Horrifyingly Good - The Thing (1982) 

The dog in The Thing is a better actor than most of Hollywood today.

'The Thing' Starring: Kurt Russell Kurt Russel's Beard

Ah, movies of 80s! When actors weren't just pretty looking models, but had to build personalities we loved, with stories that were believable and interesting, smart decisions and no excess of actions to cover up all the missing logic. The Thing, absolute perfection!

The Thing (1982) and Aliens (1986) are without a doubt the two greatest masterpieces of entertainment ever produced. Thanks, CD!

“Kurt Russel and his beard want some answers.” Fucking. Gold.

Man the practical effects used in this film outperforms many CGI based films today

For me, the most brilliant casting choice in the movie is actually Jed, which Drinker refers to here as "cute dog." Jed does look like a dog, and that's what makes him work so well for this movie. It's not until they put him in the kennel with other huskies, including a Malamute (which, even if you don't know it, you feel instinctively that's what he should look like), that you begin to feel that there's something really wrong here. The moment he steps into the kennel, and they show you the close ups of all the other dogs, you feel something is terribly amiss. This is because Jed is part wolf. His way of moving and the harder lines of his muzzle and face mark him as something different and other from the dogs in the kennel, well before he turns into a special effect. The slow, deliberate way Jed goes about his business earlier in the movie is also inherent to what he is, but you don't notice it until later, in fact you may write it off as a somewhat skittish dog having just been hunted down by some helicopter fools (and, of course, the knowledge that wolves were hunted from helicopters and planes in this way was kind of a big thing at the time, making a large part of the audience instantly sympathetic to the dog). At the same time, the hallway scene is an excellent opportunity to showcase Jed's precise training, and I'm someone who appreciates that kind of thing, when it's done within the plot as it is here.

And let's not forget about the score. The music caused a huge, ominous, deep, dark depth to the movie. John Carpenter's music in all his movies just.......no words can describe.

The most unrealistic part of this film is the idea of Norweigans who can't aim.

Fun fact: The dog actor at the beginning was half wolf so he was naturally awkward around people and other dogs. This is what happens when you put real thought into casting.

The Thing is one of the best movies ever made. Carpenter/Russell might be my favorite director/actor combo.

Still beats any horror sci fi movie made today, absolute classic 👌

I'm glad carpenter is alive to know his movie has become a stone cold classic.

A lovecraftian alien that can perfectly replicate human beings vs Kurt Russell and his beard. The Thing never had a chance.

This movie shows that practical effects feel more real than CG effects. I love that you kept referring to Kurt Russel and his beard😂.

another example of why practical effects are absolutely awesome

Kurt Russell’s beard should have been nominated for best supporting actor.

38 years later and they still cant do effects as good as they did in this exquisite masterpiece

This is based on John W. Campbell jr.’s 1938 novella titled “Who Goes There?” And I think it’s a testament to how good the story is that both film adaptations of the novel, Howard Hawke’s 1951 Sci-fi classic “The Thing from another World” and John Carpenter’s 1982 film, are excellent.

This is one of the greatest horror movies ever made. Great story, great cast, great FX, great cinematography, great music and sound.

Kurt Russell's beard has more testosterone than all of Hollywood today.

My cousin worked a few winters in Antarctica. She told me that every midwinter they have a showing of this movie. One of their favorite lines is _"get the flamethrower!"_

I was in college when this movie came out and a few friends and I went to the theater to see it. I will never forget that trip. Wow... the entire crowd was screaming and squirming around in their seats. It was (and still is) quite the show.

I didn’t even notice the Real-Life Amputee trick at all when I watched it first. It looked so damn realistic and convincing.

38 years old, and still better than the vast majority of modern movies. Stop liking. Go away.

I believe John Carpenter himself said that he considers this movie to be his masterpiece. Even edging out Halloween.

Watched it last night, it was great. I'm 20 years old and I believe 80's were the best decade for movies of all time.

_The Thing_ is one of the greatest movies ever made and I'd say Carpenter's best work, and that guy has done some of the best Horror movies ever.

It's the Terminator 2 of horror movies.

THE THING is John Carpenter's masterpiece in my opinion.

Fun fact: while filming, the temperature was actually lowered to replicate the cold tundra of the Antarctic. To sell the cold and make the actors feel the misery of the sheer cold like if they were in the real Antarctic.

The atmosphere created by this movie is unmatched by any other movie, ever. (In my opinion)

CGI monsters today still can’t convince me they are real like the monsters in this movie do.

This movie is hands down one of my most ultimate favourites. In the early to mid 90s, my roommate and I would alternate between 'The Thing', 'Big Trouble in Little China', 'Escape from New York' and 'Aliens'.

I love how some movies can make you feel how cold it is, or how alone you feel, or how hopeless the situation is. Most of these things are missing in Hollywood.

Second time today I've got to tell this small story. I was stationed as an MP guard at a military detention facility in 1983, South Korea. It was dead winter with deep snow and about 10 degrees below. The nearest structure to us was 2 miles away. The jail housed about 40-50 US Service Members awaiting legal action of some sort. One night a week we played a movie. This film was making the rounds at the base, us included. There we were, frozen and isolated in place. The film began and us guards were catching bits a pieces of the film along with the captive audience. As the film progressed we could hear rumblings and reactions to the film and comparing it to our situation. Our anxieties were raised. When the difibrulator scene hit, chaos ensued. We had grown men, screaming, crying and yelling for their mommies, running to their bunks and hiding under blankets. It was one of the funniest things I had ever observed! Every time I watch this film I can't help but think of that night. Thanks for the video.

The Thing is my favorite horror movie. It is too good

This is one of my favorite movies of all time and in my book is nearly flawless. God bless the 80's

So damn good, I watch it about twice a year. Never gets old. You forgot to mention the soundtrack. It creeps things out even more. Truly a masterpiece......

I think The Drinker is jealous of Kurt Russell's beard.

I once said that The Thing's practical effects put today's cgi to shame only to be responded with the 'ok boomer' type comments. Let that sink in

That: “Where were you Childs?” Always gives me chills

The dog was honestly the scariest part. Despite it being an actual real trained dog, just having a dog standing there, completely calm, following orders and unnaturally unmoving, no animal behaviour on show, you can really feel just how "off" it is. It's just so alien, anyone who knows dogs feels something is terribly wrong, like it's traumatised. Or as in this case, something is wearing the dog body as a skin and roleplaying it's best whilst trying to remain undetected. Just unnaturally lying in the middle on the enclosure, no attempt to make contact and staring forward, waiting for the right moment.

I hate horror movies, I just find myslef yelling at the characters making horrible choices... this movie on the other hand is really really good all through

I like how in Norweigen the guy says "Get the hell outta there. That's not a dog, it's some sort of thing! It's imitating a dog, it isn't real! Get away, you idiots!" If only people knew what he was saying... XD

I was in Jr. High when this came out so I had to wait a year to see it on cable in 83. My buddies and I must have watched it 10 times growing up. A classic, and kudos to EVERYONE involved in this film.

Fun fact: the day the Antarctic research base is officially cut off from the rest of the world for the winter due to the weather (just like in the film), they all sit down and watch The Thing together, just to set the mood. It's been tradition since the movie first came out on VHS.

That scene when they catch Bennings with his arm mutated out in the snow, and Bennings let out that otherworldly scream... Hands down, the most haunting scene in the entire film. I remember thinking that his face looks deceptively human, but whatever is lurking behind his eyes is something else entirely.

The 'It's Bennings' scene at 5:05 shows how good this movie is. The people know what's going on, they don't need an explanation. 'It's Bennings' is enough for them to know what's happening. If the movie would be released today it would be more like this *jumpscare, 1 minute screaming, running out to 'the Beard'* 'It's Bennings' 'What. What's going on with Bennings?' 'He's morphing into something' 'Morphing? Haha, this guy is crazy, I have no idea what you're talking about. Come on, man' 'You don't remember the norwegian base?' 'Yeah, probably a fire' 'The corpse we brought back?' 'Yeah, might be just our minds made it up. We're isolated here, the mind can do crazy things, you weirdo' 'The dog?' 'Yeah well. You won't stop talking, I'm coming with you. But it's the last time, there is nothing here, nothing strange is going on'

1982 was a great year to go to the movies, The Thing, Bladerunner, Wrath of Khan...

- *"Why is the alien here?"* To replicate Kurt Russells beard, obviously. I mean, its so powerful, Wilford Brimley didnt have a mustache yet.

To this day, this is still one of the GREATEST Horror films ever made!

Yes, the ending was excellent.

This movie is so unrealistic... Kurt Russel's beard could take down ANY monster. So majestic.

The Thing is the closest thing to a perfect film in my regard.

Drinking game: drink whenever Kurt Russell drinks.

I love this fucking movie, and I further love this fucking review. "The helicopter blows up, and the Noweigan guy dies of shame...and bullets.". That's fuckin' gold, shit that's platinum.

Its one of the best sci fi horror moveies ever made.. its just great and doesnt age badly at all... the film quality matches the effects and tension. A masterclass of direction and use of effects

And Rob Bottin did all those monster effects when he was 22 f---ing years old!

Its mad how a Dog simply staring is far scarier than any of the CGI nonsense they come out with now

3:30. Not to forget his epic 1980's haircut!!!

This movie is just incredible.

"all male cast" STOP! You violated the law. Pay the Oscars a fine or serve your sentence. Your movies audience scores are now forfeit.

They don't make good movies like this anymore sadly.

"He dies from shame... and bullets." Hilarious.

I saw this in 1982 with friends & family. WE LOVED IT! I watch the 1951 The Thing from Another World, and the 1982 Thing every Halloween.

"They got a real-life amputee to play the character, and had him wear a mask so nobody could tell it was a different guy" Oh that is fucking COOL

Zoomers will call this film “Among Us: the Movie”

This 1982 version is incredible, the special affects are amazing, plus the whole film has such a great horror feel to it!

I saw this movie for the first time when I was in the Army back in the 80’s. I remember a friend who had already seen it telling all of us watching that he could tell us every creepy thing that was gonna happen right before it did happen and it would still freak us out. He was right.

A reason why this movie didn't do well in the box office is because ET came out at around the same time as The Thing.

Most people point to Halloween, but I truly believe this is John Carpenter's best film.

A classic movie made with brilliant practical special effects.No lazy CGI.My favourite scene the blood testing scene,a master class in creating suspense .

after I watched JC's 1982 The Thing, I just recently discovered that Corporal Ford from Overlord (2018) looked familiar but I couldn't quite put my finger on why... then later when it wasn't immediately obvious to me at first, a little suspicion crept upon me that he kinda looked similar to Mccready from the Thing but younger, but my suspicion wasn't confirmed until I looked at the end credits, I read "Wyatt Russell" and obviously now it made complete sense; Wyatt Russell is Kurt Russell's son! I'm so bad with remembering names, but I subconsciously picked up on the fact that Wyatt looks like a lot his father even if I had no idea his son also was an actor. Like father, like son.

Simply put, a masterpiece. The effects are still chilling and horrifying, the cast are excellent and the writing is just perfect. I'm surprised it hasn't been removed from streaming services as it is that rare thing of a film without a single female in it!

Petition to use the 'Cheating bitch'-scene from The Thing whenever Rotten Tomatoes is pulling their usual rating shenanigans.

This Scottish movie commentary and the choice of words is too funny. 😂

I didn't know until recently that this movie bombed and had bad reviews back when it came out, which is absolutely criminal. It's like they were upset a horror movie had too much horror in it. This is one of the few movies that genuinely scared me as an adult.

"Hey, Sweden!" "They're not Swedish, Mac. They're Norwegian."

What's Biden's favorite movie? "You know,....the Thing"

What makes this movie so great, is that people to this day, are STILL debating whether Child’s or Mac is ‘The Thing’ that tells you how great this movie truly is

Watched this on “Laser Disk” in 1982/83 (can’t remember anymore specifically). What a mind f@#$ for a 12 year old! This movie is still in my top 10 all time!

This is one of those few movies where, if youre flipping through the channels, if The Thing is on....you just stop and watch it to the end, whatever point you're at. Infinitely watchable film.

I can't even count how many times I've watched this movie.

I remember watching this movie for the first time with my dad in the summer of 2011. At the beginning, you want that husky dog to escape those Norwegian scientists that are trying to put it down. In turn, the dog naturally comes off like a protagonist and the Norwegians naturally come off like the antagonists, so it gave me a surprise element when I learned that same dog is a sinister, God forsaken creature that will kill, absorb, and ultimately duplicate any organism around it for it's own survival. This movie was very scary and unsettling at times, especially when that escaped husky is put into the pen with the other dogs, he just sits there staring at them as they start growling and barking at him, that's when I really started to come to the realization that this is no mere Alaskan Husky from the wilderness. Me and my dad were really creeped out, and the practical effects were off the charts amazing and utterly disgusting at the same time. The cast was great, solid veteran actors that really looked the part, and Carpenter was just on fire during the late 70s and early 80s. I just recently watched it again, very unsettling movie to watch on your own at night. I give it an 8/10, on my top 10 scariest movies ever list, even through some of it's illogical and unrealistic plot holes.

I remember seeing The Thing when it came out. A truly intense film to experience on the big screen.

The fact that horror fans are debating to this day if it's Childs or MacReady who is the thing, tells you that this film has more than done its job.

Kurt Russell’s Beard, A Real American Hero.

This film scarred me for life saw it when I was 11

After years and years and years of not watching it thinking it would be rubbish I watched this a few years ago and it instantly ranked as high as Alien, absolutely brilliant one for the best suspense horror sci fi films ever. It has its own category. Must watch this film. Again absolutely brilliant

Hollywood: "Did you just say... All Male Cast?" *Coming Soon The Thing 2021*

I think the "it's Bennet" reaction is perfect, he cannot fathom how to describe what is happening to him, effectively scaring him shitless.

John Carpenter is just a movie genius at this point: Halloween, Assault on Precinct 13, The Thing, Christine, Big Trouble in little China. The list goes on but the point is made. Man knows how to make movies

I actually worked with Richard Dysart, the actor who plays "Doc" in the movie. When I told him how much I enjoyed the film, he asked me a serious question, one that I sensed was somehow troubling him. He asked me what I thought about him being in it, I mean the fact that he accepted a part in such a horrifying film, because when it first came out the critics panned it for it's blood and gore, giving it bad marks and it did disappointing business at the box office. I think that after he had built his entire reputation on always playing such straight and "respectable" characters that he simply needed another actor to offer their opinion on his choice of being in it, and I was truly honored that he would ask this beginning actor for my opinion. I replied, "Dick, this film could have easily disintegrated into just another "B Flick," just another horror movie. But casting you in it instantly gave the production the respect and *gravitas* that it needed. You brought class and respectability to this movie like no one else ever could have." I only hope it had the desired effect. RIP, Richard Dysart.

My favourite Christmas movie.

I also remember the critics dissing the cast , saying they had no chemistry. Not sure how you can be a fan or critic of movies and come to that conclusion. Within the first 10 minutes you understood every character and what miotivates them.

Drinker: “You’d look scruffy and out of shape if you couldn’t go out and exercise and there was no reason to keep up appearances anymore” *everyone in 2020 looks around uncomfortably*

I watched this movie as a kid and have now spent my ENTIRE adult life searching for a research laboratory to work in that has a *FLAME THROWER* . So far, I’ve been sorely disappointed in this endeavour. 🥺

I saw this the first time at 11 years old on HBO. For a few years after, the spider head gave me nightmares!

After watching this in the late 80's my mother refused to let me tie my sister to a chair to test her blood while holding a can of hairspray and a lighter. ☹