SMALLS' FRIGHT FEST:YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

Frankenstein is easily one of the very best horror films ever made, but that's a story for later becuase today we are going to take a look at a film that LOVES Frankenstein, so much that it decides to take a fun look at the well known story and tweak a few things. This is Young Frankenstein.

Young Frankenstein follows grandson to Victor Frankenstein, Frederick (Gene Wilder). Frederick has been on the run from his horrid family history, so ashamed of what his grandfather did that he even insists his last name is pronounced Fronk-en-steen, but he can't run forever. Once his grandfather dies, Frederick is sent to Transylvania to sort out his grandfather's will. Once there he groups up with loveable, wacky henchman Igor (pronunced Eye-gore, played by Marty Feldman), and sexy lab assistant Inga (Terri Gar). Will Frederick be consumed by the curse of the Frankenstein's, can he fix the mistakes his grandfather made?

Gene Wilder plays Frederick Frankenstein. His character is a send-up of the common mad scientist character we've seen so often. Frederick starts out as a sane-headed medical scientist, but by the end of the film he has turned into an insane doctor. He does a great job here, nailing just about every joke. It's great fun to see Frederick so frequently lose his cool in just about any stressful situation, and the way Gene Wilder handles these scenes is a thing of quiet genius. One thing that's interesting to note is how quickly and eagerly Frederick reverts back to his grandfather's ways, for someone who so vehemently destested his family's legacy he throws himself into the monster creator business with a mad joy. Gene Wilder does a superb job here, and this is easily my favorite role of his (sorry Willy).

Terri Gar plays Inga, another memorable character. She is indeed quite sexy, we're able to gleam that much about her right from her introduction where she invites Frederick for a "roll in the hay" (double meanings are fun!). While she is indeed quite flirtatious, she is also kind-hearted and generous. Terri Gar does a great job here.

Peter Boyle puts his own unique spin on The Monster. He grunts, screams, roars and cries his way through his performance here. The amount of emotion and thought he is able to get across with just a single facial expression is quite impressive. His monster is quite similar to the original, except he is a pacifist by heart, only being gourded into violence by fire, sudden loud noises, or humiliation. He is easily one of the best things about this film, and his performance is quite legendary.

The great Cloris Leachman plays Frau Blucher (Whinny). Her character is a humourous take on a familiar trope: the evil, mysterious maid/housekeeper. She does a fantastic job here, as the completely mad woman who may have some ulterior motives of her own. She also has what is undoubtedly one of the funniest long running jokes in film.

Madeline Kahn plays Elizabeth, Frederick's painfully prude fiance. She is pretty good here, and has one of my personal favorite sexual innuendo jokes I've seen. She is a memorable character and her impression of SPOILERS The Bride of Frankenstein END OF SPOILERS is downright perfect (really impressed me).

Marty Feldman plays the fun-loving, mischievious and wacky hencaman Igor (once again, pronounced Eye-Gore). He has most of my favorite jokes in the film (DAMN YOUR EYES). He's not the brightest bulb in the batch, but he is very dedicated and loyal to Frederick and his job. He also seems to be skilled in several forms of artistry including drawing, playing a kind of horn and even playing the piano (fun fact: he actually plays the piano for Frederick and The Monster during the Puttin on the Ritz scene). Him and Frederick are almost like best friends in the film, making the two the main comedic duo in the film (one of the more memorable comedic duos in film). Igor is easily my favorite character in the film, he's funny, playful and actually hides some wit under his hump. His performance is  indeed an iconic one, he's always who I think of when I hear the name Igor.

For a PG film, Young Frankenstein does have A LOT of sexual innuendo jokes in it. This was made in the days before PG-13, so that explains this almost puzzling facet of the film. While I wouldn't go so far as to say it's not suitable for kids (Guarantee your kids would enjoy it), I would say it's a film geared mainly towards adults (I mean, this is Mel Brooks people).


Young Frankenstein is probably my personal favorite Mel Brooks film. It's not just a hilarious movie, but it's also got heart and a reverence for the original source material that it lovingly pokes fun at. It's the rare spoof/parody/homage that actually completely understands what the original film was and waht made it work, and this is what makes Young Frankenstein so funny and such a masterpeice. Filmed in Glorious Black and White, Young Frankenstein is an earnest love letter and hilarious parody of Frakenstein, but it's also able to emerge as it's own film. If you haven't seen this slice of comedy gold, WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU??!!!! Stop reading this review and go buy the film and watch it! Young Frankenstein gets my golden seal of approval. WOOF!

5 STARS