Currently playing on VOD platforms
Director: Richard Raaphorst
MPAA Rating: R
Film Pulse Score: 6.5/10
Frankenstein’s Army is the latest in an ever-increasing number of found footage horror films, however there are some notable elements that make this one stand above the rest. Set against a World War II backdrop, the film plays out much like a live action version of the Wolfenstein video games, with a platoon of Russian soldiers terrorized by Nazi monsters created in Dr. Frankenstein’s lab. While it has just about as much plot as a walk through Halloween Horror Nights, the set design and effects work alone make it worth seeing.
Directed by Richard Raaphorst, the film is shot in a found footage style, with a Russian student behind the camera, documenting the war for school. As he follows the platoon, they happen onto a small village that seems deserted. Of course, it’s not, in fact it’s filled with an army of hideous undead creatures that begin eviscerating the soldiers immediately.
While the found footage aspect seemed unnecessary and impossible at first (handheld cameras that can produce color picture and sound didn’t exist), the filmmakers did address this, which was a nice touch. More importantly, when comparing that to everything else being witnessed on the screen, you’ll forget all about the camera technology. Many horror properties use found footage to bring the viewer closer to the terror in order to create a more immersive experience. That idea works well in Frankenstein’s Army, especially during the more chaotic scenes involving the soldiers running through the labyrinth of corridors with creatures popping out at every turn.
Another small but effective technique was how the camera handled zooming. Since this is an old-timey camera, the zooming had to be done by rotating to a different lens, much like going to the eye doctor. This was a simple effect, but interesting nonetheless.
With a threadbare plot, a film like this must rely on the scares and atmosphere and this is where Frankenstein’s Army excels. The extremely detailed set designs are incredible and the dozens of different monsters are varied and well made. All the creatures were practical, no CG, and some of them were extremely horrific looking. Frankenstein was using everything he could find to make these things- blades, drills, propellers; just about anything that could kill someone in a horrible way.
Where it lacks in story, historical accuracy, or logic, Frankenstein’s Army makes up for in shear insanity. It has a frantic pace that rarely slows down and never lets you feel at ease. It revels in its absurdity and makes sure you’re having fun while being revolted at the stomach-churning gore and horrific baddies. Dim the lights, turn off your brain, and enjoy the ride.
