Movie Night: Frankie Freako (2024)

In the hilarious, wildly entertaining ’80s horror homage “Frankie Freako”, an uptight man’s life is transformed into a puppet-filled carnival.

“Call if you dare: 1-900-555-FREAKO.”

I dialed and got much more than I bargained for.

Director Steven Kostanski (Psycho Goreman) presents FRANKIE FREAKO, a dark comedy and a homage to the 80s. The adventure begins when Conor, an uptight businessman referred to as “bland” and “square,” decides to dial while his wife is out of town on business.

Conor is a carefully crafted character, boring but in an over-the-top kind of way. He even complains about swearing on TV, and his wife reminds him that he “didn’t sleep for a week” after calling the Freddy Krueger hotline. She also compares him to Gary Busey, which made me laugh so hard I had to pause the movie and compose myself.

However, after dialing the mysterious phone number, he blacks out and wakes to Fart Classic soda cans littering his floor, marking the first sign that something is awry. He finds the three Freakos in a Gremlins-style scene in his kitchen. His entire home is destroyed, and now he has three small creatures wreaking havoc on his life.

Does he join the party or continue to be a “square?” After all, his wife Christina DOES tell him to “have a freaky weekend” before she leaves.

The acting in FRANKIE FREAKO is spot on.

Conor’s character develops in a very even way throughout the film, in a piece-by-piece manner. He even samples the Fart Classic soda halfway through, which does indeed fart when it is opened. Christina reveals a new side of herself near the film’s end, developing in one quick moment of change.

The freakos are hilarious and well-crafted villains that also develop subtly throughout the movie. This development adds to the comical tone and roller coaster structure, putting the viewer on a wild ride through Earth and Freakworld.

I can’t discuss this film without addressing my favorite part: the special effects.

Kostanski does an amazing job with the practical effects, using fairly minimal CGI. Between the animatronics, stop-motion animation, and general puppeteering, This film blew my mind.

In a world full of computer-generated garbage, FRANKIE FREAKO stands out in its believable gore and mutant puppets.

It’s a fun throwback to the days of Gremlins, Child’s Play, Puppetmaster, and other classic puppets that were a staple of 1980s horror films. There is even a small nod to the Home Alone films when the Freakos booby-trap the house, complete with a paint can barely missing Conor’s head.

The score gives off a fantastic 80s synth vibe, adding to the otherworldly themes that develop.

As the film continues, Conor and the Freakos are transported to Freakworld, and all hell breaks loose.

FRANKIE FREAKO is a fun ride that blends dark comedy with a heartwarming ending.

I was not expecting the ending of this film at all, and I won’t ruin it for anyone.

I was laughing continuously at the tongue-in-cheek humor and at how perfectly ridiculous this entire movie was.

Run, don’t walk, to the theater to see FRANKIE FREAKO. Shabadoo!  

Written by Alyssa Miller