Lisa Frankenstein – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Lisa Frankenstein – High School Horrors of Slaughter and Love

Through a creative vision, anything is possible.  From awe to suspense, the imagination can build from the abstract into a story of escapable feelings.  Within the medium of film, no matter how topical or cliché it may be, enjoyment is possible.  In this review, I look at the latest twist on a familiar tale.  Through a mixture of genres, we follow in the pathway of odd love.  With interesting characters among a simple tale, Lisa Frankenstein is an 80s trip of monsters and love.

Lisa (Kathryn Newton) is a high school girl that dances within thoughts of colorful ideas and withering hope.  As odd circumstances become real, will her chance at love come true … or fade away.  On the surface, this film builds upon the typical coming-of-age journey.  In the beginning, we come into this world through the main character (Lisa), who reflects the typical outcast within a high school setting.  As the filmmakers flesh out her background (voice-over narration), we learn about tragic circumstances that lead to her living in a new town with her father, stepmother, and stepsister.  Through situational moments and cutesy/cheeky like dialogue, we learn that Lisa has an infatuation with a specific grave at an abandoned cemetery (plot point).  This leads through some convenient storytelling elements, building towards the rising of an undead creature (Cole Sprouse), a relationship forming with Lisa, and an odd but twisting journey of friendship and love.  From here, the coming-of-age aspect starts to blend with goth/horror elements, leading to a journey that melds the period (1980s) with its cheesy like moments.  This creative detail shows a perceptive growth within every level of the journey, veering into the irony of archetypes.  From her familial situation to the ongoing high school drama, it ripples within genuine moments of folly, a blend of the referential treatment within a darkly humored script.

As The Creature and Lisa’s relationship continues to build, it starts to have a consequential impact on her family and high school life.  As things turn to ominous and intrigue, the blending of horror, romance, and coming-of-age spurs moments to become ironically dark and comical.  As things twist within circumstance, it lifts the simplistic notion of the ‘Frankenstein’ tale to indifferent heights.  With Lisa facing certain choices in her life, we head into a third act of funny/dark moments and character growth.  This builds towards a full circle climax and weirdly happy epilogue.  Lisa Frankenstein blends genres within a simple but fun tale.  If you are a fan of odd journeys of love, coming-of-age tales, or horror with a twist, this is one for you.  There is definite fun to be had here if you check it out on the big screen.

Full Score – 3.5 out of 5 (Matinee)