A nomadic drifter discovers a box of sunglasses which have the ability to expose the ruling class for who they really are- greedy, power-hungry aliens. He sets out to expose the truth to everyone else.

Sometimes you realise how brilliant a movie is during your first viewing of it. This was what I got from watching They Live on VHS when I rented it for the first time. Carpenter’s take on Reaganomics is witty, surreal, action-packed and very perceptive.

Also, who knew that WWE star ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper would be so great in the leading role?

Featuring quite possibly the greatest fight scene in film history (if you know, you know), some of the best dialogue (the ‘bubblegum’ line is still sheer genius and was apparently ad-libbed by Piper) and a perceptive take on the haves and have nots (did David Icke see this film and substitute aliens for lizards?!) and you have one hell of a wild ride.

It was also a hit at the box office. Another great entry in a largely brilliant filmography.

4.5 out of 5 stars