The Worst Prequel Of All Time Is At The Top Of The Netflix Charts
The 2011 prequel to The Thing is currently among the top ten most-watched movies on Netflix.
The Thing prequel is currently in the top 10 of the Netflix charts in the United States. The data was published by FlixPatrol, a platform that tracks streaming data across popular sites like HBO, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. Directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr., the movie is inspired by the 1982 John Carpenter classic of the same name, which was adapted from the 1938 John W. Campbell novella, Who Goes There?
Set in 1982, The Thing prequel follows a group of Norwegian scientists who discover an alien spaceship in Antarctica. When they dig up the frozen body of an extraterrestrial creature, they enlist the help of paleontologist Kate Lloyd. After they attempt to revive the creature, it breaks free and begins to attack the scientists, killing and assimilating them one by one.
As the researchers become increasingly paranoid, Kate and a small group of survivors work together to stop the creature from escaping the camp and reaching the rest of the world. Along the way, they contend with freezing temperatures, a harsh environment, and dwindling supplies. As they battle to stay alive, the team realizes there may be no way to stop The Thing.
Following its release in October 2011, The Thing prequel received mixed reviews from viewers and critics. The movie currently holds a 34% approval rating on review aggregated Rotten Tomatoes, along with a 42% audience score. The site’s general consensus says the film offers the bare minimum for a horror flick, describing it as a salve to the original.
One of the main criticisms of The Thing prequel is its heavy reliance on jump scares. The movie also lacks the memorable characters and dialogue of the 1982 version, which had a strong ensemble cast led by Kurt Russell. While the special effects in the prequel are impressive, some feel that it’s not enough to compensate for the flaws.
Still, The Thing prequel managed to earn $31,505,287 million at the global box office, which was slightly less than its $38 million budget. However, it did not perform as well as other horror movies released in 2011, like Paranormal Activity 3 and Insidious. But it was still able to turn a profit and has since gained a cult following among fans of the genre.
Despite its shortcomings, The Thing prequel does have some strengths. Mary Elizabeth Winstead delivers a brilliant performance as Kate Lloyd. The movie’s depiction of the alien creature is also suitably creepy and grotesque. The story also does an excellent job of building on the mythology of the original, with nods to the events of the 1982 version.
Much like The Thing prequel, the original 1982 film received mixed reviews. Although its technical achievements were praised, the film was criticized for its nihilistic tone and lack of sympathetic characters. But over time, it became widely regarded as one of the best horror movies ever made, hailed for its innovative special effects.
In addition to its impact on the horror genre, The Thing helped to establish Kurt Russell as a leading man and solidified John Carpenter’s reputation as a master of horror. The movie’s influence can be seen in numerous other works of horror and science fiction, and it continues to be a popular choice for Halloween movie marathons and horror movie nights.
The Thing prequel added to the mythology of the original as it explored the back story of the alien and how it came to be in Antarctica. The legacy of The Thing movie extends beyond the films themselves. The concept of a shape-shifting alien has been used in other movies and television shows, such as The X-Files and Stranger Things. The movies have also inspired video games, comic books, and merchandise.
The director of The Thing prequel, Matthijs van Heijningen Jr., has continued to work in the film industry. He recently helmed The Forgotten Battle for Netflix. Billed as a war film, it chronicles the Battle of the Scheldt. Meanwhile, stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Joel Edgerton have both gone on to have successful careers in Hollywood. The actress appeared in movies like Kate, 10 Cloverfield Lane, and Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey. Joel Edgerton starred in The Stranger, Red Sparrow, The Gift, and more.
