Girls of Geek Movie Review: Frankenstein's Army

Written by: Scotty

With WWII coming to an end, the Soviet army is deploying liberation squads around Germany.  As one squad moves through Germany, they are still hit with some resistance, but seem to be focused on the liberation of the areas, as they are being filmed on their mission.  Trying to make the sure that the Red Army is being shown in a positive light, the squad is more hesitant to kill which could cost them more than they could imagine. 

Upon receiving a communication from one of their fellow liberation squads, the men try to pinpoint the location they need to proceed to, to extract their comrades.  Locating the town where the transmission came from the group is amazed to find that it is empty of any discernable life, even goats.  Working towards the center of town, the squad's focus turns to a church that seems to have been the focal point of the fight.  A pile of burning nuns gets the groups attention, but then they notice that all of the graves nearby have been dug up and emptied. 

Entering the church, the squad notices that it is more of a factory than a church.  Trying to figure out what has happened to the group that radioed for help, they find a strange body in the basement that seems to be run on electricity.  After their captain gets drilled through by the strange creature a power struggle ensues between the men, but is squashed when they find out that their cameraman has playing them as he had an alternative motive for following the squad.

Frankenstein’s Army is a war movie first, with a horror story to follow.  Following a Soviet Liberation Squad on their mission to free the small towns from the oppression that the Germans had imposed on them.  With cameraman Dimitri tagging along, the group is shocked to find out the secret mission that the non-Soviet is really on. When meeting a deranged Doctor that is employed by the Third Reich, the group sees what is really happening behind enemy lines.

With all of the specials that have been run on Hitler’s fascination of the occult makes this a very entertaining movie to watch.  Leaving you asking, ‘what if’, is always a fun way to watch a movie based around historical events.  One of the highlights of this film is showing that the soldiers do show a sense of compassion for their fallen, but are not afraid to end their suffering if there is nothing they can do to help.  Then seeing how the crazy doctor fancies himself a savior even though his experiments are meant to kill, he is looking for the one and only way he knows to bring the two opposing forces together. 

Overall a fun period piece that keeps you wondering what would have happened if the Third Reich would have won the war.  Having the movie shot in first person also gives is a bit more gusto as you get to see what they are seeing and not seeing as some strange characters start to appear.  Not having a budget of a Hollywood blockbuster, the film crew does a great job on their monster creations, using people in costumes and very little CGI.  Keeping true to the time period and having a strong cast is really what makes this movie work.  If you are into the occult, or love a WWII movie, you will not be disappointed picking this one up.  Stay scared my friends.  

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