This 2001 remake of the 1958 AIP original is one of five direct-to-video releases from "Creature Features", a company headed by effects maestro Stan Winston, who remade a handful of 50's Samuel Z. Arkoff horror flicks.

When the comic book opening credits roll you know you're in for a lightweight horror/sci-fi flick and this doesn't disappoint in that area. Devon Gummersall is a comic book geek who works as a security guard at Biochemco, a local experimental lab that's injecting tarantulas with a weird substance. During a break-in by some thugs Gummersall is injected with the serum that proceeds to slowly turn him into a spider monster that can shoot a web from its abdomen, has super strength and leap very long distances.

Playing almost like a superhero movie (visions of Spider-Man will fill your head while you're watching this) this is an acceptable time that's watchable, entertaining and has above average effects. Gummersall does fine in his role, there's a cool scene where he hurls a mugger down a hallway and through a door, the "leg sprout" moment kicks ass and John Cho amuses as an Asian comic book store owner. Too bad that the finale is pretty weak.

Directed By: Scott Ziehl.
Written By: Annie de Young, Max Enscoe, Chuck Konzelman, Cary Solomon.

Starring: Dan Aykroyd, Amelia Heinle, Devon Gummersall, Christopher Cousins.