romneymeredith
Remember all those unfunny people you've met in your lifetime who genuinely thought they were funny even though no one else did and were never even aware of it? Well, they apparently got together and made this movie with just lousy dialogue and characterizations, plus a magnified tarantula superimposed in scenes and an obviously fake spider head for close-ups. I thought the 1977 'The Crater Lake Monster' was one of the worst movies I'd ever seen but this movie effortlessly edged ahead of that one. They simply try to hard to parody the subject and the 50s and it just doesn't work, unless of course their intent was to make as horrible a movie as the ones they're referencing.Save your brain cells and give this one a huge pass - the 'star' rating that is 6+ is obviously manipulated and is not reflective of the quality of this movie - you surely have the film makers, their friends and their relatives to thank for that slanted score.
Leofwine_draca
The main problem I have with these indie throwback tributes to the 1950s monster movie genre is that I'd much rather be watching one of the original productions rather than an indie with a struggling budget trying to do justice to the genre. That's the case with THE GIANT SPIDER, a virtual reworking of TARANTULA with some surprisingly decent, lo-fi special effects. The whole thing is shot in black and white and certainly looks the part, but the script is sub par and I found the forced humour to be unfunny; I'd much rather they simply played it straight.
Mooncalf
The acting is mediocre at best. The special effects are of varied quality. Actually, the spider scenes are for the most part handled rather well. The stock footage is horribly obvious. As for the writing and directing, well, let's just say that Chris Mihm need not worry about being nominated for any Oscar.It's quite obvious that this is a very low budget independent movie.But... it's all done with a great deal of love for the fifties "big bug" movies that it pays tribute to. If it was any slicker it just wouldn't be as much fun as it is.If you like these old films, you'll probably love The Giant Spider. I know I did.
tdlssc
The is the 8th movie made my Christopher R. Mihm, all of which pay loving homage to those wonderful B 'monster' movies of the 1950's. Well, except one which is really a murder mystery. If you love watching Them or Robot Monster, seeing actors like John Agar and Richard Carlson on the screen, being amazed at the world of 50's style special effects (only better I think), you can't help but love Mr. Mihm's movies. The Giant Spider is his best one yet! There is drama, humor, action, love and thrills to satisfy all. It is obvious that everyone involved with the making of this movies truly loves what they are doing. Be prepared to laugh out loud, to cringe in 'fear', and to just enjoy a little over an hour of fun!!!!! This is a must see!
AD
