:
Chuck Picerni, Jr.,
Jeff Imada,
Chuck Picerni, Jr.,
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John Carpenter,
John Carpenter
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: Image Entertainment
: Action, Cult, Horror, Science Fiction , Suspense/Thriller, Political Satire, Aliens, Adventure
: 95 min.
: English
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John Carpenter wrote and directed this science fiction thriller about a group of aliens who try to take over the world by disguising themselves as Young Republicans. Wrestler Roddy Piper stars as John Nada, a drifted who makes his way into an immense encampment for the homeless. There he stumbles upon a conspiracy concerning aliens who have hypnotized the populace through subliminal messages transmitted through television, magazines, posters, and movies. When Nada looks through special Ray-Bans developed by the resistance leaders, the aliens lose their clean-cut "Dan Quayle" looks and resemble crusty-looking reptiles. Nada joins the underground, teaming up with rebel-leader Frank (Keith David) to eradicate the lizard-like aliens from the body politic. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
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| Carpenter gets it right -- mostly
by techweenie
June 22, 2003 - 1:44 PM PDT
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11 out of 11 members found this review helpful
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Fear of Communism in the 50s spawned such films as The Thing, Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Invaders from Mars. The theme was the aliens would take over your body and you'd be an emotionless killer and/or part of a 'hive mind', e.g., a Commie.
They Live proposes to explain yuppies and Reaganites as both aliens and alien-collaborating humans.
Made during one of the recessions of the mid '80s, the mood is dark for Roddy Piper's character, aptly named Nada. He's come to L.A. looking for work. After appropriate resistance, he becomes aware of the alien mind control program, and the aliens themselves (among the cheesiest ever -- people wearing rubber space zombie masks). Some great dialog and funny situations. And the underlying concept is really endearing.
Best approached with low expectations, it features an entertaining fight sequence and a pretty funny ending scene. |
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GreenCine Member Rating
(Average 6.80)
287 Votes
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| The Corporation |
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| 12 pre-90s celluloid worlds created, molded and defined by the Corporate structure. Are these premonitions from a path we're on or simple fantasies? Plus 1 reality piece. |
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