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Last night I saw the 9pm showing of Eight Legged Freaks and I must say that I am impressed. After some brilliant XXX and Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions trailers, the film began.
The basic story is this - after a lorry, carrying hazardous chemicals swerves to avoid a cat, its contents are thrown into the nearby river, where they contaminate everything in it. There is a man called Josh who runs a spider farm nearby, and uses crickets from the river to feed to the spiders. These chemically-altered crickets are like steroids for the spiders and soon everything gets out of control, with spiders the size of cars running around the town, with no link to the outside world, as you will see when you watch the film.
On a first mention is that there's a lot of black humour in here. Whilst a lot of it is welcome (like Doug E. Doug's various cracks), some of it is just too good to be true:
"Shall we run?"
"Yeah, I think we should..."
Anywho, it makes the film a step more light-hearted in its approach, though. The acting wasn't really a question. As the storyline was unbelievable, the acting too a nosedive with it, in that there was nothing special, not that I expected anything more than decent. To be honest though, acting wasn't really an issue, as you'll be captivated by the special effects. However, Scott Terra put up a decent performance as the too-intelligent Mike.
I found it quite corny how the plot unfolded as you went along, with one memorable line:
"Remember? You left 10 years ago, after your father died."
Despite the above the gripes, there were some very gripping and intense scenes in tow, namely the biker-attack scene, and the humor and rock soundtrack all added too nicely.
Now let's talk about the spiders and the CGI. Obviously, at the start when the spiders are regular size, there's nothing out of the ordinary, but when you get a spider the size of a one-person apartment, then things really get catastrophic. Even though there is a massive size increase, it does the film justice, and doesn't end up looking stupid, like has happened with many CGI-part horror films. At some times (especially when they bleed) it does look CGI-animated, but most of the time (as most of the film is at night), they look ever-so-realistic.
The ending is believable, although unoriginal. Well, I'd rather have the ending we had than Evolution or something. Ah well, I give it:
9/10 - Very good. I'll be getting it on DVD. Does anyone know when XXX is coming out for definite? Or is it out?
The basic story is this - after a lorry, carrying hazardous chemicals swerves to avoid a cat, its contents are thrown into the nearby river, where they contaminate everything in it. There is a man called Josh who runs a spider farm nearby, and uses crickets from the river to feed to the spiders. These chemically-altered crickets are like steroids for the spiders and soon everything gets out of control, with spiders the size of cars running around the town, with no link to the outside world, as you will see when you watch the film.
On a first mention is that there's a lot of black humour in here. Whilst a lot of it is welcome (like Doug E. Doug's various cracks), some of it is just too good to be true:
"Shall we run?"
"Yeah, I think we should..."
Anywho, it makes the film a step more light-hearted in its approach, though. The acting wasn't really a question. As the storyline was unbelievable, the acting too a nosedive with it, in that there was nothing special, not that I expected anything more than decent. To be honest though, acting wasn't really an issue, as you'll be captivated by the special effects. However, Scott Terra put up a decent performance as the too-intelligent Mike.
I found it quite corny how the plot unfolded as you went along, with one memorable line:
"Remember? You left 10 years ago, after your father died."
Despite the above the gripes, there were some very gripping and intense scenes in tow, namely the biker-attack scene, and the humor and rock soundtrack all added too nicely.
Now let's talk about the spiders and the CGI. Obviously, at the start when the spiders are regular size, there's nothing out of the ordinary, but when you get a spider the size of a one-person apartment, then things really get catastrophic. Even though there is a massive size increase, it does the film justice, and doesn't end up looking stupid, like has happened with many CGI-part horror films. At some times (especially when they bleed) it does look CGI-animated, but most of the time (as most of the film is at night), they look ever-so-realistic.
The ending is believable, although unoriginal. Well, I'd rather have the ending we had than Evolution or something. Ah well, I give it:
9/10 - Very good. I'll be getting it on DVD. Does anyone know when XXX is coming out for definite? Or is it out?
Page:
8 legged freaks. No I’m not talking about your hallucinations on a drowsy Friday night, I’m talking about big giant spiders. At first I was apprehensive about approaching this film. I didn’t know what to expect, of course I knew there’d be spiders everywhere, multiplying in there dozens, but I also expected a whole bucket-full of blood and guts. So to my surprise, I sat down in the cinema munching on my popcorn the screen said the film was 12.
With this in mind I didn’t expect much of a bloodbath (which is what I came for), I expected a more in-depth plot. I didn’t get that either. So what did happen? Here’s where you find out.
The plot begins in typical fashion, slow drab and to be brutally honest a complete drag. In fact I was in my right mind to go get a refund. In hindsight, that was just me being silly, the beginning is all about character development, we see Sheriff Sam Parker (Kari Wuhrer) take up the lead role, her son Mike (Scott Terra), is the typical know it all kid who features prominently and has a key role in explaining the spider’s attributes. Harlan Griffith (Doug.E Doug) has the best parts, taking up the role of a stereotypical hippy come eco-warrior, and really exaggerating his role- using his radio station to pronounce the ending of the world, and such-like.
The film is jam-packed with throwaway comedy moments. One example is when a plastic man figure falling into the lap of a female figure. There’s even a reference to Spiderman: “Wow look, it’s a Spider…man”. But the funny thing Is, I can remember laughing at, at least 10 times, yet a cant quite put my finger on these comedy moments.
The story behind the spiders evolving is surprisingly plausible. The actual spiders themselves look very authentic, thanks to the visual effects being conceived and rendered by CFG. However there are only 4 variety of spiders featured. The jumping spider being the most prominent out of the bunch. There are also a couple of others, perhaps there could have been more. But undoubtedly the most spectacular of the lot is the mammoth giant tarantula. Even the thought of it makes me cringe; I wouldn’t like to meet him in a dark alley….or for that matter anywhere.
Blood and guts doesn’t feature very heavily in the film, we as an audience, never actual see any killings, just little snippets. This perhaps is the reason behind the film being rated a 12. Despite this there are still many hair-raising moments. Namely when the suspension reaches a high-point and suddenly a giant spider leaps full throttle at the screen.
So what category does the film come under? Good question really, it contains love scenes, horror scenes and even to a certain extent, comedy scenes. I think it’s safe to say it’s a thriller of some sort. The ending to the film, is by no means a let down, and throws open the option of having a sequel.
Even though the title may not be appealing to most I seriously recommend giving this film at least a video rent when It comes out on VHS. If your looking for an all out bloodbath then think again, but if your looking for a solid all round film then this is for you. Personally, on one hand I like the film, spectacular visuals, and surprisingly plausible plot, and good characters. On the other hand, it’s a little short and the ending is a little cheesy.
I just get the feeling that this movie will be shown on one of those 9 o’clock channel 5 films in the future. Shame really….
-------------------------------------
As you can see i planned to post this today....looks like you beat me to it.
With this in mind I didn’t expect much of a bloodbath (which is what I came for), I expected a more in-depth plot. I didn’t get that either. So what did happen? Here’s where you find out.
The plot begins in typical fashion, slow drab and to be brutally honest a complete drag. In fact I was in my right mind to go get a refund. In hindsight, that was just me being silly, the beginning is all about character development, we see Sheriff Sam Parker (Kari Wuhrer) take up the lead role, her son Mike (Scott Terra), is the typical know it all kid who features prominently and has a key role in explaining the spider’s attributes. Harlan Griffith (Doug.E Doug) has the best parts, taking up the role of a stereotypical hippy come eco-warrior, and really exaggerating his role- using his radio station to pronounce the ending of the world, and such-like.
The film is jam-packed with throwaway comedy moments. One example is when a plastic man figure falling into the lap of a female figure. There’s even a reference to Spiderman: “Wow look, it’s a Spider…man”. But the funny thing Is, I can remember laughing at, at least 10 times, yet a cant quite put my finger on these comedy moments.
The story behind the spiders evolving is surprisingly plausible. The actual spiders themselves look very authentic, thanks to the visual effects being conceived and rendered by CFG. However there are only 4 variety of spiders featured. The jumping spider being the most prominent out of the bunch. There are also a couple of others, perhaps there could have been more. But undoubtedly the most spectacular of the lot is the mammoth giant tarantula. Even the thought of it makes me cringe; I wouldn’t like to meet him in a dark alley….or for that matter anywhere.
Blood and guts doesn’t feature very heavily in the film, we as an audience, never actual see any killings, just little snippets. This perhaps is the reason behind the film being rated a 12. Despite this there are still many hair-raising moments. Namely when the suspension reaches a high-point and suddenly a giant spider leaps full throttle at the screen.
So what category does the film come under? Good question really, it contains love scenes, horror scenes and even to a certain extent, comedy scenes. I think it’s safe to say it’s a thriller of some sort. The ending to the film, is by no means a let down, and throws open the option of having a sequel.
Even though the title may not be appealing to most I seriously recommend giving this film at least a video rent when It comes out on VHS. If your looking for an all out bloodbath then think again, but if your looking for a solid all round film then this is for you. Personally, on one hand I like the film, spectacular visuals, and surprisingly plausible plot, and good characters. On the other hand, it’s a little short and the ending is a little cheesy.
I just get the feeling that this movie will be shown on one of those 9 o’clock channel 5 films in the future. Shame really….
-------------------------------------
As you can see i planned to post this today....looks like you beat me to it.
Yes, I admit I am scared of spiders.
I don't mind small spiders its just big ones with fat bodies and really long hairy legs.
Ick ick ick!
I don't mind small spiders its just big ones with fat bodies and really long hairy legs.
Ick ick ick!
No frikken way am I going to see a film about Spiders the size of cars.
Specially as they'll be even bigger on a cinema screen.
Just seeing the bit on the trailer where the old guy sitting down and this huge mother funker slowly comes up behind him creeps me out.
*Shudders*
No.Way.
Specially as they'll be even bigger on a cinema screen.
Just seeing the bit on the trailer where the old guy sitting down and this huge mother funker slowly comes up behind him creeps me out.
*Shudders*
No.Way.
Last night I saw the 9pm showing of Eight Legged Freaks and I must say that I am impressed. After some brilliant XXX and Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions trailers, the film began.
The basic story is this - after a lorry, carrying hazardous chemicals swerves to avoid a cat, its contents are thrown into the nearby river, where they contaminate everything in it. There is a man called Josh who runs a spider farm nearby, and uses crickets from the river to feed to the spiders. These chemically-altered crickets are like steroids for the spiders and soon everything gets out of control, with spiders the size of cars running around the town, with no link to the outside world, as you will see when you watch the film.
On a first mention is that there's a lot of black humour in here. Whilst a lot of it is welcome (like Doug E. Doug's various cracks), some of it is just too good to be true:
"Shall we run?"
"Yeah, I think we should..."
Anywho, it makes the film a step more light-hearted in its approach, though. The acting wasn't really a question. As the storyline was unbelievable, the acting too a nosedive with it, in that there was nothing special, not that I expected anything more than decent. To be honest though, acting wasn't really an issue, as you'll be captivated by the special effects. However, Scott Terra put up a decent performance as the too-intelligent Mike.
I found it quite corny how the plot unfolded as you went along, with one memorable line:
"Remember? You left 10 years ago, after your father died."
Despite the above the gripes, there were some very gripping and intense scenes in tow, namely the biker-attack scene, and the humor and rock soundtrack all added too nicely.
Now let's talk about the spiders and the CGI. Obviously, at the start when the spiders are regular size, there's nothing out of the ordinary, but when you get a spider the size of a one-person apartment, then things really get catastrophic. Even though there is a massive size increase, it does the film justice, and doesn't end up looking stupid, like has happened with many CGI-part horror films. At some times (especially when they bleed) it does look CGI-animated, but most of the time (as most of the film is at night), they look ever-so-realistic.
The ending is believable, although unoriginal. Well, I'd rather have the ending we had than Evolution or something. Ah well, I give it:
9/10 - Very good. I'll be getting it on DVD. Does anyone know when XXX is coming out for definite? Or is it out?
The basic story is this - after a lorry, carrying hazardous chemicals swerves to avoid a cat, its contents are thrown into the nearby river, where they contaminate everything in it. There is a man called Josh who runs a spider farm nearby, and uses crickets from the river to feed to the spiders. These chemically-altered crickets are like steroids for the spiders and soon everything gets out of control, with spiders the size of cars running around the town, with no link to the outside world, as you will see when you watch the film.
On a first mention is that there's a lot of black humour in here. Whilst a lot of it is welcome (like Doug E. Doug's various cracks), some of it is just too good to be true:
"Shall we run?"
"Yeah, I think we should..."
Anywho, it makes the film a step more light-hearted in its approach, though. The acting wasn't really a question. As the storyline was unbelievable, the acting too a nosedive with it, in that there was nothing special, not that I expected anything more than decent. To be honest though, acting wasn't really an issue, as you'll be captivated by the special effects. However, Scott Terra put up a decent performance as the too-intelligent Mike.
I found it quite corny how the plot unfolded as you went along, with one memorable line:
"Remember? You left 10 years ago, after your father died."
Despite the above the gripes, there were some very gripping and intense scenes in tow, namely the biker-attack scene, and the humor and rock soundtrack all added too nicely.
Now let's talk about the spiders and the CGI. Obviously, at the start when the spiders are regular size, there's nothing out of the ordinary, but when you get a spider the size of a one-person apartment, then things really get catastrophic. Even though there is a massive size increase, it does the film justice, and doesn't end up looking stupid, like has happened with many CGI-part horror films. At some times (especially when they bleed) it does look CGI-animated, but most of the time (as most of the film is at night), they look ever-so-realistic.
The ending is believable, although unoriginal. Well, I'd rather have the ending we had than Evolution or something. Ah well, I give it:
9/10 - Very good. I'll be getting it on DVD. Does anyone know when XXX is coming out for definite? Or is it out?
Page: