THE THING (1982) is probably one of the best movies ever made

[@AwkwardFaceHugger]

Every single reactor: "Nothing bad better happen to this dog!" 🤣

[@marcuscato9083]

So true! The only exception was a Norwegian reactor that basically got spoiled. 😂

[@lavinder11]

Nah I watch a lot of black reactors and they're usually the first go catch on.

[@Anthony-kw4en]

"le epic pupperino!" Reddit was a mistake.

[@lestatdelc]

Then 20 mins later… "burn the fucking dog!!"

[@william_santiago]

Or like in Jaws, foreign reactors "Oi! It's a film from the Yanks. The kid's safe! Yanks don't kill kids on screen." 😬

[@BigMike246]

" Nothing better happen to this dog..." I have heard that sentence so many times.

[@holddowna]

I bet everyone says it

[@generic_sauce]

To be fair, he's a good boy and a great actor 👏

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

@@holddowna*Everyone born after 1985 says it.* Everyone else is thinking _this must've been a baaaaaad dog._

[@tehdesp]

"Nothing better happen to this dog" Crysis nanosuit voice: MAXIMUM CLENCHING

[@Templarofsteel88]

@@holddowna Followed by BURN IT after the kennel scene. :P

[@milantajti4937]

Rob Bottin was only 22 years old when he made the practical effects for this movie. What a legend!

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

*SPECIAL Effects.* There's nothing practical about them.

[@MGrayl-ib5fo]

@@hulkhatepunybanner the term "practical" is used because they were caught in-camera - so many young people refer to CGI in old films when it didn't really exist back then.

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

@@MGrayl-ib5fo *Yeah. They should be saying "props."* I'm just surprised that young people in the business don't know the terms. (As far as I can tell the term "practical" started with JJ Abrams, who didn't work in the special effects dept, and uses the term to minimize the efforts of FX people.)

[@overdev1993]

@@hulkhatepunybannerpractical effects are used by a lot of film makers aswell it's an alternative term for Special Effects, you also ask "whats so special about them?". people, even experts like movie journalists, that use visual effects and special effects for the same thing are much much worse.

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

@@overdev1993 *Only after Abrams started calling it that.* There's a lot of FX documentaries around, you can prove me wrong by finding a pre-Abrams use of "practical" instead of "Special."

[@LordOfAllusion]

I have a college buddy who works at a research station in Antarctica. He says they have a tradition of watching this movie every year when the day is darkest. I guess last time they did it they actually got John Carpenter to Zoom in for a Q&A

[@McBrannon1000]

That is so goddamn cool!

[@Zireael83]

that sounds epic, thanks for sharing :)

[@Gruvmpy]

Unsure if its the same station (most likely) but last I heard its the smaller winter crew, they usually watch both the 1951 Thing from Another World, and John Carpenters the Thing, its also just after the last flight leaves the continent before winter gets in full swing, meaning the skeleton crew is isolated for months.

[@LordOfAllusion]

@@Gruvmpy you could be right and my time is off because he just posted that the sun is going to set in a few days.

[@tyharris9994]

I think this was the first VHS movie my family ever rented. I think it was this and "Cannonball Run" as I recall.

[@Unpainted_Huffhines]

I usually hate ambiguous endings also, because they're usually not done well, and it leaves you unsatisfied. This film was a rare case of ambiguity being executed in a nearly perfect way, perfectly appropriate.

[@kevinburton3948]

10:49 I've seen dozens of reactions to the "Dog Thing" reveal- fright, disgust, thinking it's incredible... But the complete "stunned silence" is a first and was awesome!

[@holddowna]

I think I was in aww! The makeup is unreal but my heart is torn and broken because of the poor dog(although I know it’s all fake) but I really think I was amazed because they went there and weren’t afraid! Because if this alien imitates it would try to take over any living thing Thanks so much for watching!

[@JaxFPrime81]

​@holddowna the second your jaw hit the floor, I busted out laughing 😂

[@MrMarcy76]

@@holddowna You need to watch The Shining. Another film set in an isolated location.

[@kenthanos]

28:10-2843 reaction had me rewinding and laughing over and over.😂😂😂😂

[@christopherschreiber5805]

My favorite thing about this movie is that it only reveals itself when it knows it's cornered. It has the facade of whoever or whatever it's imitating, it's trying to make you think it is that thing, but it's also paying attention, and when it knows the game's up it pops like a fcking jack in the box. There's something so nightmarish about that. I both love it and hate it, but mostly love it.

[@holddowna]

Hahah!!

[@Bobbing4Fries]

In the short story this is based upon, the things could read minds too

[@Jeffrey_Watkins]

@@Bobbing4Fries Dayum, really?! *Yikes.*

[@christophergreen6595]

Like a cornered sociopath

[@noneya3635]

I like trying to figure out after the Palmer reveal how long he’d been a thing. Mostly because he was spending so much time trying to put attention on poor Windows. Then when it’s revealed it goes right after Windows. Palmer/Thing just frackin hated windows.

[@Tesparg]

"Nothing better happen to this dog..." The Dog: "I am the danger!"

[@mariuszpudzianowski8400]

41 years later and those practical effects still look great. THAT is impressive. I also recommend looking up a short story written from perspective of the Thing - "The Things" by Peter Watts.

[@holddowna]

Cool!

[@Trepanation21]

Seconding that, *"The Things" by Peter Watts* is an outstanding read! I have it bookmarked because it's so good to revisit and share with others! Great recommendation. For anybody curious, you can just google it, it's legitimately free to read in full (it's a short story, so kick back with some tea!). Google "The Things" and it should basically be the first result 🧡

[@warrenbfeagins]

Have you read the novella the story comes from titled 'Who Goes There?' DAMN.

[@cyberingcatgirls7069]

I'm probably weird but I cried when I read that story. Not so much out of any sympathy for the Thing but for humanity after it pointed out how alone we are.

[@ButteredToast32]

You being completely frozen with shock when the infected dog's face peels back like a flower speaks volumes of how terrifying this film is. Top tier body horror.

[@danieldickson8591]

"Ames.exe is not responding."

[@generic_sauce]

Hell yeah, this is literally my favorite horror movie of all time! The suspense, paranoia, and practical effects still hold up today.

[@holddowna]

It’s amazing!

[@aerthreepwood8021]

​@@nathan8590oh, what a surprising opinion. That definitely doesn't get said so often it's a cliche.

[@georgemartin1436]

Great to see someone who tremendously admired the effects as they were taking place. I smiled just as much the first time I watched!

[@jasonondik6003]

It's easily a Top 10 movie. There is a prequel [The Thing (2011)] about the Norwegian Camp, but sadly, it just wasn't very good. John Carpenter didn't direct it, nor had any part in it. The most amazing part of this movie is how it was a failure in the theaters. It was competing against E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial by Steven Spielberg. It wasn't until the mid-90s that The Thing was hailed for being a great film and recognized as being ahead of its time.

[@not_cicero]

Mine is a tie between this and Silence of the Lambs

[@blatherama]

You express the perfect blend of paranoia, horror, and glee that a first viewer of this movie needs to express for us to prove they are human...

[@TMConstructionOntario]

"You guys, i'm not gonna beable to handle this if these dogs all die".. 2 seconds later dogs face splits into 4 .... lmao im sorry it made me laugh a bit.

[@holddowna]

LOL 😭

[@keithmays8076]

​@@holddowna I was laughing at your blank/shocked look when that happened. It was like your brain was working on Windows DOS and was trying to load the appropriate response.😂 That is literally my favorite reaction so far.

[@Cookieboy70]

I like how she tried to blink her way back to reality, lmao.

[@MissFlow]

Basically if you love dogs, this movie aint your friend

[@indridcold3762]

These are the best practical effects ever put on film.

[@kingcosworth2643]

Absolutely

[@pfury67]

I can't say how many times I've wanted a movie to end. We don't need everything wrapped up in a bundle. The Thing, they just ended the movie. Best ending ever.

[@funkndonut]

agreed. the countless number of hours people have wasted trying to figure out who the thing was at the end lol. the film makers have specifically said it doesn't matter and they intentionally left it ambiguous.

[@rsrt6910]

Agreed. And you could probably do an entire thesis on the psychology on how desperately many audience members try to wrest some kind of definitive resolution from the ending.

[@funkndonut]

well yeah just look at how many pseudointellectual "video essayists" have hour-long breakdowns on why childs was the thing or some other dumb shit.@@rsrt6910

[@vladyvhv9579]

Original test ending had Mac and Childs being rescued and tested, and both found to be human. But it was felt to be too much of a happy ending, so they axed it in favor of the more ambiguous one.

[@dabbadonisthestout7284]

The computer used an illegal chess move to checkmate Mccready lol thats why he got mad and poured the drink on its circuits lol 😂

[@mikeRedMDK2032]

"Cheatin' bitch." Haha

[@motorcycleboy9000]

It's a character moment for what McCready will do if faced with defeat...

[@riveraharper8166]

Yep. Also the whiskey handing out moment is the same ín the end...

[@pumpkinhead625]

In a sense, that was foreshadowing. In the end, everything in the camp was destroyed.

[@JayM409]

I used to play Sargon Chess on my Commodore 64. It would make an illegal move across the board, then "Checkmate, Illegal move, checkmate. Would you like to play again?"

[@lukefallon8276]

Amazingly, the original story "Who Goes There" was written in 1938 by John W. Campbell. It didn't have much gore but the paranoia, mystery and suspense were incredibly written. I read it at the age of 13 and it scared the crap out of me.

[@emsleywyatt3400]

There's also an expanded version written by Campbell called "Frozen Hell".

[@AlanCanon2222]

Same

[@theshakyproject2971]

Rob Bottin was 21 when he did the effects for The Thing. At one point, he had to be hospitalized for exhaustion. Stan Winston was brought in to work on the dog kennel scene.

[@PjRjHj]

Geez

[@konowd]

Winston helped create the chicken dog, and to his credit he didn’t take credit on the film because he knew it was clearly Bottin’s tour de force

[@d4mdcykey]

@@konowdStan was a class act, the numbers of people in the industry he helped to kickstart their careers is amazing.

[@konowd]

True, Stan Winston was very beloved and very missed. I knew several people that were close to him, and they were still moved by his passing several years after he left us

[@jcr9520]

This movie has generated so much great dialogue and theory about who was infected first, who infected who and when, and whether MacReady and/or Childs were infected at the end. Lots of curious clues throughout the movie that you start seeing on repeated viewings and no definitive answers. Perfect story telling.

[@brucebieberly4166]

Rewatch the final scene with Mac and Childs several times, and interpret the dialogue that: They are both human One is human, the other a Thing. They are both Things. What's unspoken under the words changes with each listening.

[@SunlessNick]

This is one of my favourite films of all time. A masterpiece. Watching reactors fall in love with the dog *never* gets old.

[@p.d.stanhope7088]

The dog was named Jed and he was a half dog, half wolf hybrid. Richard Masur who played Clarke originally tried for the role of MacReady but he was happy losing the part and was overjoyed to work with the Jed. Seeing this movie as a kid with my older brothers was a trip being in a darken movie theater and EVERYONE was jumping out of their seats. People leaving the theater.

[@francisco5434]

Sometimes there are benefits to being old. I saw this as a young USAF Airman. Half the experience was the audience reaction. The following night I came back to watch the audience: “The horror, the horror.” The following night I talked a bunch of guys from the barracks to pile in a car, and I got to see their reactions. This movie is best experienced in a cinema and that is an experience that may come to an end, just as drive ins did.

[@libertyordeath555]

I remember a review stating "This ain't E.T."!

[@libertyordeath555]

@@francisco5434 Dad was Airforce, had some guys over from (AFSPECWAR) total bad asses. One of em 6'4, 250 lbs jumped over the couch when the Norris Thing ate Doc's arms...LOL , good times.

[@p.d.stanhope7088]

@@libertyordeath555 Another famous review was "E.T. Made Us Fall in Love, While The Thing Made Us Throw Up."

[@brom00]

You can't go wrong with any of the Carpenter/Russel team-ups. Theu first worked together in 1979 with the TV movie Elvis . Then there was Escape from New York and it's sequel, The Thing, and Big Trouble in Little China. They always had a blast working together.

[@tonyb7615]

But this and they live is peak carpenter.

[@Bodyknock]

Oof, I can't believe you said "You can't go wrong with Carpenter/Russel" and then mentioned Escape From L.A, the sequel to Escape from New York. That movie was not good. 👎 But ok, three out of four aint bad.

[@brom00]

@@Bodyknock your righr, it was a blanket statement. I was dissapointed by it too. I was just being a completist.

[@tisdue]

"Either we're alone in the universe, or we're not. Either thought is terrifying."

[@dr.mofongo9001]

One of the greatest cinematic achievements of all time. This is one of those films that sticks with you for life.

[@StarShipGray]

This will forever be my favorite horror movie. It’s easily the most terrifying monster ever created by the human mind, and the fact that fans can still debate this film and the creature’s biology 40+ years later is a testament to its greatness. Thank you for a great reaction!

[@brettsmith7245]

The use of practical effects makes this movie a bench mark for all films. John Carpenter does a lot with very little, but he always does push things a bunch.

[@jonesey251]

"That's the craziest thing I've ever seen..." (the kennel scene) Mr. Bottin is just getting warmed up, Miss

[@vladyvhv9579]

Kennel scene was mainly Stan Winston's work. But yes, Rob Bottin really knocked it out of the park with all of his work, as well. On par with Stan's work.

[@MissFlow]

@@vladyvhv9579 Then what did Bottin do, the human Things like Norris Palmer and Blair?

[@Jayskiallthewayski]

​@@MissFlowJust about everything else

[@omegastar19]

@@MissFlowNorris-thing, Palmer-thing, splitface-corpse, Blair-thing, Bennings-thing, the suicide in the norwegian base, and windows’s corpse.

[@christopheryochum3602]

Every reactor I've watched was horrified, but YOU were gleefully appreciative of Rob Bottin's work. Really enjoyed watching you enjoy this. :)

[@inmoviesempire]

The soundtrack is by Ennio Morricone. You couldn't go wrong with him. Rest in peace Ennio. Thanks.

[@holddowna]

Soo amazing!!! I just watched cinema paradisco and it’s one of my fave scores he’s amazing!

[@paulfromt.o.7384]

Unused music by him in The Thing was used briefly in The Hateful Eight. Tarantino is a huge fan of this movie and John Carpenter.

[@thecocktailian2091]

It was a mix of Morricone and Carpenter.

[@damianstarks3338]

John Carpenter is a genius this movie is an alien body horror masterpiece. Perfect reaction to this movie

[@theshakyproject2971]

Timing is everything. ET: The Extra Terrestrial takes America by storm as this heartwarming adventure about a boy and his lovable alien. Two weeks later, The Thing comes out and bombs, hard. Everyone hated it. Critics and audiences alike wanted nothing to do with this gory, grim Horror about an alien bent on destroying humanity through mindless, soulless assimilation. Now, The Thing is widely considered one of the most suspenseful, captivating and impressive Horror films of all time. Ennio Morricone even won an Oscar for his score (having been repurposed for Tarantino's The Hateful Eight), despite said music getting a Razzie nomination back in 1983.

[@TTM9691]

E.T. had nothing to do with The Thing tanking in the box office. Poltergeist, which came out the same month, and was part of the "Summer Of Spielberg", is what tanked it. That was the horror movie everyone went to see that summer, that month (June, 82). The Thing was an R rated movie, E.T. was marketed for kids, they had two completely different target audiences. Poltergeist had a huge buzz, for lots of reasons. That was the horror movie all the kids and teenagers went to that summer; The Thing was for monster movie die-hards who already loved the original film. (It was most definitely marketed as a remake, right down to the title font). But the REAL reason it tanked is that, as great as The Thing is, at the time it felt like Alien Goes To Antarctica. Word of mouth was "good effects, so-so movie". And by '82, we were used to being blown away by practical effects in horror movies; American Werewolf had come out the previous year, we were still getting over that one. So the fact that it had great special effects meant very little. Endless rewatches on late-night cable is where the re-evaluations began.

[@tonyb7615]

​@tictocmelody9190 Siskel was very vocal about hating on the thing in favor of friendly alien stories. So... like op said, e.t. A lot of people were not prepared for how gory it would be, because the original was a 50's sci fi flick. Not a monster movie. The alien wasn't in it much. It's forgettable. People didn't think monster movie for sci fi also being horror, until 79's alien. Body snatchers was what people were expecting. Even poltergeist was tame by comparison. I never liked it much, the effects suck compared to the thing. It sold and got praise for the name attached to it. Carpenter wasn't a name yet.

[@TTM9691]

@@tonyb7615 Dude, no offense, but you don't know what you're talking about. By 1982, everyone was well used to gore, and the horror movie that beat it at the box office (Poltergeist) had every kid talking about the gory face-in-the-mirror scene, this was ten years after Exorcist, people were well-used to gore in 1982, that has absolutey zero to do with it tanking at the box office despite the fantasies of people who were obviously not there at the time. If anything all the practical effects and gore were a YAWN, because it was simply the next horror movie with great, goeey special effects. It's what you do with those effects.......and at the time, it felt like Alien with snow, a flat horror movie with good special effects. Nobody had enormous respect for John Carpenter (or any horror director) in 1982, so that meant nothing to critics or audiences. Number two, I don't know why you're driveling on about Gene Siskel, as if he was the only critic in the USA. It got a lukewarm response from EVERY critic, at least every one that I remember reading (i'm in the NY metropolian area so there were a whole slew of 'em who weighed in). The movie tanked because 24/7 commercials were running on TV for "Poltergeist". Get it? Everyone was doing "Theeeeeey're heeeeeere." and telling their friends about the clown and the face being ripped off and the tree. Which sounded more original than "Alien Goes To Antartica". (plus it was PG, and Thing was R. plus Poltergeist had women in it, Thing is a bunch of grumpy dudes. All these things add up at the box office, sorry to burst your bubble.)

[@tonyb7615]

@@TTM9691 haha. You can Google siskels critique. I've seen it. He hates the evil alien taking over the earth trope. And everyone saw his show. No one cared about other new Yorkers and what they thought. It's a trash city full of trash people. Remember the granny driving around with a Smith and Wesson on her steering wheel... You don't have to be butthurt that critics hated on what's considered the best special effects movie of all time. Just blindly going with the crowd and pop culture didn't pan out did it? Lemme guess, you were still walking around in your disco crap because Travolta did it so it was cool? When everyone dropped that like the turd it was over a year prior? Poltergeist is largely forgettable and gets no one bothering to make vids when compared to the movie that inspired the younger gens "among us". So Spielberg makes e.t., siskel gets satisfied. Aliens transitions to action instead of horror. And we have to wait until a decade later to get scary aliens in fire in the sky, and proper sci fi in the outer limits reboot, and x files. All because siskel, the guy watched by the nation said poltergeist sucked but the thing had scary aliens, oh no. And a dude bro film beats a not modern day inappropriate portrayal of far eastern mysticism, I guess if you get hung up on crap like that.

[@libertyordeath555]

I remember one review , "This ain't E.T." !!

[@shainewhite2781]

One of the greatest Sci Fi Body Horror Thriller Films ever made! This movie wasn't well received by critics when it came as released in 1982 as they called it boring, dull, a wretched excess, as well as being a great barf bag movie. However it's gained a cult following overtime and has been regarded as one of John Carpenter's best films in his filmography.

[@Zireael83]

how can anyone say this is dull. theese "critics" had no idea what they were talking about. epic movie!

[@harryrabbit2870]

Great reaction to an iconic movie. No matter how many times I've seen it, the photography, effects, direction and acting always strike me as just brilliant.

[@holddowna]

So brilliant !

[@NoCampDad]

My mom is a huge horror movie fan. She took me to see this movie at the theater when I was 9. I spent most of the time literally under my seat. Now it's my favorite movie of all time. I lost count of how many times I've seen it, but it's likely around 200. They just don't make movies like The Thing any more.

[@rockerdowns6051]

Your mom sounds pretty cool.

[@samuelmcloving1761]

At 9? omg haha That's how you make your kid totally love or hate horror haha

[@edwinrivera2887]

I gotta say this movie is a masterpiece, and I love Kurt Russell's performance, and every Halloween I watch this movie so much

[@Nakna_ankaN]

Now that you've watched both An American Werewolf in London and The Thing, you should watch The Fly from 1986, since these three movies are regarded to feature some of the best makeup and practical special effects of all time. The Fly even won an Oscar for best makeup and stars Jeff Goldblum in arguably the best performance of his career.

[@MrJimithee]

Nice work mentioning Tarantino! I always guessed Hateful 8 was inspired by the Thing... (Kurt Russell in a big hat in the snow!) Quentin confirmed it in an interview and said "Yeah, so was Reservoir Dogs"... It's the PARANOIA

[@markc.7984]

"I know you gentlemen have been through a lot, but when you find the time, I'd rather not spend the rest of this winter TIED TO THIS FUCKING COUCH." One of the best lines in cinema history.

[@mikefoster6018]

About six years ago I saw John Carpenter live with his band, playing keyboard in London on Halloween. I was with my mate Steve and had a Werewolf mask. Great days! Carpenter and co were awesome. Of course, he performed loads of the classic music in his films including The Thing. But he was also rockin' that night! I love this film. It's one of the ultimate 'what on earth would * I * do in that situation?' movies, and I think that's the secret to many great movies. I play a few excellent paranoia and hidden role board games (ones that make that Traitor TV series seem tame - and that's based on a basic board game too). It really recreates the The Thing vibe. If you like this movie and haven't seen it yet, check out the 1978 Invasion Of The Body Snatchers movie. A month ago I finished reading the original 1955 book and the movie massively did it justice (as did, to a degree, the classic 1956 movie). I'd love to see you watching something a bit full-on, like the Mike Hammer film noir Kiss Me Deadly from 1955.

[@FearZoo]

Rob Bottin (Bo-teen), worked so hard on the special effects he had to eventually be put on medical leave for exhaustion. He was eating snickers bars to survive. Rob was a master artist.

[@KneeAches]

Well as all know, this movie bombed upon release. I met one of the actors a number of years later. When I told him I liked him in The Thing, he said, “you saw that movie?” Now it’s a classic! The inability to trust and paranoia is palatable. Love Kurt R.

[@dennislopez1272]

That line, "Nothing better happen to that dog," never gets old. By the way, Ames, it hurts my heart also. I got three huskies. That scene where the dogs are getting attacked by the Thing kills me.😭😭

[@edwinrollins142]

This has gotta be one of the best horror movies ever made.

[@chardtomp]

You just know that anyone who flies a helicopter in Antartica while wearing a sombrero is a total badass!

[@francisco5434]

Great video reaction. It’s always so fun seeing a genuine first-time reaction to this movie. It’s also fun watching you piece the clues together, and although you were pretty observant, the writer and director did an incredible job making sure there was no way to figure it out. People still have their favorite theories, but they always get debunked. Bottom line, this isn’t just a monster movie, it’s a masterpiece in suspense in which the alien learns from all its victims, some of which were millions of years more advanced than us. These poor souls were playing checkers with a chess master that was thinking five levels deep.

[@white.lodge.dale.cooper]

I saw this at the theater multiple times in one week because me and my group of friends loved it so much. That was back when cinemas - without batting an eye - would let toddlers in to see The Thing, American Werewolf In London, or Stripes. I had no business seeing Animal House at the Brighton Theater in Chicago when I was 9, but I'm glad I did. Also I need to revisit my hair regimen because I have no idea how to get mine looking as luxurious as yours. lol

[@holddowna]

Lolol product and good tools!

[@JonahPedersen-tz3uk]

“That was the craziest thing I have ever seen…” Buckle up, you’re just getting started.

[@Grottgreta]

During the dog kennel scene, the flower looking mouth thing that comes out from the thing and goes towards Childs, the individual "petals" are actually dog tongues

[@RabidParakeetSweat2]

So many GREAT John Carpenter films to watch. The Fog, Christine, Starman, Big Trouble in Little China, Prince of Darkness, They Live. Good stuff.

[@holddowna]

❤️so many

[@laneneely1077]

​@@holddownaBig Trouble in Little China is more Kurt Russell, and They Live has Keith David aka Childs. You need to watch at least those two.

[@JayM409]

I saw this in the theatrical release. We talked about it for days. It's still one of my favourite movies.

[@SuperForza23]

Crazy how practical FX change a movie. Great film, great host. Thanks❤

[@Keleigh3000]

I don't even like horror as a rule, but this is one of my all-time favorite movies.

[@goldean5974]

The original “The Thing” movie from the 50s was one of John Carpenter’s favorite films when he was a kid (it was even shown being watched by the kids in Halloween). The scene when Palmer was torched by MacReady after the blood test was a direct homage to the original film. This movie was largely faithful to the original novella, “Who Goes There?” by John W. Campbell, which is available to read on the web and is as riveting as the movie.

[@tofersiefken]

This movie came out two years prior to me entering film school. I was taking a high school class which included stage make-up and prosthetics among other things. (In my opinion, this movie has the best practical special effects sequence in all film history!) Ever since Star Wars (1977) I had been interested in film-making and special effects. (In Star Wars it was the miniatures, ship design, droids, etc.) This movie showed what is possible (pre-CGI) from a gore and horror approach.

[@rencro123]

Loved her look when Windows froze. It had already been established that Windows was on edge, especially after the key incident. When they were arguing about the blood, Gary, maybe due to the stress of the situation, forgot that he gave Windows the keys when Benning told Windows to get the keys from Gary, when Windows comes back and sees Bennings, he drops the keys on the floor and books it. Realizing that Gary could remember at any moment, Windows books it to the guns and tries to convince the team that Gary could be one of those things, pretty shitty right? He got what he deserved...

[@blakewalker84120]

This is one of my favorites of all time. I can tell you who is and who is not a "thing" at the end. Want to know? John Carpenter said "I know if MacReady or Childs is a Thing. It's not a mystery to me." When he was asked to explain, he refused. But he did say the clues are all in the movie. Here they are: 34:55 MacReady says "it wants to freeze now." He knows that it can live 100,,000 years frozen in ice, so if it freezes now it can kill the rescuers who come in the spring. Everybody agrees. 38:45 MacReady says "Why don't we wait here for a while and see what happens." This is a direct contradiction of what he said a few minutes ago. That's two different MacReadys there. The first MacReady knew the Thing wants to freeze and the second MacReady wants to freeze. So when did he become a Thing? In between those two comments. How? When he blew up the giant Thing, it splattered all over him. We don't see that but you know it would have. Then the next scene is him talking to Childs. How many minutes passed? 1? 5? 30? We don't know. But it was enough. No way the real MacReady wants to "see what happens" when they freeze to death. But wait! The Thing MacReady gives Childs his whiskey. Childs drinks it. They BOTH know that if MacReady is a Thing then drinking from that bottle will infect Childs. MacReady laughs when Childs drinks, further proof that he is a thing and he just tested Childs and now he knows Childs is also a thing. Childs? Yeah. Childs has a flame thrower and MacReady is acting suspicious. If he's human, he has 2 options: 1. Burn MacReady and guarantee that humanity does not go extinct. Even if MacReady is human, burning him just means he dies a few minutes early - he's going to freeze to death anyway. 2. Let MacReady live and risk the extinction of humanity if Mac is a Thing. So what does Childs do? Sits down and drinks Mac's whiskey. Now, maybe his decision to not burn MacReady was human compassion. Fine. But drinking from that bottle when he has no way to be sure? That's the dumbest thing he could possibly do. After every in the movie, including Childs, has been super paranoid and untrusting, suddenly he reverses that and fully trusts MacReady enough to do the dumbest thing possible? No way. That is too big a departure from character. You know who/what would actually drink? Somebody who is already a Thing and has nothing to worry about. Then MacReady laughs because he knows that all this is true. He knows that they are both things and they will get the rescuers that come in about 6 months, turn them into things, then conquer the world. Still not sure? Notice the music in the entire movie. There is one theme that plays over and over when a Thing is on the screen. That is the music playing when we see both Mac and Childs' faces at the end. John Carpenters final clue was the music.

[@Bar-Lord]

Probably the greatest example of practical effects I can point to, just barely nudging out The Fly. The end is one of my favorite finishes for a film I’ve seen due to the ambiguity. Anyone looking for a deep rabbit hole should seek out videos looking at the infection timeline.

[@JohnDAmico-ci2hz]

100%, the Fly is just as insane..... ❤

[@Nitro192192]

Your reactions to weird and odd things are always the best, so this was seriously golden from beginning to end, lol.

[@mikeRedMDK2032]

Undeniable classic in psychological and sci-fi horror. Probably my favorite from a practical effects standpoint. The ending is still debated today as to who if either man left standing was THE THING. Love it. I definitely recommend more carpenter films. THEY LIVE is a personal favorite. That or assault on precinct 13 (1976) would be cool.

[@holddowna]

I need to see they live! Maybe none of them are the thing! Who knows

[@BLVCKSCORP]

​@@holddownaOne fun and creepy theory is that because Mac was carrying so many molotovos that the bottle he had and almost took a sip of was actually gasoline and the reason he laughed at the end was because he knew Childs was the thing cause he had no reaction to the gasoline he just drank but ofc this theory has a flaw and It's the obvious one, why would Mac drink gasoline.

[@stevensantiago8978]

I saw this one twice in two weeks. I was about 23, met a guy backstage after a show I did in Phoenix (I think) said he did special effects for movies. About a year later, he got in touch with me and invited me and my friends to a premier of this movie. It was a soft premier for the SFX team and while I loved it, it was tough because everyone was nudging everyone else saying "see this? I did this part!!" So I went the very next friday with MY friends to the actual premier in West Los Angeles. THEN I fell in love with it!. Thanks for the reaction, that was a lot of fun

[@TheJoeyKnoxville]

my favorite horror movie! I wish they made movies like this again where the ending is bleak. "Why don't we just wait here a little while... see what happens" gives me chills every time. Not knowing if any of them are the thing is brilliant and so apocalyptic! Good stuff! To think that critics slaughtered this movie when it came out and people hated it back then is wild to me. It's a masterpiece in horror.

[@kevinburton3948]

1:10 The title reveal was created by making a cut-out of the words "The Thing" with a black plastic bag behind it. They then burned (melted) the bag to expose the title. This was similar to the title graphics of the original film from 1951- "The Thing from Another World."

[@jakecantu8396]

watching this as a 12 year old, when it came out. It scared the living shit out of us...and we couldn't get enough. Saw it like 4 more times. Next level effects and tension. Brilliant

[@MauriceCalis]

Hahaha, like #15. This ought to be a fun ride for you. Saw this in a drive in theatre as a young boy after The Last Star Fighter, when I was supposed to be sleeping. Needless to say, I was haunted for a while after that.

[@Al_NERi]

Great reaction I've watched many of this film and sadly most are a riot of fail takes, blown predictions and annoying character mind reading. This reaction is sharp and I appreciate the engagement with the broader themes of survival, humanity etc. Very good

[@ulriklm1]

They Live is also a must-watch John C. movie

[@watchreadplayretro]

My word of the day - Yowling @ 29:33 :D Fantastic reaction, cheers muchly!

[@smavtmb2196]

This movie is a wild ride. The practical effects are insane. Yes Blair became paranoid and out of control, but wasn't infected when he destroyed the vehicles and communications systems. He snapped and was determined to prevent the alien organism from leaving Antarctica to infect the entire planet, and didn't know who to trust. So he shot at anyone trying to stop him. If he had been infected his actions wouldn't make sense. So he was definitely infected at some point after being locked in the shed. The first time saw this I was really annoyed the movie ended abruptly, but I appreciate it more now.

[@brucebieberly4166]

When Blair shakes his head when the computer determines the Earth would be infected in 27,000 hours, is he concerned that it could happen that quickly, or concerned it will take that long?

[@smavtmb2196]

@@brucebieberly4166 At that point Blair is definitely concerned about protecting humanity. That's what made him snap. If you listen carefully to what he's saying while destroying everything and shooting at the crew, it becomes clear he's determined to prevent the thing from reaching civilisation at all cost. Meaning they all must be willing to die to prevent the spread. It's likely Blair was infected after being locked in the shed, by Palmer while the crew separated seaching the base.

[@brucebieberly4166]

That's the beauty of this movie. Both our interpretations could be right. When Blair shouts "You think that thing wanted to be a dog?!" It could have been a warning, or it could have been fustration. A scene people don't really focus on is when Blair looks at the photo of the Norwegians' discovery, and his expression. Is he worried for humanity? Is he remembering all those centuries in the ice? I would give a lot to know what was Wilford Brimley's motivation, and John Caroenter's directions to him.

[@BrianMcClure-b7z]

I'm a 50 year old Gen X'er... movies back in my day, people took more pride in their work than what you see in today's movies...I still want my MTV.

[@2tone753]

We were very impressed by the film in 1982. Now imagine that you are today (rightly) in 2024. You can make a film that costs $3,000 billion and still be crap. And then you shoot like John Carpenter (other milestones include: The Fog, The Rattlesnake, Halloween, Assault - Attack at Night, Christine, The Powers of Madness and others) a film like The Thing which cost 19 million at the time. This film was unfortunately not successful at the time (I was 20 years old in 1982 and thought it was brilliant) but is now seen as a milestone. Success came when it was released on video cassette. The original from 1951 “The Thing from Another World” with a different approach, namely who or what is the thing, is highly recommended. Absolutely great film, without any bling.

[@disturbed1013]

It was 15 and got 19. So at least there was some profit (4 mil). The prequel was 38 and got 30 or something like that, so they finished with a loss.

[@2tone753]

@@disturbed1013 Did you like the 2011 film? In my opinion he was absolute rubbish. Once again, as is so often the case these days, trick technique should cover up glaring deficiencies. The 1951 film beats this film hands down. No matter whether 10, 20, 50 or 100 million were or will be invested, crap remains crap.

[@-Evil-Genius-]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 *🎬 Introduction and Initial Scenes Analysis* - Introduction to the movie "The Thing" (1982) directed by John Carpenter. - Excitement about exploring John Carpenter's filmography and the combination of sci-fi and horror genres. - Initial scenes setting the tone of isolation and suspense in Antarctica. 02:39 *🐕 Suspense Builds Around the Dog* - Tension escalates as the crew encounters a mysterious Norwegian helicopter and a dog being chased. - Speculation about the dog's significance and the crew's actions, setting the stage for the unfolding mystery. 07:40 *🔥 Discovery of Gruesome Scenes and Speculations* - Shock and horror as the crew discovers the aftermath of a violent encounter with unknown entities. - Speculations arise about the nature of the mysterious creature and its potential threat to the crew. 09:44 *🧬 Unveiling the Alien Organism's Abilities* - The crew begins to unravel the abilities of the alien organism, including its mimicry and assimilation of other life forms. - Concerns mount about the possibility of infection and the need to contain the threat. 14:02 *🌍 Implications of the Alien Threat* - Discussion ensues about the potential global consequences if the alien organism reaches civilization. - Dilemma arises regarding the ethical and practical decisions in dealing with the threat. 17:38 *🤔 Contemplation and Decision-Making* - Tensions rise as the crew debates the course of action, weighing scientific discovery against the survival of humanity. - Paranoia grows as suspicions about infection spread among the crew. 21:58 *🩸 Initiating a Test and Heightening Suspicion* - Introduction of a blood serum test to identify the alien organism, leading to distrust and suspicion among the crew. - Paranoia intensifies as the crew grapples with uncertainty and the realization that anyone could be infected. 23:05 *🎬 Movie plot overview* - The characters discuss the threat posed by a mysterious entity that can imitate humans. - Paranoia and suspicion among the characters lead to tension and conflict. - The film explores themes of identity, trust, and survival in an isolated environment. 30:10 *🤔 Reflections on the nature of the entity* - The characters analyze the nature of the entity, speculating on its abilities and behavior. - Discussion revolves around the necessity of determining who is human and who is imitated. - Themes of fear of the unknown and the struggle for survival are prominent in this section. 31:09 *🔬 Blood test and its implications* - The characters conduct a blood test to identify who has been assimilated by the entity. - Tensions rise as suspicions mount and accusations are made. - The effectiveness and consequences of the blood test are debated, leading to further uncertainty. 36:50 *🎭 Themes of morality and sacrifice* - Characters face moral dilemmas and grapple with questions of trust and self-preservation. - The group dynamics shift as individuals make choices that impact the survival of the group. - Sacrifice and the greater good become central themes as the characters confront the entity. 39:04 *😱 Suspense, ambiguity, and film analysis* - The film's ending leaves viewers with ambiguity and unanswered questions, sparking reflection and discussion. - Analysis of the film's suspenseful elements, storytelling techniques, and visual effects. - Appreciation for the film's impact, effectiveness in conveying horror, and enduring legacy. Made with HARPA AI

[@michaelwatson266]

The beginning of this movie is a great example of judging a book by it's cover. Every person I've seen react to this movie is always mad that they are trying to kill the dog. There's no context or other information given. They just see it and automatically say "hurt dog is bad". Even though they know it's a horror movie and starts out with a spaceship crashing on earth.

[@kingcosworth2643]

It's funny isn't it, the other thing it shows is the lack of trust in the judgment of others.

[@danielmorency2242]

If you want to know what happened at that Norwegian camp, there's a "prequel" that was made around 2011 (the film has the same name "The Thing"). It's not as good as this, but I found it still pretty cool.

[@rjazz2]

One of the theories that the reason MacReady laughs at the end was that the bottle he gave Childs to drink was basically gasoline (it's the bottles that MacReady used to set fire to the whole complex). He knows Childs is the thing because Childs drank it.

[@petrhanak862]

That, plus the fact that Childs has no breathing fog in the cold, like MacReady. So kind of test if it will drink gasoline and try to play human.

[@noneya3635]

Well done Ames, you are the ONLY reactor I’ve ever seen make the connection to the Norwegians and the UFO from the beginning. Almost all the others completely forget that the movie starts with the ufo crashing to earth.

[@januzi2]

Windows got infected and Mac froze. Art imitates life.

[@txlyons2937]

This is a fantastic comment, and it deserves more upvotes.

[@simonwild428]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🎩

[@apanapandottir205]

lmao

[@dragonflysurgeon]

My favourite horror/suspense movie of all time. Practical effects for 1982 are insanely good.

[@dlweiss]

I love the way this script turns our own innate trust and love of dogs against us. Even when the dog starts acting stiff and odd, most viewers' first thought is still "aw, poor little guy must be traumatized!" It's only on rewatch that you can see how the dog is cold, calculating, and eerily calm once the initial danger is past.

[@Thessair]

As someone who was mauled twice by dogs in childhood, I have an innate distrust of them and was suspicious from the jump.

[@DoktorStrangelove]

Best reaction I’ve seen on video or live to the start of the kennel scene. Just mouth wide and silence. No notes.

[@holddowna]

LOL! Speechlessssss

[@stevesheroan4131]

Ames, I so desperately wish John Carpenter could see your reaction to this masterpiece. You were so insightful, engaged and understanding of his vision for this film on a level that few reactors ever connect with it. The poor reception for this movie when it came out has always been a source of bitterness for Carpenter, and I feel your reaction (my favorite of the dozens I’ve seen) could be a good bit of catharsis for Mr Carpenter.

[@holddowna]

Aww Steve that really warms my heart! I can’t believe this movie had poor reception! It’s amazing! Perhaps they felt the spfx where too grotesque? It’s outstanding work and better than a lot done today! Thanks so much for watching!!!

[@stevesheroan4131]

@@holddowna Either Siskel or Ebert (can’t remember which) basically said that they felt the movie was needlessly gross for gross’ sake, or some such. It’s funny that the “professional” critics missed the entire point and genius of the movie, which you completely understood on the first viewing. As an older dude who didn’t really appreciate this movie as much as you when I first saw it on its release, it was truly a joy to witness your appreciation for it. My generation took this kind of art for granted somewhat, so it’s awesome to see it viewed “correctly”. Good editing as well, and thanks for the reply.

[@corbelius6]

The FX in this movie is Epic. Ennio Morricone. Flawless.

[@DVDNewsFlash]

Best movie ever made about a shape-shifting horror, then back in my teens I read Dean Koontz's novel Phantoms, and it's basically THE THING on steroids. A movie adaptation was made in 1998, but the creature FX in the novel were so extensive they couldn't bring all of it to life. I do like the movie adaptation for it manages to port over some of the creepiness and dread the novel has, but check out the novel. I've read a ton of horror novels in my lifetime, only two ever managed to scare me, PHANTOMS was one of them. I mean genuinely scare me.

[@rickcrane9883]

Howdy Ames. It’s been a while. “Dog eat dog”. Indeed. I’ve seen this film so many times, this time I just focused on your face. Fear. Apprehension. Glee. Terror. Astonishment. It was all there. It’s always a trip to watch a movie through your eyes.

[@holddowna]

Thanks Rick! Ha I love this genre so much! This movie rocks !

[@rickcrane9883]

@@holddowna looks like it was filmed in Canada!!!

[@johnkent9582]

I saw this when it came out, I was blown completely away! Over the top in every way, I looove it)

[@motodork]

This film has the greatest practical special effects in the history of cinema, even to this day. Rob Bottin is the man.

[@sparksfan]

Great reaction of an all time great movie. A "spectacle for my eyes" is a perfect description! And daps for calling out the amazing transitions, most people don't notice that.

[@timothyobrien9490]

Ennio Morricone did the score for this film. Also did the score for the Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, and The Good, Bad, and the Ugly.

[@67psychout]

Ive always taken Mac's chuckle as the insanity of the situation

[@Thekhajjah]

Just found your channel today, six movies in now. It is a pure joy to rewatch these great movies with you.

[@75216garrison]

Love your take on movies

[@yuritesticoff1141]

Me and my close Friend were obsessed with this movie after high school in 2003 and dvds first became available in the boonies, we'd pound aristocrat vodka & cheap tequila and watch it once a month

[@pencilquest9409]

One of the best reactions to this film I've seen. Bravo. One tidbit about Mac and Blair "You gotta let me come back inside!" scene; The noose shows Blair has already turned. He made the noose to kill himself, but the Thing took over. The Thing also probably wouldn't understand that Mac could make the connection, depending on how much of a creature's cultural knowledge the Thing retains when it absorbs you.

[@francisco5434]

I felt there were two possible other reasons: 1. To convince Mac he was too disturbed to be allowed back in (already turned and wanting to be left alone to construct the escape ship) 2. There was only one way in to the cavern, and we couldn’t see how the noose was attached or how long it was. He may have been using it as a hoist to lower parts down into his makeshift workshop.

[@pencilquest9409]

@@francisco5434 Great points! Maybe Childs disappeared for a bit because he caught a plane to Florida, made some Chimichangas and then flew back in time to see the base explode. Makes a lot of sense when you think about it.

[@dvdmike007]

You brought all the hair volume for this one! And it looks amazing! Also one of the best movies ever made

[@Chris-sf7ug]

Best movie ever...

[@Zeithri]

I caught this movie randomly one day I came home from school when I was like 17. Something about it just, hooked me instantly, thoroughly and so intensely. I had no idea what it was about, what was happening. And then - the dog split open. This is one of my all-time favorites. The music, is like the heartbeat. The Thing's heartbeat. It's one of the best themes ever.

[@INFAMOUSLSG]

17:25 A thiokol is a brand of snowcat vehicle.

[@Screwhead]

I like that you mentioned Tarantino at the very start of the video; he's said in an interview before that The Thing was his main inspiration for writing Reservoir Dogs!

[@calemobrien1139]

Easily one of the best & most iconic horror movies ever! The best special effects ever put to screen by a mile😎 Sooooo effective...once you see it, youll never be able to unsee the creature design! Id recommend the Fog next if you want to dive into JC, my second favorite Carpenter film behind the Thing

[@TheSuperNotFunHorrorChannel]

Just got home from work and clicked this so FAST! ❤ so excited to see your reaction to this, this is a film spoken about and discussed to this day. 😊

[@hulkingwarmachine3]

Don’t know that I’ve seen you so excited. Great video of a great movie. I saw it in the theater. So damn good