Review of Tarântula (2015) by Ryan Z — 09 Aug 2007

I love love LOVE the classic Big Bug Era (1954-1960). I consider myself an expert on the sub-subgenre, going so far as to write a 17-page research paper on it for a Cinema History class...without any research.

All from my noggin! Chicks dig it! Jack Arnold's Tarantula is probably my favorite of the era. Hitchcock staple Leo Carroll creates a nutrient that will grow live stock to huge proportions, thus making it easier to fight world hunger.

It also causes agromegaly in humans. John Agar plays a doctor investigating the mysterious, deformed bodies that start popping up. In the midst of all this, a nutrient-fed tarantula gets loose, grows to be fucking ENORMOUS, and starts eating everyone.

Clifford Stine's special photographic effects are impressive enough, and the performances suitably campy. Finally on DVD as part of Universal's Classic Sci-Fi Ultimate Collection, released in 2006.

Clint Eastwood plays an uncredited fighter pilot who finally destroys the beast with napalm!