by Diana Gebbia, Contributing Writer
If Heathers and Edward Scissorhands had an even campier lovechild, it would be Zelda Williams’ Lisa Frankenstein.
Set in the 1980s, the horror-comedy follows teenager Lisa Swallows (Kathryn Newton), whose mom was the victim of a brutal axe murder. Her father, Dale (Joe Chrest), moved on a little too quickly. After he remarries the uppity Janet (Carla Gugino), Lisa is forced to move in with her wicked stepmother and perfectly popular stepsister, Taffy (Liza Soberano). If this situation sounds familiar, that’s because it is. It’s the Cinderella format we’ve all grown up with.
Lisa has a hard time making friends in her new school, and takes solace visiting the town’s haunted cemetery for unwed men, specifically the grave of a man topped with a handsome bust (Cole Sprouse). One bizarre night, filled with partying and oddly colored lightning, the corpse comes to life. Lisa finds an unlikely friend in him, one who helps her blossom into a confident young lady. She helps The Creature get a second chance at life, complete with some new body parts. Much like Cinderella, it sounds like the perfect fairy tale. But, unlike the aforementioned classic, this fantasy takes a murderous turn.
Lisa Frankenstein is campy and creepy, with just enough gore for the faint of heart to tolerate – similar to Freaky, which Newton previously starred in. She’s found her niche as a horror-lite scream queen: the shy and awkward protagonist turned edgy antihero. While these may not be the roles of a lifetime, Newton is reliable and entertaining in her delivery.
Ultimately, it is Sprouse who steals the show (with barely any words) as The Creature. His performance is reminiscent of Johnny Depp’s Edward Scissorhands – brilliantly relying on emoting to portray the complexities of being resurrected into a world that is centuries older than the one he left.
Those hoping for 101 minutes of scary fun will enjoy Lisa Frankenstein. But those expecting the next great horror masterpiece will be disappointed. It’s campy and fun, but there are several plot holes. Diablo Cody’s signature catchy dialogue and snappy one-liners are present throughout the film. However, this story is just not as strong as her previous works, and often feels disjointed and clunky.
Audiences with realistic expectations to laugh, feel some 1980s nostalgia, and have a campy good time will be pleased – or at the very least, enjoy the rockin’ soundtrack.
Rating: Liked It
Lisa Frankenstein is currently playing in theaters
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