Review of They Live (1988) by Adam D — 27 Jan 2011

They Live has a lot to say about the consumer world. Aliens are in the disguise of ordinary people, controlling humans through subliminal messages and the media, similar to the effect advertisements, television, magazines, etc, have on the easily allured around us. People are practically forced into thinking they need something that will make them more advanced as a person, help them climb to the top of the social ladder, win over their boss and get that new position. They need money so they can keep spending on useless things. Greed and self-gain are the common themes; people will do anything to get what's best for them, even if it means trampling their fellow man along the way.

Nada, played by the then wrestler Roddy Piper (odd choice but perfect for the B-movie feel) is a wanderer, trusting in America to get him through the hard times. He meets Frank, played by the authoritative Keith David, and the two work together, using special sunglasses, to identify and defeat the aliens. Frank needs some persuading though, in one of the longest fight scenes between two people on screen to date.

The acting isn't noteworthy, but that's the fun of it-Piper actually used lines he had originally prepared for his wrestling persona, and they're hilarious and suit Nada's personality. The black and white effects when the sunglasses are on model another dimension, where commands such as "OBEY," and "SUBMIT," rule the billboards and newsstands. The word "SLEEP" is also prevalent, and the most significant since the whole world is operating obliviously under the direction of ominous broadcastings.

It's scary to think they could live among us without our even knowing. The way people behave is almost demoralizing to those who refuse to submit to the reality TV shows and paid-programs, and any other brainwashing garbage being telecasted. They Live takes a serious human defect and warps it into an interesting, gun-toting, fist-throwing, sci-fi satire.