Billy Budinich

Caylee Cowan

Johnathon Schaech

Brian Maillard

Sydney Scotia

Kevin Dillon

Donna D'Errico

Sean Patrick Flanery

Lin Shaye

Cherilyn Wilson

Charley Koontz

Sonya Eddy

Mike Bash

Jade Lorna Sullivan

Raymond Abel

Jared Forman

John Thaddeus

Prentice Banzet

Lhars Ebersold

Caleb Robertson

Jason Matthews

Jörg Viktor Steins-Lauss

Peter J. Calvin

Allen Gilmer

Riki Rushing

William Shockley

Scott Dolezal

Christopher Mullins

Alvin G. Morris

Russell Towery

Dawson Towery

A.J. Raitano

Rhyan D'Errico

Thriller

Horror

Crime

Frank and Penelope

United States of America

**_Beauty and the Beast in West Texas_**

A heartbroken man in Austin (Billy Budinich) meets a winsome exotic dancer (Caylee Cowan) and they head toward West Texas, but unfortunately end up in the wrong town, ran by a charismatic, but twisted sage (Johnathon Schaech). Kevin Dillon is on hand as the Sheriff.

“Frank and Penelope” (2022) is a quirky romantic road movie within the context of a crime drama/thriller written & directed by Sean Patrick Flanery, who’s perhaps best known as the star of “Powder” (1995). His style is reminiscent of Tarantino and a maybe Rob Zombie, but with some artsy flair akin to, say, Darren Aronofsky.

Flicks like “Psycho III” (1986), "True Romance" (1993), “Chasers” (1994), "Love and a .45" (1994), "Kalifornia" (1993) and a little "The Hot Spot" (1990) come to mind, along with a bit o’ “Ravenous” (1999).  Schaech as Chisos is even reminiscent of Neal McDonough in “Ravenous.” As far as I’m concerned, “Frank and Penelope” is the best of all of ’em (it’s at least on par with the top ones).

To be expected with such a list, there’s an amount of sleaze, violence, ugliness and twistedness that you’ll have to roll with, but there are also glimpses of beauty and light. For instance, lust and love are contrasted.

Speaking of beauty, Caylee is a revelation in the tradition of Marilyn Monroe. And the desolate West Texas locations are scenic while the bright palette is a highlight. I’m so glad that fad of a muted colors from a dozen years ago is (hopefully) over. I should add that lovely Sydney Scotia is also featured in the fairly prominent role of Molly.

The film runs 1 hour, 52 minutes, and was shot in Austin and Terlingua, Texas, the latter of which is in the Big Bend area.

GRADE: A-

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Frank & Penelope | Official Trailer (2022) | Redbud Studios

Frank and Penelope

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