Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Longstreet
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gory fear fest is a classic the faint-hearted should skip.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 22 parent reviews
Parents say that this film is a classic in the horror genre, notable for its groundbreaking practical effects and intense narrative, albeit featuring significant violence and gore that may not suit all viewers. While some found the film campy and not particularly scary, many praised its psychological depth and tension, making it an engaging experience for horror fans despite its age and outdated effects.
- classic horror
- intense narrative
- significant violence
- practical effects
- psychological depth
- campy elements
Summarized with AI
Based on 96 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a classic horror film that excels in atmosphere, suspense, and practical effects, yet it is highly criticized for its significant gore and disturbing imagery, which may not be suitable for younger audiences. While some reviews suggest that older teens or mature viewers can handle it, many emphasize the extreme violence, including scenes of animal harm and grotesque transformations that might be unsettling.
- intense gore
- disturbing violence
- practical effects
- suspenseful atmosphere
- suitable for mature viewers
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Isolated in Antarctica, the scientists in a research facility are under assault from alien creatures released after a long burial in the icy terrain. As one by one, the men meet horrific ends, it's an increasingly terrifying and violent battle for survival.
Is It Any Good?
Made in 1982, before the explosion of digital filmmaking, this iconic combination of horror and science fiction is often considered a landmark achievement by famed horror director John Carpenter.
By today's standard, some of the grisly effects and the grotesque mounds of tentacles, teeth, and muscle that serve as the monster, seem oddly tame, though they would still be highly disturbing for kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the use of frequent use of violence and gore in this film. What do you think the filmmaker's purpose was?
Were the scariest moments because of onscreen mayhem or because of suspense-filled moments when you didn't know what was going to happen? Describe your feelings about and reactions to each type of "horror." Why do people like to be scared?
Did the ending surprise you? Did you find yourself projecting what might have happened afterwards? Is that projection a measure of a movie's success?
How does this version compare to the more modern one?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 25, 1982
- On DVD or streaming : September 25, 2011
- Cast : Keith David , Kurt Russell , Richard Dysart
- Director : John Carpenter
- Studio : Universal Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong, bloody violence and gore, grisly and disturbing images, some language and drug use
- Last updated : March 20, 2026
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