"Arachnophobia" Talkback (Spoilers)

[Michael24]

Eight legs, two fangs and an attitude.



"Spiders would find your barn a tad breazy this time of year. In that respect, spiders are a bit like you and me. No, I frankly doubt there are any spiders in your barn." - Delbert McClintock

Release Date: July 18, 1990
Studio: Hollywood Pictures
Director: Frank Marshall
Starring: Jeff Daniels, Harley Jane Kozak, John Goodman, Julian Sands, Brian McNamara, Mark L. Taylor.

Plot Summary: A deadly spider from the jungles of South America is accidentally transported to the United States with the body of its victim. Before long it makes a home in the barn of a small town's new doctor, Ross Jennings (Daniels). After mating with a local spider, thousands of its lethal off spring begin to run throughout the town, causing a wave of sudden deaths. Teaming up with the local pest exterminator, Delbert McClintock (Goodman), and entomologist Dr. James Atherton (Sands), Jennings finds himself dealing with his ultimate fear as he races to save his town.

Comments?

This month marks the film's 20th anniversary, so here's a talkback.

[Gokou Ruri]

The film that made me hate spiders even more when I watched it as a kid.

[King_of_doom]

I remember watching this when i was a kid and enjoyed it, always had this crazy idea if i see a spider in my house and bite me i will die so i avoided any kind of spiders by watching this movie lol. Right now i'm watching the movie.

[Peter Paltridge]

This is a movie I've never watched and never will, but if you can believe it, it cost us a Roger Rabbit sequel (until recently).

Spielberg wanted an RR short before this film (why, I have no idea) and Disney wanted it before Dick Tracy, and Disney won the fight, so Mr. S refused to approve any and all sequel ideas in protest.

[Michael24]

Oddly enough, this movie creeps me out more nowadays than it ever did as a kid. Those spiders are just plain creepy-looking.

I always saw this as the Jaws of spider movies. Apparently it's considered a horror-comedy, but I never got that. Sure, there are some funny lines, but I never really saw it as "comedy" per se. Anyway, I really like it. John Goodman is a hoot as Delbert, and I always liked Julian Sands' Dr. Atherton. (I always get mad when his character bites it.) The finale when the spiders finally invade Jennings' home is exciting, especially the "final battle" in the basement between Jennings and the general. I would definitely welcome a "Special Edition" DVD.

Spielberg wanted an RR short before this film (why, I have no idea) and Disney wanted it before Dick Tracy, and Disney won the fight, so Mr. S refused to approve any and all sequel ideas in protest.

Never heard that before, but I agree, it seems a weird choice to pair with a Roger Rabbit short.

[Zorak Masaki]

Oddly enough, this movie creeps me out more nowadays than it ever did as a kid. Those spiders are just plain creepy-looking.

I always saw this as the Jaws of spider movies. Apparently it's considered a horror-comedy, but I never got that. Sure, there are some funny lines, but I never really saw it as "comedy" per se.
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You can blame that on the marketing. They focused on John Goodman's character, and since he was mainly seen as a comedic actor everyone thought it was going to be a goofy, family-friendly comedy.

[Michael24]

Oh, man, you're not kidding! I just watched the trailer, which I'd never seen before. The music, the scenes they used; it did make it look like a comedy more than anything else. Obviously it's not a full-on, out-and-out horror flick, but I guess this was one of those movies where the studio wasn't sure what to make of the final results.

[Marvin Tikvah]

The film that made me hate spiders even more when I watched it as a kid.

Same feelings here. It gave me an intense hatred of spiders that persists even now when I'm well aware the most common ones aren't that dangerous. Same for that movie with killer bees who's title escapes me now.

[Kevin the Geek]

Since this thread is up, I'll just say that I currently have this movie in my Netflix queue, and I might see it sometime soon.

It sounds like a good movie, since I like movies with killer critters.