They Live - Underrated or Just Weird?

Okay, so I finally got around to watching 'They Live' after seeing it pop up on a bunch of '80s sci-fi lists. Honestly? I'm still processing. The whole concept is wild – aliens controlling us through subliminal messages we can only see with special sunglasses. It's out there, for sure. I will say, Roddy Piper, bless his heart, commits to the role of Nada completely. He sells the confusion and growing rage really well. Like, you feel his frustration when he first puts on the glasses and the world just flips on its head. And that fight scene! The one with Keith David in the alley? Holy cow, that went on forever! Apparently, they really didn't want to fake it much, and you can tell, lol. Very raw and brutal. I do feel like the movie kinda loses some steam in the second half? Once he's fully on board with the rebellion, it feels like it's just building to the broadcast signal shutdown. But I still think it made me think. It's hard to say if 'They Live' is "good," exactly. It's definitely...memorable. I did some research and turns out the director is John Carpenter? That tracks. His style is weird, but I kinda dig it. It's got this low-budget, gritty feel that somehow works. I think the performances make it watchable more than anything. The story is a bit messy, but the way the actors play it is good. I think I'm more intrigued than blown away, if that makes sense? I'm keen to know what others think about this one. Anyone else feel like it's a little heavy-handed with the commentary, or is that just me? Also, did anyone else find the special effects pretty bad even for the 80s?