John Carpenter’s Christine and They Live are both celebrating big anniversaries this year: for the former, it’s been 40 years since Carpenter’s Stephen King adaptation hit the big screen; for the latter, an incredible 35 years since Roddy Piper donned those reality-bending shades. And while it’s hard to believe it’s been that long since both films landed in theaters (were most of you even alive then?), it’s exciting to learn that both will be returning to the big screen to celebrate these milestones.
That’s right, folks: according to a new report over at Bloody Disgusting, Fathom Events is bringing both Christine and They Live back to theaters in September. Not only is this a great way to kick off Spooky Season ’23, but also an excellent opportunity for younger Carpenter fans to catch these classics on the big screen for the very first time (everyone in their mid to late ’40s is encouraged to enjoy the trip down memory lane).
They Live is up first, hitting theaters on September 3rd and September 6th (4PM and 7PM local showtimes are on offer). For those who’ve never seen this one, Roddy Piper stars as Nada, a drifter who discovers a pair of sunglasses which allow him to see the world the way it truly is for the very first time. The downside? Turns out the world’s governments and media are being controlled by sinister aliens, and only Nada and his sunglasses (and, okay, a smattering of violence) will be able to take them down.
Carpenter’s take on Stephen King’s Christine is up next, hitting theaters on September 10th and 13th (also with 4PM and 7PM local showtimes). Carpenter’s Christine is one of the better King adaptations, telling the story of a high school nerd, Arnie Cunningham (Keith Gordon) who comes into possession of the very evil, titular car. The more time Arnie spends with Christine, the more his personality changes … and the more dead bodies keep popping up all over town. How do you stop a killer car that can repair itself? Well, we don’t wanna spoil anything, but it involves a visit to a junkyard.
Tickets to both films and all of the screenings outlined above can be acquired via the Fathom Events site, or directly via the box office of whichever theater you like to call home. If you’ve never seen either of these movies (or have never seen them in a theater packed with Carpenter fans), we cannot recommend the experience enough! See you there?
