FFA Movie Club - DotM: John Carpenter (1 Viewer)

[Eephus]

After watching it I would put this one up there with Running Man as movies I actually would be interested in seeing a remake of in the right hands.

'80s Cult Classic Sci-Fi Getting Reboot From The Batman Team

The same people who brought us The Batman are reviving a 1980s sci-fi cult classic. Here's what we know about it!

www.giantfreakinrobot.com

 

[Long Ball Larry]

THEY LIVE (1988)

I must have seen at least part of this before because I remember it being on tv a lot, but really didn’t remember much specific about it. The underlying idea is pretty good, sort of a precursor to the matrix or even something like fight club.

Roddy Piper is…not very good. Seems to be drawing from the underacting school of sly Stallone or Steven seagal. Except maybe when he delivers the kick *** and chew bubble gum line, which he apparently improvised.

I’m starting to think that John carpenter has ADD or just kind of doesn’t care that much about how these movies flow or fit together. The iconic fight scene between piper and Keith David is completely insane to just put in the middle of the movie, the ending which is basically a naked woman and then cut to black and the fact that he left in the bubble gum line makes me think that he just wants to put things up on the screen that he thinks are fun are or interesting. Also curious that piper is wearing a wedding ring even though he is presumabky not married, yet Keith David is not, despite his only real character trait being that he has a wife and two kids.

I just watched this the other day and had similar thoughts. It feels like this was right around the time that V was a thing too, and I remember loving the ideas of each of them but when I watch them with adult eyes there are a ton of warts I can't quite get past to truly love it - the way too long sunglasses fight scene being a prime example. After watching it I would put this one up there with Running Man as movies I actually would be interested in seeing a remake of in the right hands.

Pretty sure they are remaking running man. Thats another really good concept that was ahead of its time

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Paramount shifts multiple release dates including Glen Powell's Running Man reboot | Digital Trends

Get ready to see more of Glen Powell in 2025. Find out when Paramount will release The Running Man, Edgar Wright's dystopian remake starring the Hit Man actor.

www.digitaltrends.com

 

[KarmaPolice]

This time I actually remembered that Wright was doing that remake! (I should have been clearer in the post)

Not sure I love Powell in the role, but the director is a step in the wright direction.

 

[KarmaPolice]

After watching it I would put this one up there with Running Man as movies I actually would be interested in seeing a remake of in the right hands.

'80s Cult Classic Sci-Fi Getting Reboot From The Batman Team

The same people who brought us The Batman are reviving a 1980s sci-fi cult classic. Here's what we know about it!

www.giantfreakinrobot.com

Reeves and Serkis is an odd pairing too.

Can't we just agree to give Villeneuve all the sci-fi reboots we want to see made?

 

[Todem]

THEY LIVE (1988)

I must have seen at least part of this before because I remember it being on tv a lot, but really didn’t remember much specific about it. The underlying idea is pretty good, sort of a precursor to the matrix or even something like fight club.

Roddy Piper is…not very good. Seems to be drawing from the underacting school of sly Stallone or Steven seagal. Except maybe when he delivers the kick *** and chew bubble gum line, which he apparently improvised.

I’m starting to think that John carpenter has ADD or just kind of doesn’t care that much about how these movies flow or fit together. The iconic fight scene between piper and Keith David is completely insane to just put in the middle of the movie, the ending which is basically a naked woman and then cut to black and the fact that he left in the bubble gum line makes me think that he just wants to put things up on the screen that he thinks are fun are or interesting. Also curious that piper is wearing a wedding ring even though he is presumabky not married, yet Keith David is not, despite his only real character trait being that he has a wife and two kids.

I just watched this the other day and had similar thoughts. It feels like this was right around the time that V was a thing too, and I remember loving the ideas of each of them but when I watch them with adult eyes there are a ton of warts I can't quite get past to truly love it - the way too long sunglasses fight scene being a prime example. After watching it I would put this one up there with Running Man as movies I actually would be interested in seeing a remake of in the right hands.

The Running Man is perfect as is.

You can’t replace Richard Dawson as Killian or Arnold saying “Food Riot In Progress” Also all the Stalkers are classics.

What are you thinking man!!!!

Does not need a reboot.

But they are doing it anyway.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

You can’t replace Richard Dawson as Killian

Seacrest?

 

[KarmaPolice]

THEY LIVE (1988)

I must have seen at least part of this before because I remember it being on tv a lot, but really didn’t remember much specific about it. The underlying idea is pretty good, sort of a precursor to the matrix or even something like fight club.

Roddy Piper is…not very good. Seems to be drawing from the underacting school of sly Stallone or Steven seagal. Except maybe when he delivers the kick *** and chew bubble gum line, which he apparently improvised.

I’m starting to think that John carpenter has ADD or just kind of doesn’t care that much about how these movies flow or fit together. The iconic fight scene between piper and Keith David is completely insane to just put in the middle of the movie, the ending which is basically a naked woman and then cut to black and the fact that he left in the bubble gum line makes me think that he just wants to put things up on the screen that he thinks are fun are or interesting. Also curious that piper is wearing a wedding ring even though he is presumabky not married, yet Keith David is not, despite his only real character trait being that he has a wife and two kids.

I just watched this the other day and had similar thoughts. It feels like this was right around the time that V was a thing too, and I remember loving the ideas of each of them but when I watch them with adult eyes there are a ton of warts I can't quite get past to truly love it - the way too long sunglasses fight scene being a prime example. After watching it I would put this one up there with Running Man as movies I actually would be interested in seeing a remake of in the right hands.

The Running Man is perfect as is.

You can’t replace Richard Dawson as Killian or Arnold saying “Food Riot In Progress” Also all the Stalkers are classics.

What are you thinking man!!!!

Does not need a reboot.

But they are doing it anyway.

Look, I love the Running Man. But it's also cheesy as hell and some of the stalkers are terrible. No, I don't want another dumb cheesy remake, but IMO it is one of the few I can think of that has an idea that is good, is able to be tied into current times, and where the f/x are extremely dated and could use a boost.

It's 'perfect' in the sense that it's a fun drunken party movie to put on and laugh at, but I think there is an actual good movie in there to be had.

 

[KarmaPolice]

That said, Dawson was perfect casting - I will give you that.

 

[Todem]

THEY LIVE (1988)

I must have seen at least part of this before because I remember it being on tv a lot, but really didn’t remember much specific about it. The underlying idea is pretty good, sort of a precursor to the matrix or even something like fight club.

Roddy Piper is…not very good. Seems to be drawing from the underacting school of sly Stallone or Steven seagal. Except maybe when he delivers the kick *** and chew bubble gum line, which he apparently improvised.

I’m starting to think that John carpenter has ADD or just kind of doesn’t care that much about how these movies flow or fit together. The iconic fight scene between piper and Keith David is completely insane to just put in the middle of the movie, the ending which is basically a naked woman and then cut to black and the fact that he left in the bubble gum line makes me think that he just wants to put things up on the screen that he thinks are fun are or interesting. Also curious that piper is wearing a wedding ring even though he is presumabky not married, yet Keith David is not, despite his only real character trait being that he has a wife and two kids.

I just watched this the other day and had similar thoughts. It feels like this was right around the time that V was a thing too, and I remember loving the ideas of each of them but when I watch them with adult eyes there are a ton of warts I can't quite get past to truly love it - the way too long sunglasses fight scene being a prime example. After watching it I would put this one up there with Running Man as movies I actually would be interested in seeing a remake of in the right hands.

The Running Man is perfect as is.

You can’t replace Richard Dawson as Killian or Arnold saying “Food Riot In Progress” Also all the Stalkers are classics.

What are you thinking man!!!!

Does not need a reboot.

But they are doing it anyway.

Look, I love the Running Man. But it's also cheesy as hell and some of the stalkers are terrible. No, I don't want another dumb cheesy remake, but IMO it is one of the few I can think of that has an idea that is good, is able to be tied into current times, and where the f/x are extremely dated and could use a boost.

It's 'perfect' in the sense that it's a fun drunken party movie to put on and laugh at, but I think there is an actual good movie in there to be had.

What you don’t like Dynamo?

Lol!!!

 

[KarmaPolice]

THEY LIVE (1988)

I must have seen at least part of this before because I remember it being on tv a lot, but really didn’t remember much specific about it. The underlying idea is pretty good, sort of a precursor to the matrix or even something like fight club.

Roddy Piper is…not very good. Seems to be drawing from the underacting school of sly Stallone or Steven seagal. Except maybe when he delivers the kick *** and chew bubble gum line, which he apparently improvised.

I’m starting to think that John carpenter has ADD or just kind of doesn’t care that much about how these movies flow or fit together. The iconic fight scene between piper and Keith David is completely insane to just put in the middle of the movie, the ending which is basically a naked woman and then cut to black and the fact that he left in the bubble gum line makes me think that he just wants to put things up on the screen that he thinks are fun are or interesting. Also curious that piper is wearing a wedding ring even though he is presumabky not married, yet Keith David is not, despite his only real character trait being that he has a wife and two kids.

I just watched this the other day and had similar thoughts. It feels like this was right around the time that V was a thing too, and I remember loving the ideas of each of them but when I watch them with adult eyes there are a ton of warts I can't quite get past to truly love it - the way too long sunglasses fight scene being a prime example. After watching it I would put this one up there with Running Man as movies I actually would be interested in seeing a remake of in the right hands.

The Running Man is perfect as is.

You can’t replace Richard Dawson as Killian or Arnold saying “Food Riot In Progress” Also all the Stalkers are classics.

What are you thinking man!!!!

Does not need a reboot.

But they are doing it anyway.

Look, I love the Running Man. But it's also cheesy as hell and some of the stalkers are terrible. No, I don't want another dumb cheesy remake, but IMO it is one of the few I can think of that has an idea that is good, is able to be tied into current times, and where the f/x are extremely dated and could use a boost.

It's 'perfect' in the sense that it's a fun drunken party movie to put on and laugh at, but I think there is an actual good movie in there to be had.

What you don’t like Dynamo?

Lol!!!

I would like Captain Freedoms workout video. Just saying i think we could have It all - idea, good f/x, one liners, and stalkers that are actually intimidating.

 

[KarmaPolice]

You can’t replace Richard Dawson as Killian

Seacrest?

Interesting idea here.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Ok, i am behind on my DotM watching, and i am staring at the "machines" category on my sheet, so Christine it is.

 

[Eephus]

They Live was based on "Eight O'Clock in the Morning", a 1963 short story by sci-fi magazine writer Ray Nelson. It's surprisingly short but there's the germ of an idea there for Carpenter to build on.

Nelson also claimed to have invented the propeller beanie.

https://pvto.weebly.com/uploads/9/1/5/0/91508780/eight_o%E2%80%99clock_in_the_morning-nelson.pdf

 

[KarmaPolice]

Oh ****- its Cougar!

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Ok, i am behind on my DotM watching, and i am staring at the "machines" category on my sheet, so Christine it is.

Still my favorite King and Carpenter.

There are elements I prefer in the book:
- Arnie is actually possessed by the spirit of LeBay instead of the car itself

- Arnie has to push Christine in order to repair damage and it comes at a cost; the odometer rolls backwards and her regenerative power is ended when it reaches zero

- The reason Christine killed Darnell is explained

One of my favorite bits of movie trivia is that Alexandra Paul's twin sister snuck on set and recorded one scene. Carpenter could feel something was up but couldn't figure out what.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Ok, i am behind on my DotM watching, and i am staring at the "machines" category on my sheet, so Christine it is.

Still my favorite King and Carpenter.

There are elements I prefer in the book:
- Arnie is actually possessed by the spirit of LeBay instead of the car itself

- Arnie has to push Christine in order to repair damage and it comes at a cost; the odometer rolls backwards and her regenerative power is ended when it reaches zero

- The reason Christine killed Darnell is explained

One of my favorite bits of movie trivia is that Alexandra Paul's twin sister snuck on set and recorded one scene. Carpenter could feel something was up but couldn't figure out what.

I am still chewing on my thoughts a bit, but I am curious why the bolded is true for you.

Christine is one of the only early King's I didn't get to, but I like the idea of these first two things you listed more than what was going on with the car in the movie. I am sure some of that is just easier ideas to film and get across in < 2hrs.

 

[KarmaPolice]

. After watching it I would put this one up there with Running Man as movies I actually would be interested in seeing a remake of in the right hands.

Edgar Wright is directing a remake of The Running Man, a Paramount release based on Stephen King's novel. The film is expected to begin shooting in fall 2024. Here's what we know so far:

• Story
  In the game show “The Running Man”, citizens are hunted by murderous Hunters across the globe. The film will follow a desperate man who breaks the rules and exposes the show's dark secrets.
• Cast
  Glen Powell, who starred in the romantic comedy Anyone but You, will play the lead.
• Production
  Wright will collaborate with Michael Bacall, his screenwriter for *Scott Pilgrim vs. the World*, to stay faithful to the source material.

Does this mean there is no "escape" and they hunt you wherever you go across the globe, or that there are Running Man games in multiple locations around the world?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Ok, i am behind on my DotM watching, and i am staring at the "machines" category on my sheet, so Christine it is.

Still my favorite King and Carpenter.

There are elements I prefer in the book:
- Arnie is actually possessed by the spirit of LeBay instead of the car itself

- Arnie has to push Christine in order to repair damage and it comes at a cost; the odometer rolls backwards and her regenerative power is ended when it reaches zero

- The reason Christine killed Darnell is explained

One of my favorite bits of movie trivia is that Alexandra Paul's twin sister snuck on set and recorded one scene. Carpenter could feel something was up but couldn't figure out what.

I am still chewing on my thoughts a bit, but I am curious why the bolded is true for you.

Christine is one of the only early King's I didn't get to, but I like the idea of these first two things you listed more than what was going on with the car in the movie. I am sure some of that is just easier ideas to film and get across in < 2hrs.

I like classic cars and 50s music, plus it's more of a straight ghost story and doesn't veer toward the macabre like his later stories nearly always do.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Ok, i am behind on my DotM watching, and i am staring at the "machines" category on my sheet, so Christine it is.

Still my favorite King and Carpenter.

There are elements I prefer in the book:
- Arnie is actually possessed by the spirit of LeBay instead of the car itself

- Arnie has to push Christine in order to repair damage and it comes at a cost; the odometer rolls backwards and her regenerative power is ended when it reaches zero

- The reason Christine killed Darnell is explained

One of my favorite bits of movie trivia is that Alexandra Paul's twin sister snuck on set and recorded one scene. Carpenter could feel something was up but couldn't figure out what.

I am still chewing on my thoughts a bit, but I am curious why the bolded is true for you.

Christine is one of the only early King's I didn't get to, but I like the idea of these first two things you listed more than what was going on with the car in the movie. I am sure some of that is just easier ideas to film and get across in < 2hrs.

I like classic cars and 50s music, plus it's more of a straight ghost story and doesn't veer toward the macabre like his later stories nearly always do.

Is that something you do or did - own and fix a classic car? Or is that something and an era that interests you?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Ok, i am behind on my DotM watching, and i am staring at the "machines" category on my sheet, so Christine it is.

Still my favorite King and Carpenter.

There are elements I prefer in the book:
- Arnie is actually possessed by the spirit of LeBay instead of the car itself

- Arnie has to push Christine in order to repair damage and it comes at a cost; the odometer rolls backwards and her regenerative power is ended when it reaches zero

- The reason Christine killed Darnell is explained

One of my favorite bits of movie trivia is that Alexandra Paul's twin sister snuck on set and recorded one scene. Carpenter could feel something was up but couldn't figure out what.

I am still chewing on my thoughts a bit, but I am curious why the bolded is true for you.

Christine is one of the only early King's I didn't get to, but I like the idea of these first two things you listed more than what was going on with the car in the movie. I am sure some of that is just easier ideas to film and get across in < 2hrs.

I like classic cars and 50s music, plus it's more of a straight ghost story and doesn't veer toward the macabre like his later stories nearly always do.

Is that something you do or did - own and fix a classic car? Or is that something and an era that interests you?

It just interests me. I think I've mentioned it before but every year I go to the Back To The 50's car show in St Paul that has a couple thousand cars. This past show, for the first time someone showed up with a '58 Fury. It was in just okay condition but was still awesome. The Belvederes and Savoys aren't bad either but there's something about the Fury.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

The Fog (1980)

I’m really not much of a horror movie person, but this seemed interesting because I wanted to compare it to the 2005 version. Spoiler alert: I only got about 20 minutes into the 2005 version and turned it off because it was so cheesy.

But in some ways that is a testament to the quality of the original. I actually had to turn it off about halfway through when I started watching it because it was making me uneasy. The practical effects are really good and many of the cuts create serious scares. Probably some will say it doesn’t matter, but I still don’t totally understand what the fog has to do with the ghost pirates and if it was animating them in some way. I do wonder if people should just stay away from Jamie Lee Curtis, who seems like a magnet for demonic creatures. I liked Hal Holbrook as Father Malone. The shot of the staircase down to the radio station is quite stunning. Overall, it moved fairly well and the characters were believable as they dealt with the bizarre circumstances. I thought that the very end when they actually showed the ghost pirates got a little hokey and the film was much more effective when the eerie presence of the fog was the villain. And the very end was curious when they killed father Malone and it cut to black, though I am starting to think that’s just the kind of thing that carpenter likes.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

The Ghosts of Mars (2001)

I figured I would give this a try because it was one of the only ones left that is about some demonic curse that some dummies let loose and wreaks havoc on their lives. In the end, that only kind of turned out to be half true for this film, as there was a rudimentary demonic organism that could travel from person to person and make them completely savage. The movie is kind of a combination of the fog, assault on precinct 13, Alien and a western. Carpenter goes back to his roots in assault and has the crew locked in a station with zombie-like creatures trying to get in and kill them. I liked the way the story was told, but for the most part, there was very little to say about it cinematically. Felt like a tv show a lot of the time with the effects and the cuts and overlays. This was another curious ending where it seemingly stops in the middle of a scene as ice cube and Natasha henstridge have to go back into battle.

The main theme that runs through all of carpenter’s work appears to be that there is a truly evil side to the universe and we have to reckon with it whether we like it or not. I think it would be more interesting if he handled it a little more subtly and left a little more to the imagination, as this is when his scares are the most effective.

 

[Todem]

The Fog (1980)

I’m really not much of a horror movie person, but this seemed interesting because I wanted to compare it to the 2005 version. Spoiler alert: I only got about 20 minutes into the 2005 version and turned it off because it was so cheesy.

But in some ways that is a testament to the quality of the original. I actually had to turn it off about halfway through when I started watching it because it was making me uneasy. The practical effects are really good and many of the cuts create serious scares. Probably some will say it doesn’t matter, but I still don’t totally understand what the fog has to do with the ghost pirates and if it was animating them in some way. I do wonder if people should just stay away from Jamie Lee Curtis, who seems like a magnet for demonic creatures. I liked Hal Holbrook as Father Malone. The shot of the staircase down to the radio station is quite stunning. Overall, it moved fairly well and the characters were believable as they dealt with the bizarre circumstances. I thought that the very end when they actually showed the ghost pirates got a little hokey and the film was much more effective when the eerie presence of the fog was the villain. And the very end was curious when they killed father Malone and it cut to black, though I am starting to think that’s just the kind of thing that carpenter likes.

So the intro of the film has John Houseman telling the ghost story of the Elizabeth Dane. The ships ill fated journey to Antonio Bay filled with a leper colony.

They were guided into the jetty rocks on purpose because a Fog blocked their sight of it and Father Malones great grandfather wanted all of Blakes gold on the ship knowing how wealthy he was.

So the crew of the Elizabeth Dane died in the ocean because of that fog and the misguided torches that led them to their demise
By the 6 conspirators.

Hence the “6 must die” that you briefly saw on that piece of driftwood Stevie Waynes (WKAB DJ at the lighthouse) son found on the beach.

So three were killed on the sea grass

The weatherman made 4

The nanny made 5

Father Malone made 6.

Hope that explains it a bit better for you

Love this flick.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

The Fog (1980)

I’m really not much of a horror movie person, but this seemed interesting because I wanted to compare it to the 2005 version. Spoiler alert: I only got about 20 minutes into the 2005 version and turned it off because it was so cheesy.

But in some ways that is a testament to the quality of the original. I actually had to turn it off about halfway through when I started watching it because it was making me uneasy. The practical effects are really good and many of the cuts create serious scares. Probably some will say it doesn’t matter, but I still don’t totally understand what the fog has to do with the ghost pirates and if it was animating them in some way. I do wonder if people should just stay away from Jamie Lee Curtis, who seems like a magnet for demonic creatures. I liked Hal Holbrook as Father Malone. The shot of the staircase down to the radio station is quite stunning. Overall, it moved fairly well and the characters were believable as they dealt with the bizarre circumstances. I thought that the very end when they actually showed the ghost pirates got a little hokey and the film was much more effective when the eerie presence of the fog was the villain. And the very end was curious when they killed father Malone and it cut to black, though I am starting to think that’s just the kind of thing that carpenter likes.

So the intro of the film has John Houseman telling the ghost story of the Elizabeth Dane. The ships ill fated journey to Antonio Bay filled with a leper colony.

They were guided into the jetty rocks on purpose because a Fog blocked their sight of it and Father Malones great grandfather wanted all of Blakes gold on the ship knowing how wealthy he was.

So the crew of the Elizabeth Dane died in the ocean because of that fog and the misguided torches that led them to their demise
By the 6 conspirators.

Hence the “6 must die” that you briefly saw on that piece of driftwood Stevie Waynes (WKAB DJ at the lighthouse) son found on the beach.

So three were killed on the sea grass

The weatherman made 4

The nanny made 5

Father Malone made 6.

Hope that explains it a bit better for you

Love this flick.

So why does the fog appear 100 years later in tandem with the crew and why does it have the power to break windows and all that? Was the fog “evil” when it guided them into the rocks?

 

[Todem]

The Fog (1980)

I’m really not much of a horror movie person, but this seemed interesting because I wanted to compare it to the 2005 version. Spoiler alert: I only got about 20 minutes into the 2005 version and turned it off because it was so cheesy.

But in some ways that is a testament to the quality of the original. I actually had to turn it off about halfway through when I started watching it because it was making me uneasy. The practical effects are really good and many of the cuts create serious scares. Probably some will say it doesn’t matter, but I still don’t totally understand what the fog has to do with the ghost pirates and if it was animating them in some way. I do wonder if people should just stay away from Jamie Lee Curtis, who seems like a magnet for demonic creatures. I liked Hal Holbrook as Father Malone. The shot of the staircase down to the radio station is quite stunning. Overall, it moved fairly well and the characters were believable as they dealt with the bizarre circumstances. I thought that the very end when they actually showed the ghost pirates got a little hokey and the film was much more effective when the eerie presence of the fog was the villain. And the very end was curious when they killed father Malone and it cut to black, though I am starting to think that’s just the kind of thing that carpenter likes.

So the intro of the film has John Houseman telling the ghost story of the Elizabeth Dane. The ships ill fated journey to Antonio Bay filled with a leper colony.

They were guided into the jetty rocks on purpose because a Fog blocked their sight of it and Father Malones great grandfather wanted all of Blakes gold on the ship knowing how wealthy he was.

So the crew of the Elizabeth Dane died in the ocean because of that fog and the misguided torches that led them to their demise
By the 6 conspirators.

Hence the “6 must die” that you briefly saw on that piece of driftwood Stevie Waynes (WKAB DJ at the lighthouse) son found on the beach.

So three were killed on the sea grass

The weatherman made 4

The nanny made 5

Father Malone made 6.

Hope that explains it a bit better for you

Love this flick.

So why does the fog appear 100 years later in tandem with the crew and why does it have the power to break windows and all that? Was the fog “evil” when it guided them into the rocks?

It’s the 100th birthday of Antonio Bay and Blake has returned for revenge on the ancestors of the 6 conspirators.

It’s a supernatural ghost story dude…..just go with it. The Fog is haunted with the crew of the Elizabeth Dane.

 

[Eephus]

The Thing (1982)

If you believe in IMDB ratings, this is Carpenter's best film. It's a solid movie with excellent pacing and makes effective use of its remote location. I like how Carpenter contrasted the cramped interiors with the Antarctic wasteland. He's been very good with widescreen composition in all of his movies I've watched this month. Maybe not in Kurosawa's class but who is?

I'd never seen the movie before and expected The Thing to be more like Alien with its shapeshifting alien. There were similarities for sure but the enemy within aspect of the plot reminded me of They Live and Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Alien was more of a horror film than this one with more jump scares and the ship becoming a haunted house. There was a good amount of suspense in The Thing as the story leaves the audience guessing which crew members had turned Thing. There could have been more character development because I wasn't sure at times which crew member was being discussed by the others. But that would have slowed the first half down and I liked how the audience and characters were thrown immediately into the mystery. I liked the ambiguity of the final scene but I thought the ending seemed rushed. Some of the crew members didn't even get an on-screen death and the business with the spaceship seemed to have some holes.

There are several other filmed version of the original story. I hope to be able to watch a couple before the end of the month.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Also, if you believe me, The Thing is Carpenter's best film. Not going to argue too much with Halloween being the answer though. I'm not sure I'd have anything else on the level of those two.

In the last couple weeks I watched They Live again, and watched Christine and The Prince of Darkness each for the first time.

Now, I don't love Christine as much as @Andy Dufresne, but I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. I have no interest in the 50s and for me a car gets me from A to B, so 0 interest there. All that said, the movie was still effective because Arnie's new obsession, his interactions with parents, his distancing from old friends is just staple teenage stuff that most of us would be able to relate to. The score was good, and some of the visuals were excellent - especially the famous scene of Christine on fire. However, there was still a bit of that Carpenter cheese that I don't 100% click with and it had that 80s thing where there seems to be 30 year olds in HS. The main bully looked like Travolta's roided out uncle or something. Some fun "that guy!"s though with Cougar from Top Gun and the kid Venkman shocks in Ghostbusters running around. Definitely worth the watch and is in the 2nd tier of Carpenter for me, unlike...

Prince of Darkness, which for me was more in the camp of cool idea, but not a good movie. One thing that does run through many of Carpenters movies, even the horrors is the sci-fi undercurrent. At it's core I like the idea of the movie and this version of the anti-christ. This might be his horror version of They Live for me as a movie I like for it's concept, but as a whole it doesn't hold up that well.

From what I have seen of his movies:

Tier 1: The Thing, Halloween
Tier 2: Christine, In the Mouth of Madness, Starman?
Tier 3: They Live, Prince of Darkness
Tier 4: The Fog, **Escape from NY, **Big Trouble, Precinct 13.

Starman gets a ? because I haven't seen it in decades, but I am going to try to squeeze that in. The library's wait is too long, so it looks like it will have to be a rental. The **s are because in general I don't like Kurt Russell much. The Thing is more of an ensemble and in general much more in my wheelhouse. To be fair, I've only seen each once and within the last 10 years or so. Not sure I will get to a rewatch of either with the horror 31 going on. Some TV movie I hadn't heard of popped up on Criterion - Someone's Watching Me! , so that and Starman will take priorty if I get to another Carpent for the month.

 

[Ilov80s]

Carpenter is not a director I like very much. However Halloween is an all time favorite horror film. That said, it always deeply pains me that it was filmed in California and not the Midwest. Having some actual leaves on the ground, trees with red, orange, yellow leaves, etc would have added so much to the feel of the film. Once you see the California of it, you can’t miss it and it slightly taints the film imo.

 

[rockaction]

Voting for They Live and Big Trouble in Little China and Starman

"Well, I watched you. Green light go, red light stop, yellow light . . . speed up."

 

[IvanKaramazov]

THEY LIVE (1988)

I must have seen at least part of this before because I remember it being on tv a lot, but really didn’t remember much specific about it. The underlying idea is pretty good, sort of a precursor to the matrix or even something like fight club.

Roddy Piper is…not very good. Seems to be drawing from the underacting school of sly Stallone or Steven seagal. Except maybe when he delivers the kick *** and chew bubble gum line, which he apparently improvised.

I’m starting to think that John carpenter has ADD or just kind of doesn’t care that much about how these movies flow or fit together. The iconic fight scene between piper and Keith David is completely insane to just put in the middle of the movie, the ending which is basically a naked woman and then cut to black and the fact that he left in the bubble gum line makes me think that he just wants to put things up on the screen that he thinks are fun are or interesting. Also curious that piper is wearing a wedding ring even though he is presumabky not married, yet Keith David is not, despite his only real character trait being that he has a wife and two kids.

I just watched this the other day and had similar thoughts. It feels like this was right around the time that V was a thing too, and I remember loving the ideas of each of them but when I watch them with adult eyes there are a ton of warts I can't quite get past to truly love it - the way too long sunglasses fight scene being a prime example. After watching it I would put this one up there with Running Man as movies I actually would be interested in seeing a remake of in the right hands.

The Running Man is perfect as is.

You can’t replace Richard Dawson as Killian or Arnold saying “Food Riot In Progress” Also all the Stalkers are classics.

What are you thinking man!!!!

Does not need a reboot.

But they are doing it anyway.

The original Running Man movie is wonderful 1980s fun. Ahnold, Richard Dawson, Jesse Ventura, all the other goofy villains. It was perfect for its time and holds up very well today.

I'd like to see a remake that is more faithful to the book. Dark and dystopian, with actual violence and real stakes. We can have both.

 

[rockaction]

I think salvation for the virtuous dates back a little further than 1978.

On a serious note, ever notice (as a scholar I respected once noted) how virtue has evolved from classical times where virtue was generally considered a manly trait of prudence, intelligence, and moderated action to democratic times that use virtue as synonymous with female chastity?

I had never thought about that. There are probably etymologists and linguistic experts that would disagree, but it’s something to think about in usage and context.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Voting for They Live and Big Trouble in Little China and Starman

"Well, I watched you. Green light go, red light stop, yellow light . . . speed up."

Big Trouble in Little China isn't getting enough love in this thread. I get that it's not Seven Samurai, but it's a fun movie that 100% grabs your attention if you're flipping channels and catch it halfway through. Great vehicle for Kurt Russell. It holds up well 40 years later.

It's because of movies like this that I think of John Carpenter as a poor man's Quentin Tarantino. He's not making navel-gazing movies for film critics. He's just making stuff that he thinks is fun, he has a very good sense for what his audience wants to see, and it gives it to them. You always feel like you're in on the joke when you're watching either of these guys' films.

 

[rockaction]

It holds up well 40 years later.

That was my question while typing out those movies. I saw them all when I was so young, but you know what? They left an impression on me. I’m sure I’d see them through different eyes now, but that it still holds up is cool.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I couldn't make it through BTILC.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

THEY LIVE (1988)

I must have seen at least part of this before because I remember it being on tv a lot, but really didn’t remember much specific about it. The underlying idea is pretty good, sort of a precursor to the matrix or even something like fight club.

Roddy Piper is…not very good. Seems to be drawing from the underacting school of sly Stallone or Steven seagal. Except maybe when he delivers the kick *** and chew bubble gum line, which he apparently improvised.

I’m starting to think that John carpenter has ADD or just kind of doesn’t care that much about how these movies flow or fit together. The iconic fight scene between piper and Keith David is completely insane to just put in the middle of the movie, the ending which is basically a naked woman and then cut to black and the fact that he left in the bubble gum line makes me think that he just wants to put things up on the screen that he thinks are fun are or interesting. Also curious that piper is wearing a wedding ring even though he is presumabky not married, yet Keith David is not, despite his only real character trait being that he has a wife and two kids.

I just watched this the other day and had similar thoughts. It feels like this was right around the time that V was a thing too, and I remember loving the ideas of each of them but when I watch them with adult eyes there are a ton of warts I can't quite get past to truly love it - the way too long sunglasses fight scene being a prime example. After watching it I would put this one up there with Running Man as movies I actually would be interested in seeing a remake of in the right hands.

The Running Man is perfect as is.

You can’t replace Richard Dawson as Killian or Arnold saying “Food Riot In Progress” Also all the Stalkers are classics.

What are you thinking man!!!!

Does not need a reboot.

But they are doing it anyway.

The original Running Man movie is wonderful 1980s fun. Ahnold, Richard Dawson, Jesse Ventura, all the other goofy villains. It was perfect for its time and holds up very well today.

I'd like to see a remake that is more faithful to the book. Dark and dystopian, with actual violence and real stakes. We can have both.

Couldn't film the book's finale though, post 9/11.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

THEY LIVE (1988)

I must have seen at least part of this before because I remember it being on tv a lot, but really didn’t remember much specific about it. The underlying idea is pretty good, sort of a precursor to the matrix or even something like fight club.

Roddy Piper is…not very good. Seems to be drawing from the underacting school of sly Stallone or Steven seagal. Except maybe when he delivers the kick *** and chew bubble gum line, which he apparently improvised.

I’m starting to think that John carpenter has ADD or just kind of doesn’t care that much about how these movies flow or fit together. The iconic fight scene between piper and Keith David is completely insane to just put in the middle of the movie, the ending which is basically a naked woman and then cut to black and the fact that he left in the bubble gum line makes me think that he just wants to put things up on the screen that he thinks are fun are or interesting. Also curious that piper is wearing a wedding ring even though he is presumabky not married, yet Keith David is not, despite his only real character trait being that he has a wife and two kids.

I just watched this the other day and had similar thoughts. It feels like this was right around the time that V was a thing too, and I remember loving the ideas of each of them but when I watch them with adult eyes there are a ton of warts I can't quite get past to truly love it - the way too long sunglasses fight scene being a prime example. After watching it I would put this one up there with Running Man as movies I actually would be interested in seeing a remake of in the right hands.

The Running Man is perfect as is.

You can’t replace Richard Dawson as Killian or Arnold saying “Food Riot In Progress” Also all the Stalkers are classics.

What are you thinking man!!!!

Does not need a reboot.

But they are doing it anyway.

The original Running Man movie is wonderful 1980s fun. Ahnold, Richard Dawson, Jesse Ventura, all the other goofy villains. It was perfect for its time and holds up very well today.

I'd like to see a remake that is more faithful to the book. Dark and dystopian, with actual violence and real stakes. We can have both.

Couldn't film the book's finale though, post 9/11.

True, they'd have to change that part, but I don't see that as essential to the story. It would be like how they completely changed the ending to Fight Club and nobody really cared because that was never the point.

 

[Eephus]

Horror Express (1972)

I probably should have watched the 1951 version of The Thing From Another World first but I'm recording that off of TCM tomorrow. Instead I went with this uncredited remake, a Spanish production set on the Trans-Siberian railroad in the early 20th century. The setup is familiar; scientist Christopher Lee discovers what appears to be a strange looking corpse embedded in an icy cave. The creature is reanimated on the journey and starts killing passengers as the train winds its way westward. Peter Cushing is also onboard as a rival scientist and Telly Savalas makes a brief but memorable appearance as a Cossack general.

Horror Express isn't not as good as Carpenter's version of the story but it a pretty entertaining movie nonetheless. I've recently outed myself as a train lover on this board which explains some of the appeal for me. The filmmakers had access to the railroad sets and models built for Nicholas and Alexandra (1971) so the production design looks a lot better than the low budget would normally allow. The creature starts off as a guy in a monster suit but eventually assumes the figure of one of the passengers. It apparently lacks the ability to reproduce so there's not the existential threat posed by The Thing. There are some gruesome special effects as the creature kills its victims as well as some autopsy scenes played up for horror.

Lee and Cushing are delightful as always. The other passengers are a familiar collection of character types and are given more development than their counterparts in The Thing. The standout character was a Rasputin-like clergyman played by Alberto de Mendoza who brings a strong anti-religious flavor for a film made in Franco-era Spain. The story is ridiculous of course but it moves quickly and it doesn't take itself too seriously.

 

[Eephus]

The Thing From Another World (1951)

This movie shares a title and basic premise with Carpenter's version but not a whole lot else, it even takes place at the opposite pole. The outpost isn't nearly as desolate and the earthlings don't drink as much, although there is an odd bondage scene where the captain is forced to drink by his love interest. Compared to Carpenter (and even to Horror Express), this one takes a while to get going. They find the spaceship but the monster doesn't come alive until the midpoint of the film. It's shown infrequently after that probably because the filmmakers realized its limitations. The effects are ridiculous by modern standards, it's obviously just James Arness in a monster suit but its two big action set pieces are done pretty well.

There's a lot more talking than there is Carpenter's Thing. Everybody talks really fast like they're doing an old radio show. Fortunately the dialog is well written but man, there's a lot of it. The pontificating scientist who wants to reason with the thing is a main culprit. The movie was credited to Christian Nyby but is widely reputed to have been directed by its producer Howard Hawks. Whatever the case, the movie's sharpness is reminiscent of Hawks' more famous works.

The another world from the title might just as well refer to 1951 because this film is a product of its time. It probably works better in a historical context as one of the first monster movies of the atomic age rather than in direct comparison to modern sci fi and horror. I was entertained and to be honest, I probably cared more about the survival of these characters than I did about Kurt Russell's colleagues.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Got around to Assault on Precinct 13, which is actually 14 on the building and 9 in the dispatch but... whatever.

Sufficient but won't watch again. It's essentially a zombie movie and that's okay.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

The Thing From Another World (1951)

This movie shares a title and basic premise with Carpenter's version but not a whole lot else, it even takes place at the opposite pole. The outpost isn't nearly as desolate and the earthlings don't drink as much, although there is an odd bondage scene where the captain is forced to drink by his love interest. Compared to Carpenter (and even to Horror Express), this one takes a while to get going. They find the spaceship but the monster doesn't come alive until the midpoint of the film. It's shown infrequently after that probably because the filmmakers realized its limitations. The effects are ridiculous by modern standards, it's obviously just James Arness in a monster suit but its two big action set pieces are done pretty well.

There's a lot more talking than there is Carpenter's Thing. Everybody talks really fast like they're doing an old radio show. Fortunately the dialog is well written but man, there's a lot of it. The pontificating scientist who wants to reason with the thing is a main culprit. The movie was credited to Christian Nyby but is widely reputed to have been directed by its producer Howard Hawks. Whatever the case, the movie's sharpness is reminiscent of Hawks' more famous works.

The another world from the title might just as well refer to 1951 because this film is a product of its time. It probably works better in a historical context as one of the first monster movies of the atomic age rather than in direct comparison to modern sci fi and horror. I was entertained and to be honest, I probably cared more about the survival of these characters than I did about Kurt Russell's colleagues.

I just watched it again about a week ago and agree with many of your comments. Other than the foolish scientist, the rest of the guys all seem to be pals.
I prefer It, The Terror Beyond Space (possible inspiration for Alien) over this one for that time period.

 

[Eephus]

Escape From LA went up on Prime Video on the 1st so I'll post a tardy write-up when I get to it.

 

[Todem]

Escape From LA went up on Prime Video on the 1st so I'll post a tardy write-up when I get to it.

Not nearly as good as NY but....I loved it because I love Snake Pliskin and don't take the source material too seriously.

This was a Campy romp. Fun movie and don't take it seriously.

 

[Eephus]

Escape From LA went up on Prime Video on the 1st so I'll post a tardy write-up when I get to it.

Not nearly as good as NY but....I loved it because I love Snake Pliskin and don't take the source material too seriously.

This was a Campy romp. Fun movie and don't take it seriously.

I take all cinema seriously