They Live (1988)

This week we delve into Carpenter’s politically charged sci-fi/action film that not-so-subtly critiques the dangerous effects of blind consumerism during the the 80s era of Reaganomics. Starring WWF superstar Rowdy Roddy Piper as “Nada”, a vagabond who discovers a pair of sunglasses that allows him to see the human race is subservient to a ruling class of blue aliens hiding in plain sight. Combine that with, at the time, the longest on screen fistfight in cinema history, legendary one-liners, and a dynamic chemistry between Piper and journeyman actor Keith David, and you get a cult classic. Make sure to stick around until the end of the episode to hear us discuss this week’s Mt. Rushmore: best professional wrestler turned actor. Director: John Carpenter Starring: Rowdy Roddy Piper, Keith David Host: Jordan Jones, Mark Nussle, Cameron Jones