1. Arachnophobia (1990)

• Director: Frank Marshall
• With: Jeff Daniels, Julian Sands, John Goodman, Harley Jane Kozak, Stuart Pankin, Brian McNamara, Henry Jones, Peter Jason, Mark L. Taylor, Roy Brocksmith, Mary Carver
• Music by: Trevor Jones
• Duration: 1h49
• Studio: Amblin Entertainment
• Rating: 8,5/10

Synopsis:

A large spider from the jungles of South America is accidentally transported in a crate with a dead body to America where it mates with a local spider. Soon after, the residents of a small California town disappear as the result of spider bites from the deadly spider offspring. It’s up to a couple of doctors aided by an insect exterminator to annihilate these eight-legged freaks before they take over the entire town.

Review:

To start these two reviews I just want to get it out: I’m a serious arachnophobic. There, now you know! My fear of spiders is huge, I hate the creatures, I hate the eight legged… you get me…

And still, I love these two movies!

Starting off with Arachnophobia, this one gives me the creeps and that makes it a great horror movie. I’m not easily creeped out so rewatching this (anytime I do) I sit there watching holding my cushion and shiver whenever the beasts are on screen, even though I know they can’t get to me… (yeah even in real life, I am told many times before they are more scared of me than I am of them but whatever man… fear is irrational so 🤷‍♂️)

It’s just great fun, a town overrun by a new deadly species of spiders, killing off some of its inhabitants and a new doctor in town who has the same fear as I do, who has to battle the critters. Facing ones fear, that’s called!

I think I saw a remake is on its way. Not that I’ve been wanting one but maybe it could be great to see what modern day will do with a new species of arachnid.

Watch with one eye closed and beware when you eat cereals or popcorn, is all I’m saying. 🤭

2. Eight Legged Freaks (Arac Attack) (2002)

• Director: Ellory Elkayem
• With: David Arquette, Kari Wuhrer, Scott Terra, Scarlet Johansson, Doug E. Doug, Rick Overton, Leon Rippy, Matt Czuchry, Eileen Ryan
• Music by: John Ottman
• Duration: 1h39
• Studio: Warner Bros
• Rating: 8/10

Synopsis:

After a long absence, Chris McCormick returns to his quiet hometown of Prosperity, Arizona, to reopen his late father’s mines. However, a chemical spill and lethal toxic waste have created an unstoppable army of giant spiders who prey on the unsuspecting locals, turning Prosperity into an endless buffet. Now, it’s up to Chris; Sheriff Sam Parker; her son Mike; Sam’s plucky daughter, Ashley; the conspiracy theorist, Harlan, and a handful of survivors to stop the hairy menace, and save the town. But, who can stand in the way of the disgusting eight-legged freaks?

Review:

This movie never pretends to be a hotshot big blockbuster movie but has all the elements and panache of a B-movie like they made them in the fifties and sixties. The spiders are clearly CGI but no one cares because this movie is all about its overexaggerated portrayal of these animals. They are fun and funny (the noises they make 🤣) and every time they appear onscreen you can hear tones of the ‘Itsy Bitsy Spider’ song.

I remember watching this in theatres (yes, knowing I’d get myself into trouble afterwards, dreaming about those ugly ass creatures) and coming out of the cinema with a huge smile on my face. Who knew, spiders made me laugh. The same thing happened now that I rewatched it so it can still do that.

There’s so many funny scenes but also errors in the movie but who gives a damn, as I said it doesn’t pretend to be thé perfect Hollywood movie.

Just remember they can sense vibrations so now walking and no talking… remain seated… although even then you might not be safe. 🤣 🕷️