Frankie Freako

I was at least 30 minutes into Frankie Freako before I realized I was watching a new film by the writer and director of both Psycho Goreman AND Heart of Karl. I don't know how I could be so irresponsible--I should have had the release date on my calendar months ago!

So this story didn't quite grab me the way some of his past work did. There wasn't really a character that kept me cracking up all the way through on the level of a Mimi, or a PG. My favorite moments were probably with the supervisor played by Adam Brooks--he always seems to find a way to inject wacky, unexpected humor into his scenes. There were plenty of all-star cameos, but I didn't pick up on them until looking over the credits. I was also kind of surprised that the title character didn't really end up doing too many wild, outrageous things. But my sense is that fans of Kostanski's unique world-building will have fun with this one.

I honestly wasn't expecting much, but this movie reminds me of some of the crazy little monster movies thar I watched back in the 80's as a kid. It's a relatively clean movie too, so I think it would be fun for the whole family. Yeah, the humor is pure cheese and it's got puppets, but that's what makes it kinda cool. Instead of relying completely on CGI like most new movies, they use a lot of practical effects. And the music is spot-on, helping with the party vibe. I loved some of the marketing that they did for this movie with the number you could call or text and get a message from Frankie himself. I hope to see more movies like this from writer-director Steven Kostanski. Awesome job, dude! Makes me want to party and get my freak on!

Ever since Steven Kostanski released The Void, which I absolutely adored, he has definitely been on my radar. Since then, I have watched other movies of his like Manborg, Leprechaun: Returns, and Psycho Goreman, all of which were unique and great in their own way. It's no different with Frankie Freako. It's absurd, funny, and totally bonkers. The movie tells the story of Conor, a workaholic who finds himself alone at home when his wife is away for the weekend. He stumbles upon an ad for a party hotline hosted by a strange dancing goblin named Frankie Freako, and soon after, the carnage begins.

The movie is strange, and it honestly took me a while to get into the right mindset to understand its humor and general premise. I wasn't fully convinced at first, but as the movie progresses, it becomes more absurd and fun. Once you settle into the story and its crazy characters, the movie becomes quite entertaining and enjoyable to watch. Similar to movies like Manborg or Psycho Goreman, the comedy doesn't always hit the mark. It's obviously absurd and childish, with some smart jokes mixed in, but I understand it's not for everyone, and at times, it didn't quite connect with me either. However, I still prefer these absurd and fun movies over another stereotypical haunted house movie from Blumhouse. Also, the practical effects in this movie were once again awesome, but I didn't expect anything less from Kostanski and his team. Especially the third act has a nice surprise that could come straight out of an 80s creature feature. If you've enjoyed Kostanski's previous work, you'll likely have a great time with Frankie Freako and his buddies, but I can understand that the absurd humor and narrative might turn some people off. [5.7/10]

You need to go into this movie appreciating puppet horror. Defiantly a niche type of horror sub-genre, but it does have its audience. For myself, growing up on Chucky, Slappy, Puppet Master, Ghoulies, and Garbage Pail Kids: The Movie. "Frankie Freako" was a pleasant surprise. There is defiantly segments that would have scared me in my youth. Especially Munch's awesome design. I was actually reminiscing of the times I first watched puppet horror while enjoying "Frankie Freako". I got that love letter to this niche from my viewing. The second viewing will be making someone else watch it without the "itch" for the "niche". See what they have to say about the film. "The Void" Is the perfect film and what got me (personally) into H. P. Lovecraft (thank you). I think this film would be better appreciated if you are ALSO a fan of the work Steven, Adam, Conor, and Matthew. A lot of people I am probably not thinking of, but that crew. Everything they create is unique, tongue in cheek, and well, gory-grotesque-lovely-madness. Thank you. I look forward to everything you guys create. 8/10. The ending of "Frankie Freako" is "wonderful". Heckin' the best. SKIP THE TRAILER. Go into this one just like a low budget haunted house with all the thrills and cheeze.

Listen I get that it is supposed to be shlocky fun but ugh it really never lets up reminding you of the "so bad it's good!," angle. It sort of felt like a movie made to test the limits of what masochist fans of purposefully obtuse alternative comedy would be willing to accept. Like if Tim and Eric wrote and directed Chucky. Frankie Freako is just as annoying or awesome as you would imagine that would be depending on your taste. Fans of pure brainrot schlock humor might get a kick out of "shabadoo," spamming but if you still have a pulse you might want to avoid seeing this thing as it will undoubtedly provide you with a long and uncomfortably painful watch experience. If it was a short or part of anthology I probably could have got behind it more but whew it makes for a hard feature length watch imo.