[Goodman] is a quiet hoot, fancying himself as the last samurai in the battle against bugs. His performance takes the edge off the horror and makes ''Arachnophobia'' palatable for people of all ages.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 7, 2021

The dexterity of the spiders as they merrily look for their prey is matched by the dexterity of Frank Marshall's direction in its nimbleness and sense of fun.

| Jan 11, 2020

Frank Marshall's sophisticated feature directing debut never indulges in ultimate gross-out effects and carefully chooses both its victims and its means of depicting their dispatch.

| Mar 26, 2009

First-time director Frank Marshall has long been Steven Spielberg's producer, and he's learned the master's lessons well.

| Apr 7, 2008

Designed to reduce the audience to a squirming mass, the film yields plenty of grisly pleasures.

| Jun 24, 2006

That sound you hear in the background is the ''ugh!'' heard round the world. Luckily, ''Arachnophobia'' will also be generating its share of boisterous, nervous laughter.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | May 20, 2003

It's a one-joke movie, a funhouse ride, the cinematic equivalent of having a rubber spider thrown in your lap. But it doesn't matter if you reject the wispy script or the plot, which has as much substance as a spider's web; you'll jump every time.

| Jan 1, 2000

Frank Marshall, a constant Spielberg collaborator, makes his directorial debut in this genial horror movie, a sweet infestation that creeps and crawls but wouldn't scare anybody.

| Jan 1, 2000

Directing duties go to Frank Marshall who makes a brilliant debut, effectively weaving together thrills and humour in equal measure.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 1, 2000

This is the kind of movie where you squirm out of enjoyment, not terror, and it's probably going to be popular with younger audiences - it doesn't pound you over the head with violence.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 1, 2000

Be assured that the Empire representative from the arachnophobes' ranks not only willingly sat through the entire movie, but declared it an exciting and thoroughly enjoyable, experience.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 1, 2000

It gives you the willies in a cheery, presentable way.

| Original Score: B+ | Jul 18, 1990