New Take on Found-Footage With Ohio’s Frogman

Read Time:3 Minute, 38 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Frogman
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2023, 2024 streaming
Runtime: 1h 20m
Director(s): Anthony Cousins
Writer(s): John Karsko, Anthony Cousins
Cast: Nathan Tymoshuk, Chelsey Grant, Benny Barrett, Justen Jones
Where To Watch: VOD and Digital Platforms on March 8, 2024, and premiering on Screambox June 7

RAVING REVIEW: FROGMAN takes us to Loveland, Ohio, where the quaint charm of a small town represents a more profound, darker mystery. Here, Dallas (Nathan Tymoshuk,) fueled by a childhood incident that has since been the subject of skepticism and ridicule, sets out with his friends to document the existence of the elusive Frogman. This journey, captured through a Sony Hi8 camcorder, pays homage to the late ’90s and adds a layer of gritty realism to the narrative. Directed by Anthony Cousins and written alongside John Karsko, this film blends the pursuit of truth with the supernatural, all while nestled in the found-footage horror genre.

The heart of FROGMAN lies in its exploration of determination and friendship, as seen through Dallas and his companions, Scotty (Benny Barrett) and Amy (Chelsey Grant)—their transformation from mere adventurers to witnesses of the uncanny forms the crux of this narrative. Tymoshuk shines as Dallas, a man trapped between his ambitious dreams and the stark reality of his adult life. The authentic chemistry among the leads deepens the story, pulling us into their harrowing descent into a world beyond understanding.

Cousins’s directorial direction is evident as the film transitions from a seemingly innocuous quest to an encounter with the abyss of Loveland’s lore. The choice of filming equipment not only serves as a nod to the era but also encapsulates Dallas’s unwavering resolve to validate his childhood experience, lending an air of authenticity and nostalgia to the tale.

However, FROGMAN is not without its blemishes. Certain plot elements may feel overly familiar for veterans of the found-footage scene, potentially detracting from the film’s attempt to stand out. Moreover, while striking, the climax may leave some viewers desiring more clarity. The film offers a lot of familiarity in the found footage genre while expanding it a bit. If I hadn’t been so burned out on it over the years, I would have appreciated this one more than I eventually did. As always, a 2.5/5 isn’t a bad review, but a film I genuinely didn’t love, nor one that I didn’t hate.

Despite these hurdles, FROGMAN distinguishes itself by embracing its horror elements’ raw, unrefined essence. This approach bolsters the film’s genuine feel, immersing the audience in the visceral fear and uncertainty that envelops Dallas and his crew as they unveil the sinister underbelly of Loveland. The practical effects in the film also help to separate it in a time of overreliance on generic CGI, as so many horror films use in the modern day.

While FROGMAN may not redefine the horror landscape, it presents a journey through the shadows of folklore and apprehension. It’s a noteworthy watch for those drawn to the mystique of cryptid tales and the timeless appeal of legends, blending horror with narrative depth. This movie invites a broader audience beyond the hardcore horror crowd to engage in a story that weaves friendship, belief, and the relentless quest for truth into the fabric of a chilling yet undeniably intriguing cinematic experience.

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[photo courtesy of ROTTING PRESS, SCREAMBOX]

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