Review of The Thing (2011) by Horror Movie H — 09 Sep 2012

A prequel to John Carpenterâ(TM)s entry back in the 80â(TM)s. The 2011 version would appeal to the newer audience of si-fi horror flick. The Thing was better than expected. Considering that the film did not make as much money as expected (actually made less than 40million) I expected this film to be dull and clichà (C). But, to my surprise, it entertained me. With its impressive visual effects and its intensity made it a very enjoyable and jumpy film to watch. Iâ(TM)ll be honest, it wasnâ(TM)t perfect and certainly wasnâ(TM)t better that Carpenterâ(TM)s entry but it did deliver elements from the previous film but with an update and with a change. It was different⦠but in a good way. It isnâ(TM)t off-your-seat scary, nor does it have gasping scares but it does provide the occasional jump and visually, creature wise, is quiet creepy and skin crawling. The Thing is about a group of scientist who adventure to the blizzard mountains due to an underground space ship. Soon they discover a creature in which they get DNA from which they then discover changes some humans to it but keeps their human image for cover. It starts of introducing us to the spaceship underground which is a gasp moment but unfortunately goes slightly downhill from their for 20 minutes. The beginning is a drag, a lot of dialogue and not a lot of action until the discovery of an alien. From there, the film gets interesting. The creature itself looks impressive but at times looks silly. We are introduced to a few scares here and there but its always darkened by the shadow of dialogue. The action is a start-and-stop, just as you get drawn to the film, it lets you go as the characters investigate too much. At times, it feels like a mystery with its constant investigation and suspicion of characters which is different and works well. Its more of an action sci-fi than a horror as there are very little horror elements involved. The set and location is haunting and fits perfectly, it makes the things seem that bit more creepy. Carpenter would be proudâ¦.

VERDICT: Starts of a bit slow but soon regains itself by delivering jolts and jumps, action entertainment and impressive visuals. It has it faults, and many of them but is still pleasing. But, it is forgettable.

Grade:[B-]   Score: 52/100.