Frankenfish is a great name for a B-horror movie, isn't it? It conjures to mind images of some demented living-dead aquatic creature, pasted together with pieces of other members of the Pisces family, like some twisted, fishy jigsaw puzzle. It really is a wonderful thought. Too bad, the idea behind the film is nothing like the suggested concept, and is terribly clichéd. But, once again it is a B-movie, and you really can't expect a ton of originality.
This Sci-Fi channel original is surprisingly entertaining all things considered, and for the most part does a good job creating a quality low-budget creature feature. It does however stumble at times, when it takes itself a little more seriously than it probably should. There are a few poorly paced scenes throughout the middle of the picture that focus a little too strongly on character development. While I believe character is the foundation for (nearly) every great film, it really isn't necessary in a monster movie, when we're just aching to see the creature devour another innocent person. No matter how much characterization you can fit in a film like this, I'm really not going to care who dies, just when and how.
That being said, when Frankenfish is wreaking havoc, it's incredibly enjoyable. The title creature is surprisingly large, and throws its weight around quite effectively. At first, the creature is not seen, as we only witness people being pulled underwater, followed by the appropriate after-effects: bloody water and ripped apart corpses. Director Mark Dippe (Spawn) wisely chooses to gradually reveal the villain, first showing only a fin above water, then later, the entire body of what turns out to be a pretty cool looking fish. At this point the fish is visible in nearly every scene, causing all manner of havoc, biting heads off, flipping boats, and all manner of the like. It really is a great time.
It's funny, because as simple as the premise is, I don't think I could do it justice. It's just something that any B-horror fan or monster movie fan should see. The special effects are quite good, and the movie is a lot of fun, despite its formulaic script. I won't waste much more time writing about a run of the mill monster movie. Suffice to say, it was thoroughly enjoyable… if you're in the right mood.
What happens when you combine a killer fish movie, and ten minutes of my time? My shortest review to date
