Leofwine_draca BIG ASS SPIDER! is a giant spider comedy/horror spoof following in the tradition of other arachnid comedies like EIGHT-LEGGED FREAKS. This one's an unashamed B-movie, gently riffing on genre conventions while playing out exactly the same as you'd expect, although it's noticeably more comedic than something The Asylum would churn out.It was the comedic nature of this film that I wasn't really a fan of. If the comedy had been a little less over the top and the performances a little less theatrical then I would have enjoyed it more, but as it stands this goes way over the top in its attempts to be goofy. The central exterminator duo are particularly testing and unfortunately dragged the entertainment value right down for me. They just didn't appeal and their jokes felt stale and repetitive.It's a shame, as BIG ASS SPIDER! boasts some very impressive CGI effects, which are a lot better than in similar fare put out by the SyFy Channel or The Asylum. Plus, the excellent Korean monster flick THE HOST appears to have been an inspiration here, particularly in a set-piece sequence where the giant spider rampages in the park which plays out almost exactly the same as in that movie. It's the highlight of an otherwise mediocre outing.

jimevarts The main character lacks some of the swagger of Bruce Campbell, but is still recklessly brave both when fighting spiders and hitting on women. His sidekick is hilarious and the two act inappropriately playful as they are nearly killed over and over. The best part of this silly film is the interaction between these two. The rest is (parodic?) science fiction tropes: the military taking over without explanation, the refusal to warn the public to avoid panic, the spider's screaming sounds, the ineffectiveness of the military weapons, the actions of the main players, etc. This could be any giant monster movie, except for the clever hero and sidekick bits. And there are a few funny news flashes that are fun. Don't get me wrong, it's very entertaining. I laughed and hooted quite a few times. What this has over syfy camp like Sharknado and Megashark vs Giant Octupus is that the characters in this movie are funnier and more self-aware a la Bruce Campbell, as opposed to the chest- thumping macho drones and generic screaming ladies in the syfy movies.

TheLittleSongbird Big Ass Spider/Mega Spider could have gone either way. It could have been cheap, terribly written and acted and amateurish or it could have been entertaining and likable with a sense that it knows what it wants to be and who it's aimed at. Thankfully while it does have a fair share of flaws Big Ass Spider/Mega Spider belongs in the latter category. The locations are splendidly colourful and atmospheric and the movie is well shot and reasonably edited as well as efficiently and confidently directed. The spider however is a little inconsistent, never terrible but never exceptional at the same time, at points it's menacing and well-designed and at other points it's rather goofy-looking and over-proportioned for an intentionally huge spider. It does at least have a personality and is well used. The music has the right amount of groove and eeriness without feeling out of place and the movie is better than expected in terms of writing. A lot of the supporting cast have very little to do but the writing for Alex and Jose is brilliant, from the hilarious snappy banter to the endearing tongue-in-cheek humour, if there was a choice who fared a little better than the other it would be Jose. The story admittedly does next to nothing new with the concept it has and it is very stretched out in places but it avoids being too campy and it takes an earnest approach without taking it too seriously, considering the concept that is difficult to pull off and the movie makes a decent crack at it. It's never scary but there are some inventive and suspenseful attacks that stops Big Ass Spider/Mega Spider from being too much of one tone, and as acknowledged early on in the review the movie does know who its audience is and what tone it's trying to take, never trying to take on too many ideas or be too simplistic. The characters are a mixed bag, Alex and Jose carry the movie wonderfully and are likable but a lot of the rest of the characters are one-dimensional and annoying. Likewise with the cast, with the best being the likable if goofy Greg Grunberg and the often hysterical Lombardo Boyer. Lin Shaye is amusing if occasionally wooden and Ray Wise is also good. Clare Kramer is laughably bad however with her change from cold to damsel far too sudden while the rest of the cast do nothing with their already thinly-sketched characters and that's including the underused Patrick Bauchau. The ending takes ridiculous to a whole new level as well. In conclusion, not great but still a lot of fun. Oh and the intro is wonderful. 6/10 Bethany Cox

Derek Day I will keep this review short but sweet. This movie was cheesy as to be expected by the title, but it was hilarious and entertaining. The acting was on point, with many funny one liners, as well as some serious lines. Several well know actors... The exterminator and his security guard side kick volunteer Jose, provide plenty of laughs. Solid family entertainment. It's a Horror – Comedy that keeps your engaged. The CGI special effects were pretty good too. When you know what to expect from Big Ass Spider you should be pleased. It is what it is. The movie is a comedy/horror, campy type movie. Lots of laughs and a few creepy startling moments as well. I recommend the movie Big Ass Spider!