A misunderstood teenager and a reanimated corpse embark on a murderous journey to find love, happiness and a few missing body parts.
Director: Zelda Williams
Lisa Frankenstein is a fun, if uneven, mash up of a variety of sources that's carried by Kathryn Newton's energetic performance. Zelda William's film is bright and bubbly the way most nostalgia porn recreates the 80s as a neon filled wonderland. It’s kitschy and overblown but very much in tune with the rest of the film and story being told. Diablo Cody penned the script, with plenty of moments showing off her ability to write sharply funny dialogue. It doesn't have the same level of consistent energy and verve that some of her past work but it’s still funnier more often than not. It’s a broader satire of all sorts of 80's teen comedy tropes with larger than life characters and ideas that the cast willingly embraces with impressive gusto. Kathryn Newton carries the film from the opening sequence through its final frame with an effervescent, charming central turn. Newton is consistently the most interesting performer on screen even during some of the film's weaker moments. Her wide eyed enthusiasm shines through the layers of mascara, apple candy lipstick and ever expanding 80s hairdo. Newton has shown some comedic talent in her previous turns like Freaky and Blockers, but this is by far her best showcase. The supporting cast is solid with Cole Sprouse and Liza Soberano leaving the biggest impression. Sprouse has fun chemistry with Newton which is impressive since he's required to rely on a psychical performance with his character being mute for the better part of the film. Soberano is equally impressive as Lisa's incredibly supportive and sweet step sister by giving the character a believable sort of authenticity. Carla Gugino vamps it up to an impressive degree as the stepmother but sadly the film doesn't take full advantage since the film could have benefited from more scenes between her and Newton. Ultimately, Lisa Frankenstein is a wonderfully twisted spotlight that lets Kathryn Newton show off charismatic screen presence.
B
