It’s October in Colorado, which means the coolest film festival takes place in the beautiful town of Telluride. The Telluride Horror Show is a favorite of mine (and my wife and the fellow Nerds). We podcasted from there twice a long time ago. And while we haven’t brought our podcast back, my wife and I have gone back a couple of times. This year, I was able to catch seven films, short programs and soak in the scenery and the gore. Instead of just posting my thoughts of the films on Letterboxd, I thought I would also write detailed reviews with you my loyal listeners/readers my thoughts on the films I saw. So sit back, relax and lets get spooky!
Frogman (2023) Directed by Anthony Cousins
In 1999, Dallas (Liam Hage) and his family are on a trip to Love Land in Ohio. Their father is film in the trip. When the family is on the side of the road, Dallas takes over and captures the legendary Frogman!
Flash forward to present day and Dallas (Nathan Tymoshuk) now grown is a joke of the internet. Nobody believes that his footage of the Frogman is real and Dallas has been floating through life ever since. After losing his “home” Dallas decides that he is going to finally prove that Frogman is real and get the footage to prove it.
Frogman is an all powerful being. Some say that a cult worships him. Some say he uses a wand like a wizard. Others say he is able to control people with his mind.
Dallas enlists the help of his best friend Scotty (Benny Barrett) and his crush but she doesn’t know it Amy (Chelsey Grant) to help him on his quest.
When the trio arrive in Love Land they meet people that believe in Frogman. In fact, most citizens embrace the notoriety that Frogman brings and have tourist-y stops and spots everywhere.
But as the group gets further and further into Frogman’s territory, they soon realize that maybe the legends are true and Frogman is truly out there.
Frogman as concept is silly. And the filmmakers had a choice. Make it as crazy as possible or play it safe. Thankfully they choose to totally embrace the crazy and pull off a pretty neat film.
I am not a fan of found footage films. The concept is inherently restricted and hampers the film in the process. And while I wish this film was played conventionally, I will give the filmmakers credit again and not taking the easy way out. I don’t want to spoil anything, but the film delivers, it doesn’t leave as many questions like so many found footage films do.
One thing I can spoil is the film is very funny. The three main characters have amazing chemistry and they truly feel like they’ve been friends for years.
Frogman as a concept is silly. As a horror film, it totally works. It’s funny and some truly fantastic practical effects. You should jump at the chance to see this film.
Grade: B