Its science fiction elements are thinly conceived, while the use of rubbery practical effects and lame jokes feel much closer to the work of the Troma brand where Gunn got his training wheels.

Slither is a visceral experience from the first, but as the creature grows, so does the film's daring.

Gross-out horror comedy is my least favorite genre, but this movie's so skillful I have to take my hat off to it.

Bolstered by superfine practical effects, the film revives a substantive squick that had begun to seep from the genre with Hollywood’s digital turn.