For the 'fraidy-cat film reviewer, Along Came a Spider is the perfect thriller.
Along Came a Spider (2001)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:120
Fresh:38
Rotten:82
Average Rating:4.6/10
Consensus: Derivative and contains too many implausible situations.
Theatrical Release:Apr 6, 2001 Wide
Box Office: $73,587,034
Synopsis: The redoubtable Morgan Freeman returns as Washington, DC police detective Alex Cross, the master profiler, in an exciting thriller based on James Patterson's novel, ALONG CAME A SPIDER. The film is... The redoubtable Morgan Freeman returns as Washington, DC police detective Alex Cross, the master profiler, in an exciting thriller based on James Patterson's novel, ALONG CAME A SPIDER. The film is actually a prequel to the box office blockbuster KISS THE GIRLS. Here, Cross is pursuing a brilliantly twisted kidnapper who's holding the daughter of a U.S. senator. When the kidnapper, Gary Soneji (the effectively sinister character actor, Michael Wincott), who had posed as a schoolteacher for two years before making his move, contacts Cross and taunts him, but makes no demands for money, Cross starts to piece together a psychological profile. With the help of a clever and beautiful Secret Service agent, Jezzie Flannigan (Monica Potter), Cross begins his investigation of the bizarrely elaborate and ruthless crime. But as is usual with Patterson's work, just when Cross (and the audience) thinks everything is resolved, a stunning twist unfolds. Acclaimed director Lee Tamahori (THE EDGE, ONCE WERE WARRIORS) is adept at staging the action, including a tense chase through Union Station during rush hour, and Freeman's pensive presence lends an extra level of gravity to this darkly entertaining thriller. [More]
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Monica Potter, Michael Wincott, Penelope Ann Miller
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Monica Potter, Michael Wincott, Penelope Ann Miller, Michael Moriarty, Mika Boorem
Director: Lee Tamahori
Director: Lee Tamahori
Screenwriter: Marc Moss
Producer: David Brown, Joe Wizan
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Get This Movie
Reviews for Along Came a Spider
It is Lee Tamahori's taut pacing -- not to mention Neil Travis' exceptional editing -- that gives the film its one-two punch.
Along Came a Spider is much like its star: methodical, smooth, unflashy.
Along Came a Spider isn't a smart thriller like Se7en or Copycat; instead, it's more of a watchable idiotic thriller.
Not completely agreeable, but nonetheless, it manages to somehow remain a strong entertainment.
The film is never less than a guilty pleasure, but it leaves you unsatisfied and hungry for closure.
A thoroughly enjoyable piece of hokum, a spiffily-directed nail-biter with twists that should make you smile even when they're totally implausible.
...what surprised me, however is that ACAS knows about the [criminal mastermind] stereotype... and throws us a twist that turns the whole film on its head.
Unlike Kiss the Girls, which was strongest in the first half and then got sloppy, Spider maintains its momentum and offers two surprises in the final reel.
certainly competent as a suspense thriller, but it never achieves any level beyond that
Along Came A Spider weaves a somewhat ramshackle web, but it will probably keep you watching.
[Lee]Tamahori keeps the pacing lively enough that he doesn't allow the audience time to linger on the many plot implausibilities
Along Came a Spider moves at a taut, well-metered pace, one that allows for scenes of psychological excavation.
A perfect example of satisfying Hollywood entertainment on the big screen.
Latest News for Along Came a Spider
April 26, 2007:
Box Office Guru Preview: Just What Moviegoers Want, Another Nic Cage Action Flick
For the fourth consecutive weekend, four or more new wide releases will cram into multiplexes trying to get at their piece of a dwindling box office pie. More...
February 02, 2006:
Director Lee Tamahori Charged With Solicitation
According to celeb-watching site TMZ.com, New Zealand-born director Lee Tamahori was arrested January 8 in Hollywood for solicitation of an undercover cop; furthermore, the... More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 15% 15% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 45% 45% | Shorts |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Around The Network
- Along Came a Spider at Rotten Tomatoes
- Along Came a Spider at IGN
- Along Came a Spider at AskMen
Fresh Links
Featured

The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox

Hollywood.com ponders whether or not an animated film could win Best Picture.

Richard Corliss previews the season's best offerings and hottest tickets.

The AV Club's Mike D'Angelo airs his beefs with Alfonso Cuaron's Children of Men.
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic



