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(on Wikipedia)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096256/
A down-and-out traveler discovers a pair of sunglasses which let him see through the illusions aliens have been using to control mankind.
With overtones of the manipulation of the everyman, I would easily put this movie in the same class as Nineteen Eighty-Four. However, the otherwise weighty impact is cushioned by comedy, great characters and a great story. Though old, this movie stands the test of time. Easily considered satirical-horror, there’s much more to it.
This is, in a sense, a bubblegum movie that delivers a subtler message. It tickles the viewer’s cognitive dissonance. Some viewers will easily “get it”, and some will merely find it entertaining. I hope those between those two groups will be particularly intrigued.
Mandatory viewing.
- Based on Eight O’Clock in the Morning – (1963 short story) by Ray Nelson (archived)
- See also fnord
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They Live has concepts found in Buckaroo Banzai – (1984 movie).

- 2014-07-19
- 2007-06-30
- 2005-12-25
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Seen before, maybe more than once; no notes were taken.
2014-07-19 ∞
- 42:40 — The sound of breaking glass precedes the shot.
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1:18:00 — There’s no way in hell they would walk into that room.
2007-06-30 ∞
The magazine he picks up:
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34:30 —
Obey (cover)
Stay asleep – Obey
Buy – Do not question authority
Watch T.V. – No imagination
Honor Apathy (back cover)
2005-12-25 ∞
- (time?) — Meg Foster, the gal who plays “Holly Thompson” is one uuugly woman. God I hate those eyes.
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11:50 — Has a “TV hacker”, which is a concept used elsewhere in other movies and TV shows:
- “Eyes only” in Dark Angel – (2000 show).
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41:30 — I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass. And I’m all out of bubblegum.
The dude with the watch dealie was also in Starman – (1984 movie).


Found notes from 2014-07-19.
Pushed the date back to its earliest note.
I don’t know why the image doesn’t show, but I’ll upload it.