They Live (1988) Review

 

They Live (1988)

Holy crap! I’ve been waiting awhile to finally see this, and boy does it live up to the hype!! There’s seriously so much I like about this movie, I don’t know where to start.

They Live focuses on Nada, played wonderfully by Roddy Piper, a nomad or wanderer as he looks for meaning in life. That is, until he stumbles upon a pair of sunglasses that show the world for what it really is: full of subliminal messages and run by aliens meant to hold back the human race and promote the wealthy. 

Sound familiar? This film is very prophetic and metaphorical, as it presents themes from the late 80s that are still ever present in modern society. It takes these themes and wraps them into a crazy and interesting concept that succeeds really well. Like most 80s action movies, it doesn’t take itself too seriously and is a solid mix of humor, action, and lots of explosions. I also love they way they show the real world, being black and white, plain, and the aliens are done extremely well.  It's hokey as all get out, but a very interesting concept that was executed to perfection.

Roddy Piper is awesome in this and I’m genuinely surprised that he didn’t hit big in the 80s and 90s action movie blockbuster boom. He would’ve been a shoe in, off of this movie alone. He’s hilarious and alpha to the max (and his mullet steals the show). Pair him up with Keith fucking David, and you’ve got yourself one of the most fun movies I’ve seen in recent memory.

As most of you know by now, Kevin Smith and Quentin Tarantino are two of my favorite directors ever, but John Carpenter is also in the top there as well. He’s made some of my favorite movies ever and this was no exception. From the cinematography and symbolism, to the obvious changing of saturation and seamless transition between the alien/humans and their version of Earth, it all just works. Hopefully this movie kicks off a string of 80s movie reviews to come and some more John Carpenter classics!

If you can find a copy of They Live, definitely check it out. It’s a trip!

8.9/10