They Live (1988)

Genre: Science-fiction / Comedy

Directed by: John Carpenter

Cast: Roddy Piper, Keith David, Meg Foster

Running time: 94 minutes

An anonymous and unemployed drifter arrives to Los Angeles on foot carrying his baggage on his back. After finding a construction job, he befriends a fellow coworker, who will help him find some lodging in a nearby shanty town. Soon after his arrival, the usually-mild and calm drifter will find out, through the use of special sunglasses, that the ruling class is composed of aliens hiding among the masses under the appearance of humans and he will decide to join a group in the fight against them.

I have long been a fan of pro wrestling and of Roddy Piper, so I had seen this satirical science-fiction film a long time ago, but I had failed to take it for all it was worth as a boy. Now a grown man, I decided to give this particular title another look, and I was glad I did. What a fun movie; no wonder it has gained such a cult following over the years.

Sure, the acting is not great and there are some plot holes or creative shortcuts. However, there is also a very good message about the impact of propaganda on the masses in this movie. What I like most is that, in delivering his political message, John Carpenter does not take himself seriously. They Live manages to remain light and fun in spite of having something to say about society.

This cult classic deserves to be seen at least once, if not more.   

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