Frankenhood

Frankenhood is a 2009 comedy-horror film directed by Blaxwell Smart. The movie stars DeRay Davis, Jasper Redd, and Charlie Murphy, with each one of them representing different comic styles and bringing their unique comedic timbre to the table. The film is a farcical modern take on Mary Shelley’s classic novel ‘Frankenstein’, blending hilarity with elements of horror and surreal science fiction themes.

The film centers on the unlikely duo of Motown (played by DeRay Davis) and Darius (Jasper Redd), who work as miserable custodians at a derelict city morgue. The pair find their lives turned upside down when they accidentally stumble upon an eccentric scientist's odd experiments in the furtive spaces of the mortuary. They unwittingly get drawn into the scientist's fantastical undertaking of bringing a man back to life.

The grand experiment achieves success, resulting in the creation of a hulking leviathan of a man, nicknamed "Frankie" (played by comedian Bob Sapp). Despite his daunting size and abnormally enhanced strength, Frankie is shown to be a sweet, affable individual who is gradually learning to adapt to the world around him. The film cleverly flips the classic Frankenstein monster narrative by portraying the creature not as a figure of horror, but as a sympathetic, misunderstood character.

The trio of Motown, Darius, and Frankie set out on a comedy-laden journey that has them navigating the gritty and oftentimes absurd reality of their inner-city lives. The narrative's comedic moments are punctuated by bold jabs at societal norms and stereotypes, often presenting outrageous scenarios that make audacious commentary parallels to real-life issues.

One of the main plotlines within Frankenhood involves a street basketball tournament with a cash prize large enough to change the characters' lives significantly. Banking on Frankie’s enormous size and strength, Motown and Darius bring him onto their team in an attempt to capitalize on his physical capabilities. This generates a lively series of incidents with humorous stakes, as the trio seeks to negotiate Frankie's unconventional strengths and the ensuing chaos on the basketball court.

Another important element in Frankenhood is the straightforward yet nuanced performances of the lead actors. DeRay Davis and Jasper Redd deliver performances full of energy and comedy, successfully breathing life into their individual characters' quirks and idiosyncrasies. Charlie Murphy, on the other hand, showcases his remarkable comedic timing, while Bob Sapp's portrayal of Frankie is endearing, often being the unexpected source of both humor and heartfelt moments.

Frankenhood's blend of humor, horror, and street basketball cleverly wears a cloak of funny absurdity that shrouds the more profound themes running beneath the film's surface. The movie unearths some thought-provoking social commentary within its comedy, drawing attention to urban realities and societal structures in an unconventional yet impactful way. Frankenhood is also a testament to the transformative power of teamwork and friendship, as the unlikeliest of companionships becomes the driving force behind the film's narrative.

Although packed with comic horror elements, Frankenhood isn’t scary in the traditional sense. Instead, it takes on the role of a comedic critique of the horror genre, complete with satirical takes on familiar tropes and conventions of the genre. The film also employs traditional horror movie aesthetics to accentuate its comedic elements with its unique play on light and shadow, distinct cinematography, and innovative makeup and costuming.

In conclusion, Frankenhood is a comedic gem that seamlessly combines elements of humor, horror, and social commentary. It is perfect for audiences who appreciate an intriguing blend of genres and a breath of fresh air in the comedy scene. Despite its delightfully absurd premise, the heart and soul of Frankenhood lies in its wonderfully crafted characters and their unforgettable journey together. The film is a testament to the power of humor in shining a light on social realities and the enduring value of friendship in the face of adversity.