There have been many, many takes on the Frankenstein story since the beginning of cinema, some good (the 1931 classic with Boris Karloff), some not so good (Frankenstein Unbound) and a lot that are just plain mediocre (The Bride, 1994’s Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein). Then there are the truly bizarre takes on the story (Frankenfish, Andy Warhol’s Frankenstein). Frankenhooker falls somewhere in the middle of this category.

In Frank Henelotter’s version we are introduced to Jeffery Franken (James Lorinz) and his fiancé Elizabeth Shelley (Patty Muller). When Elizabeth is killed in a freak remote controlled lawnmower accident (it happens) the only thing Jeffery can think to do is attach her head to a re-animated body made up of body parts from hookers. So far it sounds like a solid plan. What could possibly go wrong? But when Elizabeth awakens with not only the body of a hooker but also the mindset of one, things (shockingly) fall apart quickly.

Cult movies are always an acquired taste. Granted some fans acquire that taste faster than others. Bad acting, even worse special effects and little if no storyline makes for a tricky minefield of likeability at times. Frankenhooker gets around some of this by just having fun. It’s easy to see that the filmmakers and actors knew they weren’t making a masterpiece so they enjoyed themselves and went with it.

For the most part I enjoyed this movie. It wasn’t too schlocky and it certainly wasn’t highbrow.  I absolutely did not see the ending coming at all. Well worth the ninety minute time investment. With Halloween coming up Frankenhooker could easily become background decoration for any adult friendly Halloween party.

6/10

The Video

This looks a hell of a lot better than it should! For a cult film that was made on a small budget the digital transfer looks really good. Presented in HD 1080p Widescreen (1.78:1).

6/10

The Audio

Presented in DTS-HD MA 5.1 Surround it sounds just fine. Every line is audible and I’m sure with a higher end audio set up I’d be able to tell.

5/10

The Packaging and Special Features

 Much like all dvds these days the packaging is simple. But Synapse Films really went all out on the special features. We get four featurettes, audio commentary and the ever present theatrical trailer. The featurettes are pretty cool especially “Turning Tricks: Jennifer Delora Remembers Frankenhooker.”

7/10

All in all this is highly entertaining. For a fun time this Halloween checkout Frankenhooker on Blu-Ray.

Overall(Not an Average)6/10

The Review
The Movie 6/10
The Video 6/10
The Audio 5/10
The Packaging and Special Features 7/10
Overall (Not an Average) 6/10