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You see them on the street. You watch them on TV. You might even vote for one this fall. You think they're people just like you. You're wrong. Dead wrong.
A lone drifter stumbles upon a unique pair of sunglasses that reveal aliens are systematically gaining control of the Earth by masquerading as humans and lulling the public into submission.
Nathan
May 15, 2023 · via TMDB
They Live is a great movie that delivers an exceptional story with a dystopian vibe that is both thrilling and terrifying. John Carpenter's screenplay was ahead of its time in terms of its social commentary on American capitalism and the class divide. The film's story explores how a small group of people has taken control of the world by using subliminal messaging and manipulation, making it a unique sci-fi tale that is still relevant today. I particularly loved how the film built tension and hysteria in many scenes, such as the protagonist's discovery of the truth behind the hidden messages. The performances in the film were okay, with some being better than others. Keith David and Meg Foster's performances stood out as impressive, bringing a sense of intensity and authenticity to their roles. On the other hand, Roddy Piper's performance was pretty corny, but it worked well for the film's B-movie style. Of course, nothing beats the iconic line "I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass, and I'm all out of bubblegum." John Carpenter's direction was top-notch as always, with the ten-minute fight scene between John and Frank being a standout moment. The choreography was fantastic, and the lack of cuts made it a thrilling and believable engagement. The film's score was pretty basic, but it added a subtle tension to the entire movie and had a distinctly 80s feel to it. Carpenter's vision on analyzing American capitalism and the rich was very refreshing, and it's clear how he felt about the American way, which is still very relevant 35 years later. In conclusion, They Live is a great movie that combines a unique sci-fi story, impressive direction, and memorable performances. Its themes and message remain just as important today as they were when the movie was first released. Score: 80% Verdict: Great
John Chard
Sep 26, 2014 · via TMDB
Life's a bitch and she's back on heat! They Live is directed by John Carpenter who also adapts the screenplay form the short story Eight O'Clock in the Morning written by Ray Nelson. It stars Roddy Piper, Keith David and Meg Foster. Music is by Alan Howarth (and Carpenter) and cinematography by Gary B. Kibbe. Unemployed drifter Nada (Piper) wanders into the city looking to find work, but upon finding a unique pair of sunglasses he sees a different world to everyone else. It's a world frequented by an alien race who are using the Earth for their own nefarious means. See The Truth! Carpenter does subversive sci-fi and it's a whole bunch of fun. Stripped back it's evident that They Live is Carpenter's wry observation on the politico posers who endorse the rich getting richer and everybody else sliding down the pole; to where they stop nobody knows! It's also a blatant paean to the glorious years of the 1950s when paranoia based sci-fi schlockers and creaky creature features ruled the air waves. It's also a wonderfully macho driven action movie, laced with comedy as well. You can rest assured there will be plenty of shooting, punching, dodging and spoken lines to make you smile. Piper is no Kurt Russell, but we shouldn't hold that against him because he fills the role nicely. With muscular frame, 80s hair and a quip on the tongue, he is most assuredly a Carpenter leading man for the 80s. Alongside him is the reassuring presence of Keith David, himself a beefcake and also one of the coolest muthas on the planet. It's easy to believe that these two can save the planet, even after nearly beating each other to a pulp during a prolonged side-alley fight sequence, where Carpenter doesn't miss a chance to parody professional wrestling. While away from the beef, Meg Foster gets the lead lady role, with those amazing eyes nestling in perfectly with the world Carpenter has created. Carpenter does political? Yes, but it's not the be all and end all of his intentions. He wanted to make an action sci-fi schlocker with sly politico undertones as motives. And that's exactly what he did. Joyously so. 8/10
tmdb87069603
Jun 5, 2012 · via TMDB
I have to admit up front to liking every single, John Carpenter movie. They are works of art in there unique style and quality. This is actually my favorite of all of them. There could be a criticism that this movie is didactic and sends some sort of clumsy political or philosophical message but I'd have to reply that you simply don't get it. Unlike the modern propensity for movies to try to hammer home some political point or perspective, the message here is only window dressing. The message may (or may not) be important but instead of getting caught up in some sort of self-important moralizing, let's remember this is a movie - and a SciFi action movie at that. (that is the approach in my opinion) If I would compare movies to literature or movie makers to authors I'd compare Carpenter to Hemingway - although Carpenter specializes in anti-heroes and sometimes over-the-top characters, while Hemingway is understated. They are analogous for their own medium. This is action, sci-fi but like Hemingway's stories, this is a man's movie. Straight forward. Fun at times, brutal at times and even funny at times. Keep a watch out for one of the great one-liners in movie history when the star is in the bank - only peripherally related to "bazooka." A+ to Roddy Piper as well. When I first saw this movie I had zero expectation from him. Now I wish he'd have made a lot more movies...
User reviews courtesy of TMDB.
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Roddy Piper
John Nada
Keith David
Frank Armitage
Meg Foster
Holly Thompsen
George Buck Flower
Drifter
Peter Jason
Gilbert
Raymond St. Jacques
Street Preacher
Jason Robards III
Family Man
John Lawrence
Bearded Man
Susan Barnes
Brown Haired Woman
Sy Richardson
Black Revolutionary
Susan Blanchard
Ingenue
Norman Alden
Foreman
John F. Goff
Well Dressed Customer
Norman Howell
Blonde Haired Cop
Larry Franco
Neighbor
Robert Grasmere
Scruffy Blonde Man
Eileen Wesson
Pregnant Secretary
Gregory J. Barnett
Security Guard #1
Jeff Imada
Male Ghoul
Jeb Stuart Adams
Homeless kid (uncredited)
Jennifer Austin
Teenage Girl (uncredited)
Al Leong
Asian Revolutionary (uncredited)
Gunnar Magg
Male Ghoulie (uncredited)
Matt McColm
Police Officer (uncredited)
Tommy Morrison
Dave - Resistance Fighter (uncredited)
John Carpenter
Voice That Says 'Sleep' (voice) (uncredited)
Jeff Imada
Stunt Coordinator
Al Leong
Stunts
Allan Graf
Stunts
Andy Gill
Stunts
Ben Scott
Stunts
Billy D. Lucas
Stunts
Brad Bovee
Stunts
Branscombe Richmond
Stunts
Brian Imada
Stunts
Cheryl Wheeler Duncan
Stunts
Chuck Picerni Jr.
Stunts
Danny Rogers
Stunts
Debbie Evans
Stunts
Eddie Hice
Stunts
Eurlyne Epper
Stunts
Freddie Hice
Stunts
Gary Combs
Stunts
Gary Davis
Stunts
Gary Epper
Stunts
George Fisher
Stunts
Gilbert B. Combs
Stunts
Henry Kingi
Stunts
James Lew
Stunts
Joel Kramer
Stunts
John Branagan
Stunts
John C. Meier
Stunts
John Casino
Stunts
John-Clay Scott
Stunts
Jon H. Epstein
Stunts
Kurt Bryant
Stunts
Matt McColm
Stunts
Michael Runyard
Stunts
Norman Howell
Stunts
Randy Hall
Stunts
Ric Roman Waugh
Stunts
Richard L. Duran
Stunts
Rick Avery
Stunts
Ronnie Rondell Jr.
Stunts
Scott Wilder
Stunts
Shane Dixon
Stunts
Steve Hart
Stunts
Thomas Rosales Jr.
Stunts
Tim A. Davison
Stunts
Tony Brubaker
Stunts
John Carpenter
Director
Larry Franco
First Assistant Director
Sandy King
Script Supervisor
Barbara Harris
ADR Voice Casting
Sandy King
Associate Producer
Shep Gordon
Executive Producer
Larry Franco
Producer
Gary A. Hecker
Foley Artist
Alan Howarth
Original Music Composer
John Carpenter
Original Music Composer
Hector C. Gika
Sound Editor
John Carpenter
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1978 · 13 wins
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