John Carpenter’s timeless masterpiece, ‘They Live,’ is making its way back to theaters this fall to celebrate its 35th anniversary.
Starring the legendary ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper and Keith David, this covert alien invasion film is sure to captivate audiences once again.
Thanks to Fathom Events, you have the opportunity to relive the thrilling world of ‘They Live’ on the big screen. The film will infiltrate theaters nationwide on September 3 and September 6.
For your convenience, most theaters will feature a matinee showing on September 3 and an evening screening on September 6. Be sure to check your local listings on the official Fathom Events page to catch the show near you.
“They Live” Plot: Nada and the Covert Alien Invasion
In ‘They Live,’ Roddy Piper portrays the enigmatic drifter Nada, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he uncovers a hidden alien invasion.
With the help of Frank Armitage, portrayed by the talented Keith David, Nada must take on the role of a reluctant hero to thwart the sinister plans of the extraterrestrial infiltrators.
Casting ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper as Nada was a decision that proved to be nothing short of genius. Carpenter, the mastermind behind iconic horror films like ‘Halloween’ and ‘The Fog,’ had no doubts about Piper’s suitability for the role.
In Carpenter’s own words, “Unlike most Hollywood actors, Roddy has life written all over him.
“The choice was as natural as it could be.”
‘They Live’ production took just eight weeks, a testament to Carpenter’s filmmaking prowess. Despite a modest budget of around $3 million, the film achieved greatness.
One unforgettable highlight was the five-and-a-half-minute alley fight between Nada and Frank over the special sunglasses that reveal the aliens’ true identities. Carpenter described the sequence as “Incredibly brutal and funny,” and it undoubtedly left a lasting impact on audiences.
Enduring Legacy: A Cult Classic
Since its release in 1988, ‘They Live’ has gained a dedicated following among horror and sci-fi enthusiasts. Critics praised the film back then, and its popularity has only grown over the years.
Currently boasting an impressive 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 70 reviews, ‘They Live’ stands tall as a cult classic that continues to inspire and entertain.
As the 35th anniversary approaches, fans are thrilled to have the opportunity to experience ‘They Live’ on the big screen once again. Whether you’re revisiting this gem or discovering it for the first time, the film’s thought-provoking themes, action-packed sequences, and memorable one-liners are sure to leave a lasting impression.
