Frankenstein '80

Fans of eurotrash horror have seen movies like this: with wooden dubbing, daydream pacing, a monster that murders a woman and then rips off her clothes to have a feel. There's nothing special, really, about Frankenstein '80, but that's just part of its charm for devotees of Italian schlock; it feels familiar and comfortable, gives us a few murders and chuckles along the way, and doesn't require much of the viewer.

Handsome John Richardson, star of Eyeball, is investigating the circumstances of his sister's death when he stumbles upon the possible involvement of somebody named Frankenstein. Meanwhile, grumbling eurocops are doing their utmost to solve a string of ghastly slayings. You know the deal. Generic as it is, though, Frankenstein '80 also has a few virtues to its credit. You get a decent monster, quality nudity, and greasy gore of the they-went-to-a-butcher-shop-to-get-actual-animal-organs school.

The DVD from Cheezy Flicks is something of an abomination, unfortunately, with bad VHS-level definition and "Cheezy Flicks Presents" tastelessly inserted into the opening credits. Still, if you find it cheaply priced, Frankenstein '80 is worth a look. Watch it on a double bill along with Blackenstein or the similarly sleazy Ritos de Frankenstein.