"Frankie Freako" (2024)

by Joseph Perry and Mike Imboden

In our “The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict” film reviews, Joseph and Mike give their thoughts on a slice of cinema. For this installment, it’s Frankie Freako by practical effects mastermind, Steven Kostanski.

Synopsis

Workaholic yuppie Conor Sweeney (Conor Sweeney, star of The Editor and Father’s Day) has a dilemma: no one in his life respects him! Not his boss, not his coworkers, not even his wife Kristina, who thinks he’s an uptight “square!” Conor sees no way out of this existential rut until one night channel-surfing he catches a bizarre ad for a party hotline hosted by a strange dancing goblin: FRANKIE FREAKO. Conor is entranced by Frankie’s promises of wild and freaky adventures, just a phone call away — could this be the recipe to spice up his flavorless life?

The Good

Joseph: Mike and I are no strangers to writer/director Steven Kostanski’s work — for example, check out our Uphill Both Ways podcast review of his previous feature Psycho Goreman here — so we were intrigued when we first heard the premise of Frankie Freako. Admittedly, my dabbling in the 1980s and 1990s “rowdy little monsters” subgenre of creature features is anchored mostly in Gremlins and its sequels rather than follow-ups such as Ghoulies, but I well understand from where the wackiness and wildness behind Frankie Freako originates. Kostanski takes the premise of those aforementioned movies and others like them, and cranks the craziness up several notches. Sweeney has a ball chewing up scenery — which is exactly what this type of movie needs — while the titular creature and his two buddies destroy the scenery in the form of character Conor’s otherwise neatly kept home. The puppetry and practical effects work are by themselves worth the price of admission.

Mike: Steven Kostanski, known for his visually stunning and often surreal works, brings his signature style to Frankie Freako, which is a visually stunning and wildly imaginative sci-fi horror film that delivers on its promise of a mind-bending experience.

The film showcases his ability to create bizarre and imaginative worlds, filled with grotesque creatures and mind-bending visuals. The practical effects and creature design are impressive, with a focus on practical physical elements rather than excessive CGI.

Every frame is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant colors, some surreal landscapes, and a plethora of grotesque creatures. Kostanski's direction is equally impressive, showcasing his ability to create a visually arresting and immersive world.

The Bad

Joseph: Viewers who already know that they are not fans of the types of movies I described in “The Good” won’t be converted by Frankie Freako. Nor will viewers who don’t lean into deliberate camp find much to cheer for here. The film is meant to press nostalgia buttons, and to fully work, it needs an audience that has a soft spot for the “little creatures creating havoc” style.

Mike: While Kostanski's films are visually impressive, they sometimes lack depth in terms of character development and narrative coherence and Frankie Freako is no different, with the focus primarily on visual spectacle at the expense of a compelling story. The characters feel a bit one-dimensional and stereotypical, and the plot lacks a clear direction or satisfying conclusion.

Some viewers may find the humor too dark and the film's pacing, while brisk, feels a little uneven at times, with some sequences feeling rushed or out of place.

The Verdict

Joseph: Frankie Freako is a colorful, frenetic blast of absurd nuttiness. Kostanski’s directorial efforts are always wonderfully weird, and an equal amount of heart and smarts go into them. If you enjoyed The Void and Psycho Goreman, you have a pretty good idea of what you are in for. If you are new to Kostanski’s maniacal movies, Frankie and friends are here to welcome you into his world.

Mike: Overall, Frankie Freako is a visually stunning film that showcases Steven Kostanski's unique talents. While it suffers from some narrative shortcomings, the film's visual effects, creature design, and dark, comedic tone are likely to make it a memorable experience. Fans of Kostanski's previous work, or those who enjoy surreal and offbeat cinema, are likely to find this a rewarding watch. Shabadoo.