Review of The Thing (2011) by A. M. Esmonde . — 09 May 2012

After a signal is investigated in Antartica a team accidentally find a body and ship. A team of researchers are dispatched to assist and they soon find they've discovered something alien and deadly.

From the opening cinematographer Michel Abramowicz delivers an opening of a sweeping snow-landscape as a yellow tractor ploughs across the ice and snow with the familiar beats of the originals score. Bearded Norwegian talk in their native dialogue and you feel you're in good hands from the outset.

Although there are two females roles Mary Elizebeth Winstead as Kate gives it that Alien- esque dynamic with a prominent male cast but over all the look and feel is that of The Thing and it feels like a true prequel.

The recreation of the sets and the 80's music add to the fan-boy fun and Marco Beltrami score is excellently reworked and it original tracks pack punches and chills.

It's a dark film with lots of shadows possibly more so that it's predecessor what adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere. It's also bloodier, and gorier with an equally fantastic autopsy scene.

There's no getting away from comparing Directors Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.'s Thing to the original classic. That said, for new comers watching it cold it works as a stand alone film - as a prequel to the masses its a joy.

The team are equipped bio researchers which adds extra dynamic and pace to the story, like the viewer some of the characters have equal knowledge of what The Thing creature is doing early on like its audience who have already seen Carpenters classic. However, that fact the characters are up to speed on Alien creatures purpose it takes some of the everyday down to earth person handling a situation, learning more as they go along away.

There's some effective tension and there's a great set piece on a helicopter. Due credit to writer Eric Heisserer and Ronald D. Moore, the Norwegian dialogue adds to the realism and attention to detail. As distrust builds the story becomes even more engrossing. There's some nice touches involving arm braces and tooth fillings thrown into the mix and Heijningen Jr. Handles the mix of splitting heads contorted bodies and faces perfectly while creating a great sci-fi horror ride.

The sound is wonderful with familiar moaning, the tentacles flaying noise and eerie screams galore. These complement the practical and computer effects. There a little too much CGI and there's some discrepancies but none that detract or couldn't be explained due to melting and so on.

The acting is more than adequate aided by a solid script. There are some notable performances including Ulrich Thomse's Doctor Sander and Jonathan Walker as Colin. Winstead really carries the film and does it surprisingly well -as a side note she's as moody and likable as Kurt's MacReady.

There's not a joke in sight, it's serious. It's a very fast paced film with enough surprises to keep it fresh while paying homage at the same time. The closing act is bloated but arguably so was The Thing's 1982. But like its classic counterpart all is forgiven with its great epilogue.

Overall, semi-perfect replication -like The Thing organism itself.