They Live is a B-Movie But the ‘B’ Stands for Brilliant | CineFix Top 100

[@daffyrwt]

Poor Cal had an uncut gem of his own

[@VacFink]

This wins it all

[@jcmitch000]

Shout out to the video editor dropping the subliminal message frames in the video. I normally just listen to this playing as an audio podcast but happened to glance at my phone during that exact moment and it gave me a good laugh.

[@robertcook7144]

There were some odd audio ones too. Freaked me out. Well done.

[@AshGCG]

Those first 30 minutes create the magnifying glass with which you view the rest of the film, and intensifies the mid portion. The ending tails of but only makes you want to rewatch the film more just to get to that meaty stuff again.

[@johnsolo1701d]

Thank you for not just recording a zoom call and actually using local recordings for hosts

[@jphilb]

Always better when they are in the same room. Collaborate!

[@johnsolo1701d]

@@jphilb When one host is remote, the quality is much better using a local recording and editing them together.

[@cyborgparrot1996]

Roddy Piper is a legend.

[@woozertoo]

Stole every scene he was in as da Maniac in It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.

[@carmawarlock8455]

​@@woozertooi gotta rewatch that one

[@SadThrash]

I think we all need the gang’s Letterboxd IDs so we can have a Letterboxd party! 🥳

[@justintime343]

Cal: "Go chug a glass of water right now!" Proceeds to drink a beer

[@Zed-fq3lj]

Wow, I'm pleasantly surprised by CineFix to have included this on their esteemed list 🤩👏👏! A legendary small movie with an important social insight - pure brilliance by Carpenter. This movie was so prophetic, an important back in the 80s as it is now! The finest artistic strike against the evils of consumerism, establishment and modern way of thinking depraved of humanism. Keep rolling CineFix!!🙌👍👍👍

[@ElectricIguana]

The dude on the right is totally on point with his rant about how poignant this movie was and continues to be! Preach brotha!

[@spideyman2099]

Before watching all the way: Definitely one of my favorite Carpenter films. He's one of my favorite directors, so I will say I think it just falls out of my top 3 favorites of his. Big Trouble in Little China and Halloween battle it out for my favorite. Love this movie though, I actually like the first 30 minutes. Its a slow burn, but I dig that leisurely pace. Then it just ramps up and goes crazy. The political commentary, I think, needed to be on the nose. There's no way it could have worked being subtle. Obviously the street fight is the highlight, one of the greatest of all time. Love the music, the performances (Keith David and Roddy Piper crush it) and again the classic Carpenter feel. 90 minutes, gotta love it. So, I guess I'll defend the first 30 minutes. Again, I love the slow build. The slow unraveling of the conspiracy. Had it started out bombastic it wouldn't hit the same way when shit does hit the fan. That music totally helps the dull feeling. I mean, its a guy down on his luck roaming around with no purpose. I think it fits tonally. Aside from the street fight I would say the raid on the homeless camp is my favorite scene. The social commentary, again, being in your face. Its super intense though. I love the fast past editing of that scene. Reminds me a bit of the beach scene from Jaws. The one where everyone is running out of the water. Finally, bring back 90 minute movies. Another reason I love his movies is that they never overstay their welcome. A very old school approach to filmmaking.

[@ReverendMeat51]

I appreciate long movies that are worth their length, but it does seem to be a trend for everything to be 2.5 hours now and I can't understand why, used to be studios preferred shorter movies so they could increase the number of theatrical showtimes. Like John Wick 4 was 10 minutes shy of 3 freaking hours and it was not at all worth it.

[@realDialFforFilm]

This channel has perfect timing. I was literally discussing this movie this past week in my Conspiracy Theory in American Film class.

[@ReverendMeat51]

That's a whole class? What other movies y'all talk about?

[@realDialFforFilm]

@@ReverendMeat51 Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), JFK (1991), The Parallax View (1974), and Videodrome (1983) thus far.

[@Michael-xp7gw]

One of my all time favorite films. Top two Carpenter film. I was worried Alex or Clint would strike it. I figured this was on Cal's list, but did not realize how much he likes it. But I was not sure about Clint and given Alex' comments on previous episodes I figured this was a first time watch for her and that it probably did not click. I am glad to see it stayed on list. Love this series. Whether I agree or disagree with various takes, I love the discussions, I am enjoying the list. And to be honest, I love the drama. I mean, I was sweatin' it whether this film was going to remain. It's the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Looking forward to your discussion of The Naked Gun... oh, and I want to add this season has some really interesting choices so far. I would like to know if any of you have seen Police Squad! from which The Naked Gun and Frank Drebin originated.

[@williamdixon-gk2sk]

In 2008, my punk band did an e.p. concept album about this film. It's cool it is getting the recognition it deserves.

[@axnyslie]

They Live and Idiocracy are the two most prophetic films of their time that nobody expected to become reality so quickly.

[@Zed-fq3lj]

Absolutely!

[@TruckingToPlease]

Parker/ Stone's shot for shot for "Cripple Fight" goes to prove that "They Live" is a cultral masterpiece. Sleeper as it is.

[@Dkatanasoul0]

First and foremost-missed Cal in the last episode and was genuinely worried about his wellbeing. Really glad and relieved he’s back! They Live has been a favorite of mine since my mom introduced it to me when I was a kid. Cal’s analysis at the top of the video was superb and extremely on point. Does anyone else find this season’s Strike rule too harsh? So if Godfather comes up and one person decides to strike it, it’s gone for good? Or the horrid thought that it could be used for revenge? I think the rule of two co-hosts having to agree to strike is better and more palatable.

[@NickScaramuzzo]

One of my first jobs, I worked for a guy whose first job was as an assistant editor for They Live. The first cut of the famous fight scene was originally a little more than 4 times in length than what ended up in the film

[@WhiskyCanuck]

Must buy t-shirts.....

[@jcmitch000]

Something showed up in the mail today... 👕

[@ckellyedits]

Best episode of the podcast in a long time. No notes

[@cannibalbananas]

I'm glad that Alex gave it a shot even tho she clearly hated the beginning of the movie. Personally I love this movie & have since the 1st time I watched it. The cheesy horror aspect, the glasses premise, the unlikely tentative friendship of the main characters, the Twilight Zone feel... I was hooked.

[@LegoDork]

I had a kidney stone in 1997. I was 17 years old. I attribute mine to a combination of Pepsi, Sunny D, and Rolaids. The non-stop intake of Pepsi and Sunny D gave me wicked heartburn. I started eating Rolaids like they were candy. We're talkin' half a jug o' Sunny D, and a jug and a half of' Pepsi a day. Half a roll o' Rolaids would be a light day. Next thing I knew, someone was kicking me in the back until I threw up. Couldn't eat, couldn't get comfortable. Long short. Kidney stones suck. Watch your diet.

[@opcomment]

Cal's commentary is awesome, I want to be his best friend

[@rodrigueilboudo7102]

One of my favorite sci-fi movie ever

[@dmfuerte]

They Live and The Matrix are the best film examples of Plato's Cave, that is, society as curated simulation. While The Matrix foresees the threat of AI, They Live is about the coordination of Capitalism and its media matrix. Without the satirical edge, the movie might not have passed 80s gatekeepers. It would certainly be too on the nose to be made today.

[@user-si3gu8pm6j]

The Truman show?

[@dmfuerte]

@@user-si3gu8pm6j Truman show is a good one. I think Dark City is an underrated gem as well.

[@nessleepk]

I love They Live and it’s probably my favorite movie of this season so far.

[@Mithrandir39]

Love the not so subliminal subliminal messages. *LOL*

[@kennyhagan5781]

John Carpenter should be remembered for three of the greatest "Midnight Movies " ever, THE THING,BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA, and THEY LIVE. He's got some other, really watchable movies out there, but none of them are even close to the three that I mentioned. Underrated is a good term for his movies.

[@spencerkauenhofen2630]

Cal is so my guy! ONE OF US! ONE OF US! ONE OF US!

[@dplunk13]

If "subtext is for cowards" was an 80s B movie. And Keith David is a man who knows how to put on an iconic fight scene.

[@sansfi]

You can't imagine the little heart attack I had with the "Before I mention Keith David's death..."

[@ADingoTookMyDasco]

They Live is a cinema classic & definitely in my top 5. Thank god they haven't remade it. If they were dumb enough to tackle a remake or sequel, it would have to be about the aliens being the originators of all the "alternative facts", keeping us divided & arguing amongst ourselves while they slip back in unnoticed. And they'd have to get Dave Bautista as the new Nada to get anywhere close to the vibe of the original. But good luck trying to catch lightning in a bottle.

[@carmawarlock8455]

If you're saying "alternative facts" aren't legitimate in contrast with mainstream, i think you missed the entire point if the movie

[@Moscato_Moscato]

I think it’s an overused sentiment to say “this movie couldn’t be made today” but a movie about a homeless man fighting against wealthy capitalists that destroy homeless encampments and control the media just couldn’t be made today with how anti-homeless our society has gotten

[@nevinphil]

I've been saying for years, this movie needs to be remade. Get the right director... Villeneuve?

[@tallboy2234]

🤔 Shamalan?

[@spencerkauenhofen2630]

Someone please get me Cal's letterboxd username!

[@midasjones4384]

I have They Live on vhs and dvd

[@Zagardal]

Love this movie but I wish it was tighter in terms of editing. There's a many scenes that go on for longer than they should without adding at least variety in the camera shots. And this doesn't happen too much in other Carpenter movies of the same era, which only highlights the issue for me.

[@MrMann0123]

Hey CAL!!!! Hope you are better

[@mcgarnagle6102]

There have been a lot of wrestlers turned actors. Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, Jesse The Body Ventura, Dave Bautista, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Macho Man, Terry Funk, John Cena, Bam Bam Bigelow, Jerry Lawler, Zeus, Triple H, Goldberg, and Mick Foley to name a few.

[@TomadonnaRules]

reading lines in a movie may be 'acting' but it does not make you an 'Actor'.

[@mcgarnagle6102]

@@TomadonnaRules please enlighten me on what makes an "Actor". I know being in a movie makes someone an actor.

[@marypalmer8223]

Oh ha ha, the subliminal merch/channel ads...

[@cambraca]

Nick Cage can absolutely play society.

[@popdebris]

I’m sad that I can’t get the “This Is How I Win” shirt in Canada.

[@agwooding1]

I don't even like They Live all that much but I'm glad Alex didn't strike it, any film that turns up in someones Top 5 should probably be exempt

[@greenaxilot]

Can you please do top 10 muscle heads of all time as it could be beginning to character trope lists.

[@MrLee-zh9ls]

I have the urge to buy T-shirts for some reason 🤔

[@grennbalze]

Well you said almost every alien was played by one guy. What if every time they put on the glasses and saw the aliens, they were all Nicholas Cage. Even if there were more than one on screen

[@carmawarlock8455]

That was my though. Even if you never saw his face it'd be a hilarious cameo

[@fbritorufino]

Being John Malkovich kind of vibe lol

[@frankborg7590]

how do we find Cal on letterboxd?

[@ElectricIguana]

Eagle Eye was pretty forward lioking about how technology is omnipresent and could easily be turned against us.

[@ErrisSq]

T-shirt not found on store!

[@TriColoredTiger]

Brilliant movie. The stronger the truth, the stronger the camp.

[@martinludwig384]

It's official: I hate Alex's taste. Anchorman is a pile of garbage, They Live rules. Still love the show, keep on keeping on.

[@realPlinkett]

What's Cal's Letterboxd handle?

[@karstenweicker3009]

T-Shirt: unfortunately there is no international shipping available 😢

[@angelomercado9293]

Buy a t-shirt. Obey 💴 this is your god 😂😂

[@aIexminsky]

"Nada" also means "nothing" in spanish/portuguese

[@dredd1761]

How have you not mentioned Prince of Darkness a great movie

[@wandilemtambo9962]

Zizek is pleased

[@Dayday237]

Collect

[@ElectricIguana]

Algorithm is your God.

[@Sub2MilesMorales]

Hello 👋

[@tonydiebold4899]

BUY T-SHIRTS

[@ReverendMeat51]

It's weird that the evil alien overlords seem less evil than our current ones

[@NaglfarCommando]

Weird way to spell Documentary.

[@YakrifZee]

Maturity is when you realise the aliens are actually AIPAC/Z*O*STS.

[@carmawarlock8455]

It goes way deeper than that

[@ReverendMeat51]

@@carmawarlock8455 how so?

[@carmawarlock8455]

@@ReverendMeat51 they're the fall guys for the ones really pulling the strings behind the scenes. They're a liability shield. And they are emboldened and enabled by our own complacency

[@Moscato_Moscato]

No…Carpenter has gone on the record talking about how it wasn’t meant to be read as antisemitic tropes The aliens are however capitalists and fascists…every one of them stood over others in positions of power and to just attribute the villainy of the aliens to just zionism is missing other parts of the picture like exploitation of the Black community as seen in the movie

[@goodmusicpodcast7368]

I had never seen this before, and this was one of my least favorite films so far. Haven’t seen the end yet but I’m hoping it gets struck

[@CornishCreamtea07]

I was not around in the 80s, but I understand this film was a critique of Reagan's economical practises.

[@JoolsUK]

Subliminal advertising is real

[@LukasKonrad-pt4uv]

This of all movies should have been striked