The legendary indie Canadian production company collective Astron-6 made waves across this country (and beyond) thanks to its impressive roster of retro, 80s-centric titles that include fan-favourites like MANBORG, FATHER'S DAY, and THE EDITOR. Though the collective is no more, founding member Steven Kostanski has continued making films that evoke the practical FX-heavy nostalgia of that era, with titles like THE VOID and PSYCHO GOREMAN. The Rio Theatre is excited to (finally!) welcome him to the venue for a screening of his latest entry, FRANKIE FREAKO, on October 14.

Workaholic yuppie Conor (played by frequent collaborator Conor Sweeney) has a dilemma: no one in his life respects him! Not his boss, not his coworkers, not even his wife Kristina, who thinks he’s an uptight “square." Conor sees no way out of this existential rut until one night channel-surfing he catches a bizarre ad for a party hotline hosted by a strange dancing goblin: Frankie Freako. Conor is entranced by Frankie’s promises of wild and freaky adventures, just a phone call away - could this be the recipe to spice up his flavourless life? Home alone for the weekend, he works up the courage to dial the number for the Frankie Freako hotline. As soon as the call connects, it unleashes CHAOS into his white-collar world, releasing Frankie and his troublemaker friends from their dimensional prison.

It’s a race against time as Conor must defeat the rambunctious ruffians and clean up their trail of destruction before Kristina returns from her trip, all while going on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. With Kristy Wordsworth, Adam Brooks.

Official Selection, Fantasia Film Festival 2024 & Fantastic Fest 2024

"'Frankie Freako' continues the winning streak of Steve Kostanski and the collective of Astron-6 with another comedic hit that is filled with off-kilter comedy, inventive practical effects and a respectful, nostalgic and sardonic look into ‘80s pop culture." (Their Own League)

"Reverent without being slavish, 'Frankie Freako' builds a brave new world of old school puppet wonder, and is perhaps Kostanski’s first real family-friendly creation, depending on the family, I suppose. Most of all, 'Frankie Freako' is freakin’ fun!" (Screen Anarchy)

Wednesday, October 16
Doors 6:15 pm | Movie 6:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

FRANKIE FREAKO (Steven Kostanski, 2024 / 82 mins / 14A) Workaholic yuppie Conor is in an existential rut until one night he catches a bizarre ad for a party hotline hosted by a strange dancing goblin: Frankie Freako. Could this be just the recipe to spice up his boring life?