Director: Frank Marshall
Writer: Don Jakoby, Wesley Strick (Screenplay) Don Jakoby, Al Williams (Story)
Starring: Jeff Daniels, Harley Jane Kozak, John Goodman, Julian Sands, Stuart Pankin, Brian McNamara, Mark L Taylor
Plot: A species of South American killer spider hitches a lift to the U.S. in a coffin and starts to breed and kill.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Fun Creature Feature
Story: Arachnophobia starts with Doctor Atherton (Sands) has he searches South America for a potential new species of bug or spider. When the expedition discovers a new spider it ends up being the photographer who gets bitten which the bite becomes deadly killing him instantly. The body just s happens to get flown back to America and this small town where one of the spiders catches a ride.
Next we meet the Jennings family Dr Ross (Daniels), Molly (Kozak) Tommy ad Shelly who are moving into a new house in the small town right next to where the spider gets lose. Dr Ross has moved down to get all the patients but the out going Doctor decides to postpone his retirement make the family move even more difficult. As time goes by the spider breeds with the local population and this small town starts to get over run with these killer spiders.
When one of the neighbours dies suddenly Ross’ time settling is has become difficult, with the out going doctor refuses to leave and even branding him for the death of his only patients. When the out going doctor dies of a spider bite Ross finally get the power he needs to investigate the mysterious deaths. Ross does his research getting Doctor Atherton to look into the deaths, exterminator Delbert McClintock (Goodman) could be the towns only hope from the problem.
Arachnophobia is what you always want to see when you hear the words creature features. It is filled with your generic characters that all make the story unfold easily, it fills the horror creature idea which is easy to do building the horror needed because everything comes off with the idea being simple with the addition of new species in a new environment. It is going to be 25 years old this year old and hasn’t aged a day. This will be a good story for any horror director to use that keeps everything simple showing how creature features should be done. (7/10)
Actor Review
Jeff Daniels: Dr Ross Jennings is the new doctor for the small town, he has a massive fear of spiders. He moves to the small town to take over the doctor surgery but when the out going doctor changes his mind, he ends up struggling to gain the patient list. After a couple of sudden deaths in the town he wants to investigate only to find out there is a new species of spider in the town and it is deadly. He must face his fears and win over the town from the deadly spiders. Jeff gives a good performance showing he has the comic ability without being a full comedy. (8/10)
Harley Jane Kozak: Molly Jennings is the wife of Ross who has given up her successful job to move to the country, she is the spider catcher in the house hold. Harley does a solid job in the supporting role but never seems to get enough screen time. (6/10)
John Goodman: Delbert McClintock is the town exterminator who gets bought into try and solve the problem, he is no nonsense and kind of enjoys killing any pests. John pretty much steals the show with his supporting role that is the funniest character in the film. (7/10)
Julian Sands: Doctor James Atherton is the scientist who discovers the spider in South America, he is studying the new species back home in America but unaware that one of the spiders escaped back with a dead body. He has to come to the small town to help figure out how to stop the spiders from taking over. Julian fills the smarter character role perfectly. (7/10)
Support Cast: Arachnophobia is filled with the generic towns people that all add to the overall story.
Director Review: Frank Marshall – Frank manages to give us a good creature feature that is filled with good tension. (7/10)
Comedy: Arachnophobia isn’t a full blown comedy but doesn’t take itself too serious. (7/10)
Horror: Arachnophobia puts our characters in a good horror situation where everything is coming up in everyday life. (7/10)
Thriller: Arachnophobia keeps us guessing about who will get killed next. (7/10)
Settings: Arachnophobia puts most of the action in a small town which helps show of the spread of the spiders will cause the problems. (9/10)
Suggestion: Arachnophobia is one for all the fans of the creature feature fans will enjoy. (Creature Feature Fans Watch)
Best Part: Final battle.
Worst Part: PG rating is the weakness.
Action Scene Of The Film: Ross v the King & Queen.
Funniest Scene: Most of Delbert’s scenes.
Believability: It could happen but not to this level. (5/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Box Office: $53 Million
Budget: $31 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 43 Minutes
Tagline: Eight legs, two fangs and an attitude.
Overall: This is pure creature feature fun that will keep you entertained throughout.
Rating
