They Live

(1988)

directed by John Carpenter

reviewed by Jonathan Rocks

12.5.07

"I'm here to chew bubblegum and kick ass-- and I'm all out of bubblegum."

That memorable line of dialogue pretty much sums up the attitude behind John Carpenter's 1988 film "They Live." Following in the long tradition of horror film-as-social commentary, this film is Carpenter's indictment of Reaganomics, the yuppie movement and conspicuous consumption of the upper class during the 1980's. While the film's message is delivered with all the subtlety of a slap in the face, it's still a fun and entertaining watch from beginning to end.

The story follows freelance construction worker Nada (Roddy Piper) as he arrives in New York City, having stowed away on a cross country train. He is able to find work on a construction site, and even finds housing in a camp of other poor/homeless/vagrant types. Before long he realizes that this camp is the base of a movement that is out to bring down the government, who they've discovered is working in conjunction with alien beings to control the minds of the masses via subliminal messages.

The plot is genuinely creepy, reminiscent of the best of older television shows like "The Twilight Zone" or "The Outer Limits." Also, the aliens of the film, who show their true form only when viewed through inexplicably powerful sunglasses, are well designed and really creepy looking. However impressed I was with the make-up and effects of the film, I was still ultimately disappointed with the overall treatment of the story. I wanted to see more of the interactions with the aliens, especially after the film ends. I do believe this film would benefit from a sequel, however unlikely.

This could have been a true classic, on par with other great "Aliens among us" stories such as "Invasion of the Body Snatchers". Instead it's a classic of a different kind-- a cult classic. The film is chock full of great one-liners and enough hammy acting to keep even veteran B-movie fans satisfied. Also, there is a fight scene in the film between Nada and Carpenter veteran Keith David that must be seen to be believed.

If you're a fan of John Carpenter, Alien movies, B-movies or any combination of the three, you'll enjoy this film. While it's not exactly Hitchcock, don't forget who's on the cover-- Rowdy Roddy Piper. What you're going to get is an ass kicking good time with lots of laughs thrown in for good measure.

Score: 3 out of 5

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