An electrifying love story just in time for Valentine’s Day – “Lisa Frankenstein.” This comedic rendition of the “Frankenstein” story was well-written and scarily romantic, something that Mary Shelly could probably get behind.
Set in the late 1980s, this film follows the metamorphosis of Lisa Swallows into Lisa Frankenstein. Lisa is a girl who enjoys sewing, crimped hair, horror films and spending time at an abandoned cemetery. When she’s not reading near a tombstone, Lisa navigates high school boy troubles and a personal plight after the death of her mother. Enter her newfound friend, Mr. Frankenstein. Lisa taps into a new side of herself that is ruthless and unapologetic.
Both “Lisa Frankenstein,” and “Jennifer’s Body,” are produced by Diablo Cody (among others), and could possibly get another installment in their cinematic universe. Additionally, this film was directed by Zelda Williams, daughter of Robin Williams. The film was Williams’ feature-length directorial debut.
Lisa’s room is adorned with several horror film posters, but one, in particular, stood out; “A Trip to the Moon,” a sci-fi/fantasy film from 1902 that many consider to be the first scary movie because of its eerie undertones. Writers and producers clearly did their homework on classic horror before embarking on “Lisa Frankenstein.”
The original “Frankenstein” movie sparked conversation about the idea of a “mad scientist,” and this film adds to that narrative. Little by little, Lisa falls deeper into her madness and experimentation with her undead accomplice. By the end of the movie, Lisa faces death in one of her final “experiments,” a moment that truly qualifies Lisa as a mad scientist by her own means.
Lisa is played by Kathryn Newton, and Newton does a great job of embodying the complex character. I recognized Newton from her role in “The Society,” a Netflix series that (in my opinion) needs a sequel. Mr. Frankenstein was played by Cole Sprouse, a popular childhood actor from “The Sweet Life of Zack and Cody.” Despite only having two – maybe three – lines at the very end of the film, Sprouse gave life to his role as an undead hopeless romantic.
When I walked into the theater, my expectations were on the floor. I thought it would be a corny attempt at modernizing the story of Frankenstein, but it shined because of its unique story and ability to keep me laughing.
I would give “Lisa Frankenstein” four and a half lightning bolts out of five. “Lisa Frankenstein” will definitely be featured on my watch list for this upcoming Halloween.
This film would also be a perfect date-night movie! Instead of buying your Valentine a cheesy card or a new blouse, consider buying two movie tickets (or four for a double date). If you decide to do this, perhaps sneak in that heart-shaped box of chocolates under a sweater.