Review of The Thing (2011) by Simon C — 09 Jun 2013

So many reviewers treat this as a remake of Carpenter's remake, leaving me wondering if they've actually ever watched that film. This is set in the Norwegian Antarctic base during the actual discovery, and the days leading up to the Carpenter film. Best enjoyed as a double feature (in order of release) to appreciate the clever attention to detail in this prequel.

The CGI is competent but does not compare well with the other's top-of-the-line animatronic special effects (even in 1982), but this is true of all computer animation at this phase of its technology. It looks fake, and is an easy cheat.

However this is more character and culture-driven, and science-minded. The contrast of the Norwegian staff with their loud and uptight American visitors certainly resonates. Winstead is a level-headed protagonist and I'll take her over Kurt Russell's cardboard cut-out alpha-male bullshit machismo any day.

Worth the watch.