By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
Looking for an entertaining date movie for Valentines Day? “Lisa Frankenstein” has got you covered, but is far from a typical rom com. This is a dark comedy with a twisted sense of romantic creativity that feels like it’s straight from the strange mind of Tim Burton. In fact, there hasn’t been a more imaginative entry into the genre since “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.”
Following the tragedy of witnessing her mother brutally murdered, Lisa (Kathryn Newton) must acclimate to a new high school for her senior year in 1989. As if this wasn’t enough, her father Dale (Joe Chrest) is already remarried to Janet (Carla Gugino), who also has a daughter the same age named Taffy (Liza Soberano). Understandably, Lisa prefers being alone, seeking the comfort of an abandoned cemetery where she becomes enamored with the gravesite of a particular young man.
A freak storm and a magical wish bring this Creature (Cole Sprouse) back to life, albeit a bit worse for wear. Missing a hand, an ear, and his voice among other things doesn’t prevent Lisa from cultivating a budding romance with the reanimated corpse. Wanting to help him become more whole while keeping his presence a secret, Lisa must decide if the cost is worth the trouble.
The daughter of legendary comedian Robin Williams, Zelda Williams, makes her feature directorial debut with “Lisa Frankenstein.” She does a commendable job creating a comical teenage romance that actually caters to a wider audience age demographic by setting the film in 1989, incorporating nostalgic music, style, and references that older generations will appreciate. Obviously, Zelda uses the concept of “Frankenstein” first introduced by Mary Shelley, but she applies a much different take on the classic that has a life of its own.
From the cleverly artistic opening credits of the movie, Zelda is telling the audience they’re about to watch a more fantastical type of film with a more sinister twist. Think “Edward Scissorhands” except much darker, but in a highly amusing way. Interestingly, the comical dialogue is reminiscent of the cult classic “Heathers,” making this a unique yet strangely satisfying combination.
As Zelda steers this film down this dark road, she realizes it’s a one-way street, making the ending very difficult to land. It does wrap up the only way it can, but the climax is clumsy and distracts from the otherwise innovative piece of cinema to which the audience is treated. With this being her first major motion picture, however, the future is bright for young Zelda Williams.
Even though last year’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” was not a very good movie, it seemed to have catapulted Kathryn Newton’s career, who is now the star of “Lisa Frankenstein.” Her performance is reminiscent of a young Wynona Ryder, playing the part of a quirky, lonesome, troubled teenage girl with a warped sense of romance. The most surprising element to her performance was how natural her comedic timing and delivery was. Newton will get her next big test in a horror film called “Abigail,” also releasing this year.
You might remember Cole Sprouse from his portrayal of little Julian ‘Frankenstein’ McGrath in the Adam Sandler movie “Big Daddy” back in 1999. Ironically, here he is all these years later getting a major role as the ‘Frankenstein’ monster. This role is significantly more challenging, having to convey his thoughts and feelings only through facial expressions and mannerisms with his character being unable to speak. He worked for months prior to filming with a movement and mime coach, and it shows, providing seamless insight into his character subtly and believably.
This may be a bit too unorthodox of a romantic comedy for some, but for those who appreciate a bit of imagination and dark humor in their movies, they will be pleasantly surprised with the entertainment value this one provides. For Valentines Day, take a gamble and take your date to see “Lisa Frankenstein,” you’ll have a good time regardless of age.
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