When was the last time we experienced a teen-centric movie that immediately felt like a classic in the making? It’s been a while, hasn’t it?
If we cast our minds back, the year 2018 stands out as a contender, offering up a trio of remarkable cinematic gems like “The Hate U Give,” “Eighth Grade,” and “Blockers.” And who could forget “Booksmart,” which followed in 2019? Yet, despite these notable entries, it seems we’ve been awaiting the arrival of the next instant teen classic for some time.
Enter “Lisa Frankenstein,” a film that on paper, appeared poised to become the next timeless teen flick of the decade. With its promise of a deliciously twisted narrative blending horror, romance, and comedy, coupled with the talents of screenwriter Diablo Cody (“Juno,” “Young Adult”) and director Zelda Williams (in her feature debut), expectations were high. Add to that the captivating performance by Kathryn Newton in the titular role, and the stage was set for something truly special.
However, despite its ambitious premise and talented team, “Lisa Frankenstein” ultimately falls short of its potential. The blame lies partly with the script, which fails to fully commit to any one direction, and partly with the direction, which lacks the visual flair needed to bring the story to life.
The film follows the story of Lisa Swallows, a misfit grappling with the trauma of her mother’s murder and her father’s subsequent marriage to a less-than-welcoming stepmother. Seeking solace in a nearby cemetery, Lisa’s life takes a bizarre turn when she inadvertently summons a creature from the grave—a misunderstanding that sets off a chain of events with comedic and macabre consequences.
While “Lisa Frankenstein” aims to capture the quirky charm of classics like “Beetlejuice” and “Edward Scissorhands,” it falls short of hitting the mark. Despite the best efforts of its cast, including Cole Sprouse’s charismatic portrayal of the monster, the film struggles to find its footing amidst its genre-blending ambitions.
To its credit, “Lisa Frankenstein” takes risks and offers a fresh take on familiar tropes, but ultimately, it fails to recapture the magic of its ’80s predecessors. Despite its nods to the past, the film feels oddly dated and lacks the energy and excitement needed to truly engage its audience.
In the end, “Lisa Frankenstein” is a missed opportunity—a film with potential that ultimately falls flat. While it may have its moments, it fails to leave a lasting impression, leaving audiences craving the timeless appeal of true teen classics.