“I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass…and I’m all out of bubblegum” are the most iconic words from the sci-fi/horror/action movie from the eighties. Director John Carpenter, who also directed titles like The Thing, Escape from New York and Big Trouble in Little China, works together with wrestler Roddy Piper, who plays Nada. Nada is best comparable to the lone cowboy who enters a western town. Where he comes from or what his background is, is not really important, but that he´s there is.
The “town” here is Los Angeles and Nada doesn´t know anyone there. He is looking for a job to earn a little money and meets Frank (Keith David), who takes him to a place without shelter where many people stay during the night. There Nada regularly sees strange messages on the TV by someone who disturbs the regular TV broadcasts and tries to warn the people. Nada does little with it, until he visits the church which is near the place where he stays. He discovers a group who want to inform the people and has produced glasses. He soon discovers that the glasses are special: When you put them on you see the world differently. It seems that aliens have blended into society and are sending everyone subliminal messages through advertising, magazines and on TV. If you wear the glasses you can see these messages, but also who is not human. Enough reason for Nada to try to kill them.
It was the first time I saw this movie and I really enjoyed it. In terms of feel, this is a B-movie, but a very entertaining one that not only has a nice concept but it also uses it effectively. The aliens, who are only shown in black and white (if someone is wearing glasses), don’t have convincing makeup, but it actually makes them a lot scarier. Roddy Piper is good in his role, and his experience in the ring shows during the many fights. The highlight of his fights is a moment when he takes on Frank in an alley, one that lasts for minutes.
They Live is perhaps not a great movie, but certainly one that you should have seen once. The message of the film, mostly about capitalism, is in fact still relevant, but also the action and humor are still fun to watch.
For me, this is one of the greatest films ever. It’s so bad-ass as that fight scene alone is classic. Plus, no one was as cool as the Hot Rod. Rowdy Roddy Piper. I miss that guy.
Yeah, that fight scene just keeps on going without it ever getting boring. He is very cool in that film.
Bravo! I love that you reviewed this one. Haven’t seen it in so long. RIP Roddy Piper
First time watch and it was a very pleasant surprise!