Scarlett Johansson’s Spider-Infested Horror Movie: An Underrated Gem
In 2002, Scarlett Johansson starred in Eight Legged Freaks, a horror movie that received negative reviews upon its initial release. However, the film has since become an underrated gem and a minor cult classic.
Johansson, who is now known for her roles in blockbusters like Avengers: Endgame and Oscar-winning dramas like Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit, appeared in a wide range of projects early in her career, including critically acclaimed films like Lost in Translation and Vicky Cristina Barcelona. She also starred in B-movies, such as this spider-infested horror film.
The movie follows a small mining town in Arizona, where toxic waste dumping causes spiders to grow to enormous size and become aggressive. The spiders begin to attack the residents, and a group of survivors must band together to stop the eight-legged menace. Despite its poor reputation, Eight Legged Freaks is a fun and entertaining monster movie.
Critics who panned the film likely did so without fully appreciating its campy charm. Eight Legged Freaks doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it takes itself seriously enough to be scary, with a nice balance of self-aware humor and genuine thrills. The movie has a grossed $45 million against a budget of $30 million, making it a modest commercial success.
Over time, Eight Legged Freaks has developed a cult following, particularly among those who grew up in the early 2000s. Its over-the-top acting, shaky special effects, and campy humor make it a quintessential representation of early-2000s creature features. For fans of B-movies and horror-comedies, Eight Legged Freaks is a must-see, offering a delightfully ridiculous and entertaining experience.
