Review of They Live (1988) by Daniel R — 31 Aug 2010

John Carpenter's They Live is easily one of his most sloppiest, bizarre, and messiest work ever, but that's what makes this film pure genius. The movie is about down and out tough guy, Roddy Piper, who finds work at a big city construction site alongside Keith David (whom I ALWAYS enjoy watching).

They also take shelter in the same homeless park where weird things are going on at a nearby church. After a large-scale police raid and the destruction of the park, Piper's character comes across special glasses which help him to see the world for what it truly is, on the verge of a major alien takeover, where aliens are infiltrating humans and spreading deep-seeded messages of authority and confinement.

Piper goes nuts and starts taking out as many of these aliens as possible which seem to be everywhere, watching, reporting, and trying to kill all humans. The message is strong and unique, but quite frankly, it's overshadowed by the 80's awesomeness and sheer lunacy of the presentation of this film.

Filled to the brim with over-the-top moments, the film also sports one of THE longest and funniest fight scenes ever (so popular in fact, it's been paid homage to in a hilarious episode of South Park).

Aside from the two great (not to mention unusual) leads for this film, it's also rounded out by Carpenter regular Peter Jason, George "Buck" Flower, and Meg Foster. You cannot go wrong with this film, honestly.

It's sheer greatness. I can only see someone not liking it either because they took it seriously or they just didn't get it. Either way, great film.