Review of The Thing (2011) by Tastyjamproject — 30 Jul 2012

This remake/prequel/sequel/I don't know what the hell fails on so many levels. I loathe remakes, I think they're unoriginal, insulting and a waste of time - however, this originally pulled me in, and I liked the notion that they wouldn't try and completely copy one of the best horror films of all time, (John Carpenter's "The Thing" is second only to the best horror film of all time, "Alien"), and instead try and fit in with the story.

However, this film tries to copy the original, (and yes I realize Carpenter's was a remake of "The Thing from Another World," which itself was a screen adaptation of "Who Goes There?" but Carpenters still stands as superior).

We get scenes of testing to see who is an alien, but instead of a logical blood test they have a "filling test" wherein if someone doesn't have fillings, it automatically makes them an alien.

As well plot holes abounded, the lead actress was mediocre, (especially when acting with an amazing supporting cast), and the tension rises but never reaches a real climax. In addition, it's sad when a remake has poorer FX than the 1982 film it's based off of.

.. But that in and of itself says something about CGI versus real effects. Overall, it could have been a rare remake/sequel that could have been at least fun and entertaining. This is boring, gross and most of all - mediocre.

Don't waste your time.