They Live
Here Is What You Need To Know:
Few films spewed out of the LA factories and film sweat shops are as original, as fun or tap into extreme paranoid as well as They Live. If you are sure "They" are out to get you and you know you are right, then you will love this film. If you only suspect that "They" are out to get you and are not sure what to think, this film may make you uneasy.
They Live is about a poor smo, first time I ever used smo in any written work, who finds a pair of special sunglasses that when worn reveal that the world is not as we see it. The sunglasses reveal hidden messages such as “Obey,” and “marry and reproduce,” now if this is not a film commenting on our society then please point me in the direction of one that is a commentary on our society.
All of this however, is just a small fraction of what the glasses show John, our hero, played by Roddy Pipper, who, for those of you who didn't see the film, didn't ruin it as you might suspect. To my great surprise, Pipper, a professional wrestler actually puts forth a good effort, go figure, maybe I can't condemn all the breeders so quickly (insert smile to keep breeders happy and unsuspecting.)
What Was Cool:
-The story is just wonderful and the concept of the glasses is genius.
-Using the glasses to discover that many of those walking amongst us are actually aliens who control the world and are manipulating us is a nice twist on the “aliens control you” concept.
-The fact that Roddy Pipper can actually act was a nice surprise.
-The script is full of fun and laughs but at the same time is a stinging commentary about our civilization, what motivates people and how they behave.
What Was Stupid:
-There are flaws, but they are minor enough, and you really are left wishing that They Live had been given a bigger budget.
The Film's Real Genius or Geniuses:
John Carpenter hands down.
Overlooked Performance/Accomplishment:
The entire film is an overlooked stroke of genius even if it falls short due to some budget issues at times.
Story A (The story is genius and one of the best films of its kind ever made.)
Use of Science B (Science is more of a prop than a real part of the film. But the notion that science and technology are being used to control us is a powerful message.)
Acting B
Portrayal of Women C
Visuals-VFX and SFX B
Visuals-Set Design/Props B
Wardrobe/Costumes C
Style/Sex Appeal C
Enjoyability Grade A
Home Theater/HD Factor B
Gut Check (Level of Studio Executive Guts) A (Some studio executive pulled a bit of a shocker on this one, as it is surprising that They Live was handed the money to make a film of this kind.
Overall Innovation A+ (This film is about as innovative as a studio film is probably going to get.)
Overall Grade A (For a less sophisticated but fun ubber-paranoia film take a look at The Arrival.)
A Little Fact About Cherie:
They Live is one of my favorite films as it really drives home some messages that you breeders are always smacking us over the head with. Oh relax, much love.
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