I just finished watching “Frankenhood,” a hilarious new DVD scheduled for release by Lionsgate on May 5; and I can tell you that this film consists of ninety two minutes of nonstop laughter and sheer fun.
The plot of the film is not very complicated although at times, it borders on the unbelievable. But hey, that’s what makes watching it so much fun! Motown (DeRay Davis) and Darius (Jasper Redd) work in a morgue, trading put-downs and toiling among the most undemanding of customers. Outside of their decidedly dreary jobs, the two dream of bigger and better things. If only they could win the $25,000 prize that will go to the winners of the upcoming 3-on-3 Streetball Tournament. One night, having been demoted to the graveyard shift, they catch their semi-sane colleague Franklin (JB Smoove) in a dark alley using the auto battery of Motown’s precious Gremlin to bring to life a monstrous dead man (Bob Sapp,) whose heart Franklin has just replaced. Now if they can just get their new mutant friend to play basketball, the basketball tournament is theirs! Teach a dead man how to play basketball? Yep, that’s the plan! Now you know why I say the plot is a little unbelievable in places.
Without question, Davis and Redd provide the engine that keeps the film running at top speed. They work smoothly together and their timing is excellent. But in my opinion, Bob Sapp had the toughest role to play; portraying a dead man who is try to relearn the facts of life while mastering the nuances of the fast break and the slam dunk. All these things and more, he accomplishes credibly.
Speaking of the facts of life, there is more than enough love interest to go around, thanks to a bevy of toothsome beauties that include Drew Sidora, the up and coming actress, singer, and recording artist. I assure you that that if anyone would be capable of raising me from the dead it would be her!
The timing for the release of “Frankenhood” couldn’t be better. Spring is in the air and before you know it, summer will be here. Soon it will be time to chill out and enjoy the simpler things in life. “Frankenhood” fits that scenario perfectly; nothing serious, nothing complicated, just plain fun to watch!
CAST
DeRay Davis Semi Pro, The Hit, License to Wed, TV’s “Reno 911”
Jasper Redd Totally Baked: A Pot-U-Mentary
Bob Sapp The Longest Yard, Player 5150, The Breakout
Charlie Murphy TV’s “Chappelle’s Show,” Night at the Museum, Norbit, The Perfect Holiday
Drew Sidora TV’s “The Game,” TV’s “Girlfriends,” TV’s “That’s So Raven”
JB Smoove TV’s “Everybody Hates Chris,” HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Hassan Johnson HBO’s “The Wire,” TV’s “ER,” TV’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”