Böser Frank

I often rate the movies after I ask myself: Did I get, what I expected?

This, I did not expect, not at all - especially as I read the other reviews beforehand. You have to know: This is not an action flick, this is a thriller. The story is supposed to develop slowly - and it works just fine. If you're getting sick of all the mainstream-superhero-movies with chewed-up one-liners, if you're getting sick of watching a plothole-riddled movie with an average cut-length of 1.5 seconds, Bad Frank is what you have to watch.

Well-written story with a little room left for your imagination, well-written characters with thought-off backstorys, good use of very little music, good acting! Is the story new? No, but the story of Taken, as it is wrongfully compared to in the other reviews, isn't either.

And please don't forget the small budget. Writer and director Tony Germinario and the great cast made nearly every penny work. I'm pleased, that there are people left in the business, who can make a really decent movie without any explosion...

So I went in blind, got really pulled in by it (which in itself is an achievement) but ultimately felt disappointed by where it went...

Really good character background build (clumsy at times maybe, but regardless it worked) and then misses the mark - maybe it was a budget thing?

Thought the lead guy and his on screen dad were engaging, and I'd be interested to see what the writer/director guy could do with more cash.

Seeing a remake of this with a more developed third act would do me: I've rated it five based on the strength of that and the potential built... whether that means you should watch it I don't know.

Once the story is underway, not a bad film. Recommend you check it out,

Despite my middling grade of C, I was very impressed with "Bad Frank". After all, the film was very quickly made and only cost a paltry $80,000!! It is clearly a great example of getting a lot for very little…something many filmmakers could stand to learn.

When the film begins, Frank is a highly stressed but happy guy. He has a very beautiful wife, a job and life is good. However, there also are signs that Frank is on the edge…and he could easily be pushed over it. To make matters worse, he's been prescribed something, presumably for his anger, and the doctor's office is giving him crap about when he can see the doctor. He wants to see the doctor now…the receptionist isn't about to make an exception… even if he's now out of meds.

In the midst of this tense situation, Frank and a friend of his witness a brutal multiple murder committed by Frank's old 'buddies'….and soon they make it very clear that unless Frank keeps his mouth shut he's a dead man. And, to make this clear, they kidnap his innocent wife…sending Frank on a binge of ultra-violent behavior.

I liked the acting and direction in this picture. For $80,000, it should have been horrible but wasn't. The story was also reminiscent of "Taken" but had enough different about it to make it worth seeing… for some people. This is where the problem is…the film is incredibly violent and features a bit of sexual violence as well… and at times was hard to watch. Plus, unlike what I expected, by the end of the film Frank was pretty much a monster as well and it was hard to root for anyone. It's certainly not a picture to show your kids, your mother or Father O'Malley if he happens to stop by for a visit. But, in spite of this, I cannot help but admire the filmmakers for what they achieved.

For a low budget movie, I was impressed. Just a few characters and few sets, but well directed. A few twists I didn't expect and a not a usual ending.