Review: The Thing (2011)

The Thing (Paramount, 2011)

The Thing is a prequel to the 1982 John Carpenter remake of the 1951 movie The Thing From Another World. Confused? Don't be. It is not necessary to know the story from the 1982 one in order to get this film, although you will enjoy it much more if you catch the nods, especially the end. This is thankfully set in 1982, and with the exception of two people having faux-hipster shaggish haircuts, looks period perfect. No cellphones or Internet, etc. 

While this movie doesn't have quite as much tension as the 1982 remake, it is still fairly edge of your seat stuff. Kurt Russell and John Carpenter's theme really made the original (remake) flick. Thanks to advances in special effects, you get to see lots of the creature. The camera angle changes and edits are only quick during attack sequences and seem in line with the 1982 film. I haven't seen it since the '80s, so don't hold me to it. 

Many critics have torn this movie apart, and I can see why. It requires an attention span. I still have one, since I don't play video games and never really watched MTV growing up. If you can't go more than 8 seconds without checking your cellphone then you might not like this.