Movie Review: They Live
Some films become cult classics because something about them just makes it difficult for normies to appreciate them. Other films become cult classics due to a mixture of being both endearing and also just not very good. They Live falls squarely in the latter category. The plot comes from a four page sci-fi story. A drifter stumbles upon a pair of sunglasses that reveal that humanity is being brainwashed into docility by aliens disguised as humans. It’s a great setup for John Carpenter, one of my favorite directors, and it is great fun at times.
Unsurprisingly the film is beloved by conspiracy theorists and political extremists who argue that the aliens are meant to represent the Illuminati/Jews/Free Masons/Reptilians/Catholics/literal aliens/etc. Whatever your take, the sad truth is that the film is poorly executed. Roddy Piper does his best but outside of the wrestling ring he lacks the charisma of many better 80’s leading men. The script doesn’t do him many favors either. The story takes forever to get going then suffers from bad pacing once it does. It’s a short and slow movie. The atmosphere and music are nice. Keith David is a delight. There are a couple of inspired moments, “I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass…” and the dystopian themes ring truer today than back when it was originally released. Yet in the end the movie itself doesn’t leave you with much. Shame. This one should have been iconic.
Grade: C+
