Review of They Live (1988) by Cameron H — 26 Dec 2013

John Carpenter thought, "Have I ever made a film featuring a type of alien that disguises itself as a human? I don't think so." Well, this time, the aliens rule the media, the White House, the armed forces.

And you can only see them through special sunglasses. The allegory of the upper class attempting to rob and brainwash the lower class is not new, but it's not dry either. They Live is at its best when a human discovers the presence of the aliens, smartly and humorously tackling the contemporary distaste some people had for modern politics and television.

Meanwhile, the action drags for much longer than needed. One inconsequential fight scene in an alley lasts for more than five minutes. On its own, They Live stands as a cheesy, but respectable sci-fi film, fit for the era of Reagan.