My quick rating - 3.4/10. As long as it took to find the proper lengthed version of this flick, I really hope it is worth it. It is a low-budget horror flick that tries to blend elements of classic sci-fi horror but unfortunately falls short all over the place. The film centers around a group of scientists who stumble upon a meteor in the Arctic. One of them meets a gruesome end, while another gets infected, setting off a chain of events that leads to a nearby base taking in the survivors to investigate the incident. From here, the plot thickens as the survivor’s identity raises questions, echoing familiar themes we've seen before. The movie clearly draws inspiration from John Carpenter's The Thing, but it doesn't manage to capture the same tension or dread. The story is predictable, following a well-trodden path with few surprises along the way. The ending, intended to be shocking, comes off as silly and a bit of a letdown after the slow build-up. Vernon Wells is the only actor who stands out in the cast, delivering a passable performance that keeps the film somewhat watchable. Unfortunately, the rest of the cast falls flat, delivering performances that are just wooden and uninspired. The lack of strong acting further hampers the film's ability to create the necessary atmosphere of suspense and fear. Visually, the movie does have some redeeming qualities, with the Arctic setting providing a chilling backdrop that adds to the isolated and eerie mood. However, the special effects, especially when dealing with the alien infection, are hit or miss, with some scenes looking too amateurish to be taken seriously. In the end, this flick fails to rise above being just another B-movie horror. If you're a fan of the genre and enjoy films with an arctic setting, you might find some entertainment value here. However, for most, this film will likely be a forgettable experience, offering little in terms of originality or genuine scares. It isn't the worst Thing ripoff out there, but it doesn't bring anything new to the table. With flat acting, a predictable storyline, and a silly ending, it’s a film that struggles to leave a lasting impression. Fans of Vernon Wells might find it worth a watch, but for everyone else, this is one you can safely skip.
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