Carpenter's original and even filmed in the same place near Whistler in British Columbia. I'm looking forward to seeing this, though it appears I may have to wait for Red Box because my schedule has been so messed up.
Thanks, sweetheart. I didn't have high expectations about this one, but Matthijs pulled it off well. The film was tense and nicely-crafted and I'd lie if I say I didn't enjoyed it. I hope it will come out on DVD soon, so you can see it. :)
Great review. I'm looking forward to this one, simply because it has Mary Elizabeth Winstead in it and I adore her as Ramona Flowers. I only recently watched the original The Thing, and really enjoyed it. Seen some stills of the new one and think I'll need to take something to hide behind at the cinema!
After reading your review, I thought it might have scored a little higher than 6.5. I also was happy with movie. Similar to the original, but entertaining enough. The Thing was pretty cool looking, and there was some good gore like you said. I do wonder how the Thing flies the ship. Great review!
I didn't have high hopes for this film. John Carpenters a masterful director. At least they didn't insult his film.
Amy, thanks a lot. Glad you liked my review and the movie as well. Mary did a great job in this prequel, I loved her.
I re-watched the original two nights ago, and even though it wasn't as effective as the first time I saw it, I still liked it a lot.
HorrO, I would have rated it higher if it wasn't that similar to the original. Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The thing itself was quite gross. :)
Maurice, me neither, but it didn't left me disappointed. John Carpenters is a hit'n'miss director in my book, be he has made some truly amazing films and The Thing is definitely one of them.
saw it. liked it. but no where the torch-holder i was hoping for.
Also, least we finally see "two-face' in action! That was the coolest THING design in this prequel!
Kaijinu, I absolutely agree. I was glad to see the thing in action, and its design was amazing.
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