science fiction

The Thing (1951) Movie Review

Starring: Kenneth Tobey, Margaret Sheridan
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"The Thing (1951)"
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Review Summary
Grandaddy of the alien invader science fiction films about a six-foot-six-inch intelligent vegetable (James Arness) that is dug out frozen from the Arctic ice, thaws out, and attacks a tiny military / scientific base. It is loosely based on John W. Campbell's novella: the 80's version was closer in showing the actual nature of the alien. It has a claustrophobic atmosphere; close-packed images; tingling suspense; and some truly chilling effects.
Herman the German, Resident Scholar


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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot

Composition of Movie
Actual chase scenes or violence - 30%
Planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzle - 40%
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30%




**Fantasy or Science Fiction?** - science fiction story
Horror film? Yes
Kind of Horror Story - the monster chased me!

Main Character
Identity: - Male
Profession/status: - scientist
Age: - 20's-30's
Is this an ordinary person caught up in events? Yes
Hair color? - brunette (Brown)
Hair type - (man) short/medium straight
Body type - average (man)
Events of movie makes character more... - tougher
Ethnicity/Nationality - White (American)
How sensitive is this character? - sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor? - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - average physique

Secondary Main Character
Identity: - Female
Hair color - brunette (Brown)
Hair style - (woman) medium/shoulderlgn, straight
Ethnicity/Nationality - White (American)

Main Adversary
Identity: - An "It".
Profession/status: - killer
Has special powers? Yes
Magical/mental powers of main antagonist: - is very quick - can change shapes - super strength
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - 20%
Hair color - bald
Body type - muscular (man)
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physical condition - very athletic
How sensitive is this character? - hard edged

Setting
Earth setting: - 20th Century (1950-1970)
Spaceship setting: - alien spaceship
Takes place on Earth? Yes
Takes place in spaceship? Yes
Ice world? Yes

Style
Accounts of torture and death? - very explicit references to deaths and torture
Tone of movie - fearful
Comedy or somewhat funny movie? Yes
Check here if B&W Yes
Any profanity? - None
Kinds of F/X - exploding spaceships - exotic spaceships - exotic aliens
If Soundtrack VERY NOTICEABLE... - Orchestra/classical
Is this movie based on a - book
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