No one makes movies like Astron-6 alumnus Steven Kostanski—this is not an exaggeration. The Canadian filmmaker known for bold, low-budget films like Manborg and Psycho Goreman is famous for his DIY effects, including gory scenes and elaborate alien makeup.
His films often feature cartoonish violence, absurd humor, and a late-night appeal. Frankie Freako is different. It shifts from the hard-R films to family-friendly fun, with puppets that resemble twisted Cabbage Patch Kids partying in an 80s sitcom style.
What Is ‘Frankie Freako’ About?
Conor Sweeney, a frequent collaborator, plays Conor, the average mayor of Squaresville. Conor’s boss, Mr. Buechler (Adam Brooks), finds his presentations dull, and his gun-loving wife Kristina (Kristy Wordsworth) wants more than just hand-holding.
Feeling stuck and frustrated with his bland life, Conor finds a solution in a commercial for a 1-900 party hotline hosted by Frankie Freako, a lounging goblin. With Kristina away, Conor calls the number and summons Frankie Freako (Matthew Kennedy)—a choice he might regret.
Kostanski pays homage to small creature features like Ghoulies III: Ghoulies Go to College, Critters, and Puppet Master, as well as wacky comedies like Drop Dead Fred or Revenge of the Nerds. Frankie and his crew are not scary; Frankie Freako is more like a Troma-produced after-school special.
Sweeney’s performance fits an exaggerated satire where characters mock typical movie stereotypes. Unlike Psycho Goreman, which distorts family values with intergalactic violence, Frankie Freako is straightforward. It’s cheesy and immature, meant to be enjoyed for its low-budget charm.
The “Freakos” are a trio of party animals: carefree Frankie, gunslinging cowgirl Dottie (Meredith Sweeney), and Boink (Adam Brooks), the gadget expert with the catchphrase “Shabado!” They are like random Garbage Pail Kids cards, with puppetry that reminds of Mandy’s Cheddar Goblin.
The puppets are clearly puppets, adding to the humor as they move awkwardly or are tossed by off-camera crew. They set up silly traps and drink “Fart” cola, focusing on the most basic jokes. Kostanski enjoys working with his small Freakos, but those looking for more than goofy puppet antics may be disappointed.
‘Frankie Freako’ Is Best When We Get More Puppets
The first part of the film struggles, centered on Conor’s dull life with bland pizza. Sweeney’s performance is exaggerated and cliché for effect, but Kostanski finds it hard to pull off the film’s surreal look without Frankie. It pushes its odd humor too much, even when the Freakos start causing chaos.
The film becomes more creative when Kostanski includes additional puppets and the Freakos’ home world. Until then, the script relies on one joke that risks becoming tiresome.
Fortunately, Kostanski is smart. Conor and the Freakos are eventually taken to the Freakos’ planet. Faces melt, and we see why Frankie had to escape when Munch became the leader. Our heroes face a disgusting final boss while Conor wears a less-revealing Zardoz-like costume.
Kostanski uses his signature techniques, from detailed miniatures to full-body costumes, making the film’s humor more enjoyable as it nears its end. Some viewers might not enjoy the cosmic twist, but as a fan of Kostanski’s practical effects, it was a fun surprise—considering my love for Psycho Goreman, The Void, and Manborg.
Frankie Freako may not be a puppet masterpiece, but it proudly displays its freaky charm. Kostanski stretches his budget to create fun effects, similar to a Jim Henson project mixed with House Party and Gremlins 2. It might not be for everyone, but fans of 80s so-bad-it’s-good films will enjoy it.
You’ll know if Frankie Freako is for you within the first few minutes. For better or worse, Kostanski’s film aims to make older horror fans feel youthful again—if their childhoods involved Charles Band and Pee-Wee Herman.
