10 Most Unconvincing CGI Characters In Movie History

2. The Thing - The Thing (2011)

The Thing Proof perfect of the limited nature of visual effects, 2011's The Thing tried to justify its existence as a prequel to (but really a glorified remake of) the 1982 "original" (which was itself a remake of 1951's The Thing From Another World) by way of its supposedly advanced effects set-up. Though the recent take is thoroughly grotesque, it still lacks the soul of the '82 film, because we're always aware that we're watching something digital and fake. The above image, for instance, is an awkward mix of the real and the false, and is very clearly so, whereas the '82 film, using brilliant practical effects, was entirely more convincing. Though practical effects have their own series of limitations, their organic nature - as well as John Carpenter's infinitely superior directing job - makes us feel more immersed in the scene, and it's safe to say that not for a moment of 2011's effort did I feel the gut-wrenching anxiety that I do whenever I watch Carpenter's definitive version.
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Contributor

Frequently sleep-deprived film addict and video game obsessive who spends more time than is healthy in darkened London screening rooms. Follow his twitter on @ShaunMunroFilm or e-mail him at shaneo632 [at] gmail.com.