Every once in a while I stumble upon an independent movie that succeeds on sheer bravado and love of its inspirations. The horribly named FRANKENSTEIN VS THE MONSTER FROM BLOOD COVE is one of those. In the tradition of Universal monster mash-ups like THE HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN comes this story of a mad scientist who is endeavoring to create a race of super-monsters to fight terrorism. Or some such nonsense. Despite any delusions the filmmakers might have had about topicality, the framework is just an excuse to hang as many creatures as possible on the story.And creatures there are. Not content with Frankenstein's monster and the Monster From Blood Cove (an endearing Creature From the Black Lagoon type beast), Writer/Director William Winckler introduces a slew of loosely related beasts. A werewolf shows up for no apparent reason, only to be gunned down within minutes. The ghost of Dr. Frankenstein even drops by to choke(?) several victims.As if that weren't enough, this black and white tribute throws in every stock supporting character/location from the Universal classics. There are Gothic looking exteriors. There's the mysterious gypsy woman who issues cryptic warnings. There's the disfigured/conflicted lab assistant, played by monster designer Chris Knight.And if this weren't enough, there are also nods to the films of Ed Wood (the obviously cornball dialog, the lawn chair/lab table the monster lies on, etc.).But this isn't Mel Brooks, people. This is low-budget film-making. It may be sincere and creative, but those looking for sophistication would do well to pass on this. The acting is universally bad, even by the standards of these films. There are some intrusive nude photo sessions/stripper performances that seem to have been randomly added to titillate adolescent boys and pad the running time (girls strip, dance, and then get killed). And there is an offensive gay stereotype that is repeatedly played for "comic" effect.But all this is secondary to the creatures. Rubber-looking they might be, but they're retro-cool and well executed…and they are what lift this production to a noteworthy level. Their battles might be a letdown – more Godzilla than Universal – but perfectly in keeping with the limited intent. This is definitely a deserving entry in the low-budget monster sweepstakes.

While perhaps not entirely the homage that the advance publicity advertised (honestly, what movie ever lives up entirely to its advance billing?), this picture is definitely fun and clearly made with love and respect for the classic Hammer and AIP horror films. Director/producer/writer William Winckler wonderfully captures the look and feel of those vintage features, while at the same time updating the plot with flashes of gore, T&A, and, believe it or not, a storyline that loosely ties in to modern-day terrorism. Perhaps that's why the 2006 World Horror Convention awarded the adventure with "Best Feature Film" honors. It's not a perfect picture, but most classic horror film fans should find it appropriately spooky and entertaining. Recommended!

I really enjoyed Frankenstein vs. the Creature From Blood Cove! It was just what I wanted it to be, a very fun, good natured ride.I grew up watching the Universal Horror classics as well as the great AIP and Hammer flicks...along with a huge amount of Grade Z films and I could tell watching this film that the makers had just as much affection and love for those films as I did. Unlike Lost Skeleton of Cavdavera (which I did like, though IMO it kind of wore it's one joke out pretty early) "Frankenstein..." isn't meant to be a comedy parody of the old classic horror films. Nor is it strictly an homage. I mean, you just can't make a movie like that anymore. What it is, is just a good time, with grave digging, werewolves (Butch Patrick!) mad scientists (including a lovely blond one with a British accent...you don't get better than that,) the Frankenstein monster, ghosts and a Creature from the Black Lagoon-ish monster. And it's all handled in such a fun way that I couldn't help but be entertained. And hey, I'm an adult, and I've got no problem with the R-rated take on the film. To me, it just adds to the fun and enjoyment. The nudity, etc is handled in the same fun/good natured way as the rest of the film. It comes across as anything but sleazy.So if you're looking for a fun movie with monsters, silliness, beautiful girls and some of their beautiful assets, and you'd always thought it would be kinda cool if the Frankenstein Monster and the Gillman could've been in the same movie together, I think you'll have a good time with this film. Don't go into it expecting "Lost Skeleton" or a die-hard facsimile of one of Universal's monster-mash films cause it is definitely not that. But it is a blast.

The DVD's director stated that he wanted to pay respect to the black and white Universal classics of the 1930s through 1950s, but did those films have topless babes at the beach and a slinky nightclub stripper? That's just part of the problem of this poorly scripted (by the director), inanely scored, and mostly indifferently acted piece. The leading lady (the director's wife) at least shows some personality through the shoddy proceedings. A mad scientist creates an amphibian man and secures Frankenstein's original monster to "conquer terrorism" (huh?), but they break loose, wreak havoc, and fight each other (a disappointing shoving match). Beast costumes are stiff and low-budget, with Creature faring better, and the Monster resembling the 1925 Phantom of the Opera (his nostrils) and a zombie-hippie, both poorly mimed by stunt men. Even the lead (also writer-director) also states at the end "Frankenstein is dead!", which refers to the creator, not the monster. There's also a flamboyant gay character for comedy relief, yet this feature conjures no suspense or terror, or even laughs, murder scenes are badly lensed. Other than some good monochrome cinematography, skip it.