Review of Frankenthumb

Introduction

Steve Oedekerk has some real connection with his thumbs. After all, he has made numerous parodies of popular films, all with one main criteria - the characters are thumbs. Yes, thumbs. Animated thumbs. OK then.

This `filmette` is an adaptation/parody of Mary Shelley`s Frankenstein, so you know the deal. Doctor wants perfect human, creates what he thinks is the perfect human, only for it to become a raving monster. But of course, when the monster is a thumb (and of course, every other character), there has got to be the odd difference...

Video

It is presented in 4:3 Fullscreen, with an OK palette and no compression signs - but the print does contain some dust and grain at times. Of course, a widescren transfer would have been better, but since this is a small-budget animation, it isn`t a major crime.

The animation in the feature is between below-average and crap. The odd good facial expression is ruined by shoddy camerawork and some poor moments. I think this is one of the things that will put viewers off unfortunately.

Audio

A DD 2.0 track is on offer, and the main audio stream is good, and does the job well, but 5.1 would have been better. Having said that, this is no way near an effect heavy film, but of course surround sound gives more ambience thus a greater viewing experience.

The script is poor, and I think I laughed twice through the 32 minute running time, and when you consider this is classed as a comedy, that is pretty dire - especially when they weren`t proper laughs...more like slight chuckles.

Features

Surprisingly, the extras are fairly good considering the nature of the feature. First up, there is an audio commentary with the film-makers, which is interesting, as it focuses on how the effects were achieved, and how Oedekerk got his inspiration. In fact, I have to say this is better than the feature itself.

Then, there is a selection of Storyboards - basic drawings that began the production process. Static scrolling, but interesting nonetheless.

There are also some interviews with the characters, so expect the same style as the feature itself. These actually produce more laughs than the feature, which is the final nail in Frankenthumb`s coffin.

A selection of outtakes à la Pixar is also on offer, but they aren`t nearly as good.

Finally, there are 6 trailers (one of which is the trailer for Frankenthumb), and Oedekerk`s other features look much better...improved animation and what seems to be better plots and execution.

The menus are animated fairly well, with ambient music in the background, and they offer chapter listings, audio setup and extra features.

Conclusion

The feature is poor, not what I expected, especially after the good feedback I have heard from another Oedekerk film - Thumb Wars. Bad execution, bad choice in subject matter, bad animation, bad script, bad voicing, bad everything.

However, the DVD itself is the saving grace. Fairly good presentation with fairly good extras means that this might just, emphasis on might, be worth a very cheap rental.

A disappointment.