When I first heard about the movie Lisa Frankenstein, I assumed it must be another cheap spin off of an originally great story. I must admit going into it I did not have high hopes for it at all. Surprisingly though, I was pleasantly surprised. Although the movie could be a bit predictable at times overall, it was a great original plot. The story is centered around a girl named Lisa (Kathryn Newton) that accidently befriends a dead man (Cole Sprouse) and he comes back from the dead after his grave is struck by lightning to be with her.
The best way to describe this movie would be to say it’s stupid in the best way possible. The acting wasn’t great throughout the movie and whether this was done on purpose for comedic effect, or they just weren’t great actors I’m not sure, but I think paired with the story line it could easily be chalked up to just another cheesy romcom. If you have ever seen an Adam Sandler movie you know exactly what I’m talking about.
The movie did have some great visuals. They really laid into the bright colors and patterns of the late 80’s. I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to move into Lisa’s house immediately. With the hair, makeup, houses, and clothes there is no mistake when this movie is taking place. With that being said, they were lacking in the special effects aspect. When the dead man comes out of the grave (I will be calling him “dead man” because he was actually never given a name) Is where the most special effects makeup was used and it’s just not that great. When he is running around after escaping his grave, he throws up neon green goo several times, which almost reminds you of the Nickelodeon slime.
At the beginning of the movie, I was worried if I was going to be able to make it through just because of the awful acting and special effects. Like the multiple times Lisa screams but very obviously instead of actress Kathryn Newton it’s the delayed classic Hollywood scream.
All in all, the movie gave me major “Heathers” vibes (which, conveniently, is an 80s classic. And I’m not sure that was done on purpose). The whole storyline of high school students (well at least Lisa is a highschooler unlike her dead lover that is some odd hundreds of years old) killing for each other and willing to die for each other until the girl freaks out over killing people is very reminiscent to Heathers. If you have never seen Heathers, you absolutely should, but that movie is about a high school couple killing the people they don’t like until the girl decides she’s had enough.
The movie also gave off some “Clueless” vibes with the character Taffy (Liza Soberano). With her rich girl attitude, backhanded comments, airhead-like personality, and overwhelming want to help the new female student fit in at school. I’d say that Cher from Clueless and Taffy are practically identical. (Also, they both yell, “Daddy” in a high-pitched baby every time referring to their father).
Overall, I’d say this is a good movie and I would definitely recommend seeing it. During my time watching it, I wasn’t bored once, and I don’t think you will be either. Lisa Frankenstein gets a 7.5/10 from me.
