Frankie Freako writer/director Steven Kostanski is certainly no stranger to the strange and unusual. After all, this is the same guy responsible for The Void, Leprechaun Returns, and perhaps most notably, Psycho Goreman. The latter film certainly feels closest in tone to this genre mish-mash, a pastiche of extraordinarily repugnant late 80s/early 90s content such as The Garbage Pail Kids Movie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and Troll 2. Utilizing a toolbox of effective practical effects and a colorful visual palette, Kostanski brings his quirky vision to the screen with style. Embrace the camp, and prepare to “fasten your freak belts” for a wild night with Frankie Freako!
Weirdo workaholic Conor (Conor Sweeney) seems to have a textbook life. A cushy desk job and foxy girlfriend Kristina (Kristy Wordsworth), however, still cannot make Conor a proper freak. At work, his presentation needs spicing up to have any chance of a promotion; likewise, Kristina refers to Conor as both “bland” and a little “square.” Inundated by erotic television ads for an unexplainable hotline, Conor eventually gives in and calls. After all, perhaps this “Frankie Freako” could be the answer to helping Conor emerge from his stuffy shell.
A night with Frankie, however, changes the trajectory of Conor’s existence forever. Kostanski brings in three completely different puppets to represent the Freakos, a trio of demented baddies determined to wreak havoc across Conor’s life. Led by Frankie, these Freakos are off-the-rails party animals, whilst Conor seems anxious to still remain on the straight and narrow path. Makeup and practical effects are a welcome surprise—not a soul can clock the perfect melding of dark humor with freaky monster-horror. A mix of wild creations, effective puppetry, and over-the-top absurdity makes Frankie Freako an entertaining romp that carefully walks the lines of bad taste.
The outlandish style here will not appeal to everyone certainly, but the whole affair screams “cult classic.” As Conor becomes changed by the Freakos, his character evolves into a more confident, self-assured version. Despite the personal growth, the plot definitely feels thin. Focusing more on spectacle and chaos rather than meaningful development means Kostanski’s horror flick may not be as rewatchable as the films it attempts to emulate. Still, there can be no denying the appeal of its zany physical comedy. Frankie Freako leans into camp and nostalgia, offering a fun and ridiculous ride for fans of 80s-style weirdness.
Frankie Freako screened at 2024’s Fantastic Fest.
