KINGDOM OF THE SPIDERS (1979)
In celebration of the release of the Special Edition DVD this month, I am now doing this review! I do not know if Mr. Shatner did this film before or after filming on STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE, but he should have stuck to TREK and left this alone to catch flies.
William Shatner plays a country veterinarian who is investigating mysterious deaths in farm animals only to discover they and the people in the town are being killed by vicious small tarantulas. But don’t let that stop you. The movie is not scary, nor is it cool to look at. The acting isn’t very good and Mr. Shatner doesn’t even get to ham it up for our amusement. He doesn’t get the chance.
Some things are completely unrealistic but not campy. Its like they were trying to make a serious movie and failed. And its twilight zone ending really was uninspired, with quite possibly the WORST matte painting I think I’ve ever seen.
Now, let it be known that I am a huge William Shatner fan. I honestly rented this only cause he was in it. It really wasn’t worth it. I’d recommend against ever seeing this. It is not as bad as some other films I’ve seen that make me want to bore my eyes out with a spoon, but its easily forgettable. And it loses extra points for actual onscreen deaths of animals and spider squashings. Luckily after this, the Shat stuck with TREK, TJ HOOKER and RESCUE 911.
GRADE: 1 Screaming Spider out of 5
For more from the author ADAM TALLEY, including a look at his independent comic book work, visit http://www.idiothead.com
Raised primarily in central Michigan all his life, Adam is a successful writer, artist and self publisher. He is best known for his comics: PLEASANT LIFE, THE EXPENDABLES, WISE INTELLIGENCE and the upcoming ANNA POCOLYPSE. He also wrote a free online how to book called "IN THE TRENCHES: HOW TO SURVIVE AS A SMALL PRESS COMIC BOOK PUBLISHER." He also has done some pinup work for ANTARCTIC PRESS and logo designs for many other clients. He has been featured on web sites, newspapers, television and magazines talking about his work and travels around the country promoting it. He resides in Southwest Michigan. 
