Movie Review: Basket Case III - The Progeny

Anyone who is a fan of truly bizarre cinema more than likely has checked out a film directed by Frank Henonlotter. Synapse Films has been one company to really put forth some fine releases of his films. Frankenhooker has seen a Blu-ray edition, Brain Damage was put out several years ago with all kinds of cool extras and Basket Case II made it's debut not long ago on DVD. It was only a matter of time that they got their hands on Henonlotter's second sequel and remastered it. Now all three films are available in the United States which should make admirers of wild story of Belial, Duane and all their gruesome hi-jinx cheer.

For those not versed in Basket Case lore, Duane Bradley (Kevin Van Hentenryck, Basket Case II and III)  is on the move through the grimy underbelly of New York City. Along with his mysterious basket case and a stack of cash, Bradley has everything he needs to live day to day in the Hotel Broslin. All the dregs living in the Hotel Broslin have their suspicions of Duane and what is exactly living in that wicker basket. It isn't long before Belial, Duane's Siamese twin brother is revealed to the audience in appropriately bloody manner. Belial's not quite as nice as Duane but he does share some common toward the medical staff that cut the brothers apart. Finding the doctor and nurse that "disfigured" these two siblings and exacting some good ol' vengeance is the goal for both. In Basket Case II the surroundings change for Belial and  Duane, but the results continue to be the same as they cause chaos in their Aunt Ruth's freak friendly mansion.

Frankenhooker (Arrow, Blu-ray)

Reviewed by James DePaolo

Plot - From Frank Henenlotter, (Basket Case trilogy, Bad Biology and Brain Damage).When Jeffrey Franken’s fiancée is chopped to pieces by the blades of a lawnmower, he attempts to bring her back to life. He starts using the body parts of hookers, and resurrects her during a storm. And as fate would have it, Elizabeth goes down 42nd street as a prostitute and killing her customers.

Review - Like always if it has the Arrow Films label you know it's more than likely going to be a fine restoration. The transfer is incredible. I remember in 1990 going to a art house theater on campus at college with some friends, to see this film and walking out just all night talking about this film and how fun it was. Sad, this is the last film ex pin up girl Patty Mullen made. What a year for Frank. The re-release of Basket Case and now this. All of you ” new school” horror fans, that want something to have fun with your friends with, look no further. 21 years old, and watching this film you do not feel this film is dated. ( now Basket Case is another story) Henenlotter isn’t the only reason the film is a success. The film’s two main actors are also perfectly cast. This film just has cult classic written all over it.

Wanna Date?? How about for November 8th when Synapse Films releases "Frankenhooker" to Blu-Ray?

“If you only see one movie this year, it should be FRANKENHOOKER.” - Bill Murray (CADDYSHACK, GHOSTBUSTERS, STRIPES)


From Frank Henenlotter, the creator of the BASKET CASE trilogy and BRAIN DAMAGE, comes FRANKENHOOKER, a gory horror-comedy twist on the Frankenstein legend.

Buy Frankenhooker on Blu-ray

When Jeffrey Franken’s fiancée is chopped to pieces by the blades of a remote-controlled lawnmower, he uses his dubious medical knowledge to try to bring her back to life. He reassembles his beloved Elizabeth using the body parts of New York City’s finest prostitutes, and resurrects her during a heavy lightning storm. Unfortunately for Jeffrey, his dear Elizabeth’s brain is scrambled and she runs amok on 42^nd Street, turning tricks and bringing high-voltage death to her customers!

Synapse Films is proud to present the uncut version of FRANKENHOOKER in an all-new 2K high-definition transfer created from original vault materials and digitally re-mastered 5.1 surround sound!

Features

• AUDIO COMMENTARY with Director Frank Henenlotter and Make-Up Effects Designer Gabe Bartalos
• A SALAD THAT WAS ONCE NAMED ELIZABETH - Patty Mullen Featurette
• A STITCH IN TIME: THE MAKE-UP EFFECTS OF FRANKENHOOKER - Featurette
• TURNING TRICKS: JENNIFER DELORA REMEMBERS FRANKENHOOKER - Featurette
• ORIGINAL THEATRICAL TRAILER
• REVERSIBLE/ALTERNATE COVER ARTWORK

Run Time: 85 minutes
Release Date: November 8, 2011
Language: English (DTS-HD MA English 5.1 Surround / DTS-HD MA English 2.0 Stere0)
Aspect Ratio: High-Definition 1080p Widescreen (1:78:1)
Format: Blu-ray
Price: $24.95



Synapse Films