Frankie Freako (2024)

Frankie Freako” (2024): A Hilariously Chaotic Throwback to ‘80s Creature Features

Get ready for a cinematic rollercoaster that’ll leave you laughing, cringing, and questioning your very existence. In Frankie Freako, director Steven Kostanski (known for his outrageous work on PG: Psycho Goreman) unleashes a bizarre, uproarious adventure that pays homage to the wild, gremlin-inspired creature features of the ‘80s. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you throw mischievous, party-loving gremlins into a world of misfit humans, then Frankie Freako is the movie you’ve been waiting for.

A riotous blend of humor, chaos, and puppet-filled absurdity, Frankie Freako is a direct riff on classics like Gremlins (1984), Critters (1986), Ghoulies (1985), and Troll (1986). The film follows the misadventures of Conor (Conor Sweeney), a dull, work-obsessed office drone whose life is shaken up when a late-night call to a hotline opens the door to a world of unruly, party-loving gremlins. As Conor’s boring life collides with the outlandish, often absurd antics of his newfound monstrous friends, Frankie Freako becomes a nonstop absurdist lark that feels both familiar and completely bonkers.

A Party with Puppets: The Strange and Hilarious World of “Frankie Freako”

In his follow-up to PG: Psycho Goreman, Kostanski trades in blood and gore for family-friendly chaos. But don’t let the “family-friendly” label fool you—Frankie Freako is far from wholesome. While it avoids explicit violence, nudity, and crude language, Kostanski pushes the boundaries of good taste with his absurd humor, reminiscent of the wild and occasionally terrifying moments from ’80s kids’ films. One of the film’s standout moments features a bizarre freak-meter that melts a puppet’s face into a disturbing, rubbery mess—a sequence that’s sure to leave a lasting impression, even if it’s more absurd than alarming.

Set in the late ‘80s or early ‘90s, the film follows Conor, who is desperately trying to break free from his humdrum life and find excitement. When his boss (played by PG star Adam Brooks) criticizes his work as “bland,” Conor is forced to confront a harsh reality—he is indeed dull. His wife, Kristina (Kristy Wordsworth), doesn’t hold back either, calling him “square.” Conor’s life feels as uninspired as his wardrobe: generic, colorless, and unremarkable. But everything changes when he spots a late-night TV ad for Frankie Freako’s hotline—a phone number promising a life-changing encounter with the wild, irreverent gremlin himself.

Cue the music. As Conor dials the number, Kostanski’s regular collaborators, Blitz//Berlin, provide a nostalgic soundtrack that evokes dreamy ‘80s fantasy themes, like something from Body Double (1984). It’s a delightful and unexpected reference to Brian De Palma amidst the madness of Conor’s unfolding adventure.

Party Time with the Freakos: Chaos Unleashed

With his wife away for the weekend, Conor’s plans for a quiet night alone go awry when the gremlins—Frankie Freako (voiced by Matthew Kennedy), Dottie Dunko (voiced by Meredith Sweeney), and Boink Bardo (voiced by Adam Brooks)—invade his home and turn it into a chaotic party zone. The next morning, Conor wakes up to find his place trashed, with juvenile graffiti scrawled on the walls. What ensues is a series of absurd and hilarious antics as Conor battles the Freakos, only to realize they might not be so bad after all. Together, they team up to help him navigate work problems, face down a sleazy boss, and confront the sinister President Munch of their home planet, Freakworld.

The Freakos are a riot, with their rubbery, hand-puppet designs that channel the low-budget, DIY charm of classic creature features. While these puppets may lack the sophisticated animatronics seen in films like Gremlins or Child’s Play (1988), their lack of expressiveness is part of the film’s charm. They’re reminiscent of The Boglins—those iconic ‘80s hand-puppet toys—with all the delightful absurdity that makes them endearing, even in their ridiculousness.

A Throwback to ‘80s Trash Cinema

Much like Kostanski’s earlier work, Frankie Freako embraces an ironic, offbeat tone that plays on the bizarre, nostalgic appeal of VHS-era creature features. The film is a love letter to a time when movies like Gremlins, Critters, and Munchies ruled the screen with their goofy, often unsettling creatures that made kids laugh and cringe in equal measure. Frankie Freako taps into this niche, reviving the spirit of those films while putting a unique, self-aware twist on the genre.

Kostanski’s low-budget, lo-fi approach to filmmaking is intentional and endearing. From the production design to the wardrobe, Frankie Freako lovingly embraces the tacky, cheap aesthetic of ‘80s genre films. One particularly memorable sequence takes Conor and the Freakos to Freakworld, where they board an intergalactic mine cart and ride through a city of miniature alien buildings. The sequence is a delightful throwback to Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), though the execution is intentionally less convincing, adding to the film’s charmingly cheap look.

Making Puppets and Building a World

Despite the limited budget of CA$50,000 and a tight eight-week production schedule, Kostanski and his team pulled off something truly special. The film’s handmade, DIY appeal gives it a unique and nostalgic feel that’s a breath of fresh air in a world dominated by slick CGI-heavy blockbusters. Kostanski’s team worked tirelessly to bring the puppets to life, and their dedication shines through in every ridiculous, lovable moment.

As for a potential sequel, Kostanski is open to the idea, though he jokes that the next chapter might be a much more laid-back affair—“Freakos go to Hawaii,” anyone? But for now, Frankie Freako is a celebration of all that was strange, chaotic, and wonderfully absurd about ‘80s creature features, delivered with a modern wink and a nod to its roots.

Final Thoughts: A Wild Ride for Fans of ‘80s Chaos

Frankie Freako is not for everyone—but for fans of strange, chaotic creature features, it’s an absolute delight. Kostanski’s homage to the wacky, often inappropriate films of the ‘80s is a joyride from start to finish, filled with ridiculous gags, off-the-wall humor, and a refreshing lack of polish. It’s a film that embraces its juvenile ludicrousness, unapologetically celebrating the weird and wild side of cinema. If you grew up watching these kinds of films on VHS, Frankie Freako will feel like a long-lost treasure—just with a lot more puppets and a lot more parties.

For those ready to embrace the madness, Frankie Freako is the perfect antidote to predictable blockbuster fare, offering a quirky and offbeat escape into a world of pure, unadulterated fun. Buckle up—this one’s a wild ride.