THE THING from Another World (1951) Writing by Howard Hawks, Directed by Christian Nyby
TMG Scale 8.0 P Factor 0.0 MPAA Rating: NR
Starring Kenneth Tobey, Margaret Sheridan
By far the best of the series. Sure, by today’s standard’s of horror flick, a bit goofy and cornball, but this film is fun and spooky through and through. You have to just imagine at the height of the UFO craze, and this film certainly propelled it along, this movie really resonated with everyone. It is probably the second best 1950’s era black and white alien film. The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) still ranks in my book as No. 1.
THE THING (1982) Directed by John Carpenter
TMG Scale 7.0 P Factor 0.0 MPAA Rating: R
Starring Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, David Keith, Richard Dysart
Technically, this is the third in the series if you want to watch in chronological order as the 2011 version is the prequel to this film. It is really worth watching. The acting is solid and story is captivating. Carpenter really took a 1951 classic and delivered upon the same spooky magic. I would rate it higher, but you really cannot be fair to other films and give a film of this genre much more than 7.0 rating. If you like old time alien films, you will enjoy this one. Watch it late at night with some friends!
THE THING (2011) Directed by Matthijs van Heijningen (Who is he? Certainly no one yet or after this effort)
TMG Scale 5.0 P Factor 0.0 MPAA Rating: R
Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton,
They tried hard to stay to the story and the spirit of the film. It just fell short. TMG says greatness rarely strikes twice and never strikes three times. (Even in the Godfather series, everyone pretty well agrees The Godfather II was the best. Who really remembers Godfather III?) Some real star talent might have helped, but what this effort really needed was a more original script and sharper writing. The real mistake was trying to make a prequel to the 1982 version. The 1982 film ended just right for a sequel. Why not just pick up there and really bring the film forward?
More to come, but be on the lookout…people of the world….watch the skies…..they may be coming again!