Lisa Frankenstein

For some reason, from the moment I saw the energetic trailer for Lisa Frankenstein, I immediately thought of Warm Bodies. 

That's a pretty deep cut back to a 2013 film, but it's clearly one I cherished my time with if I can remember it over a decade later. It was a big surprise of a movie for me - largely because of Teresa Palmer - and I was hoping that Lisa Frankenstein, being a little bit weirder and a lot more 80s, was going to have the pizzazz and energy that it did in the trailer. 

Alas, it unfortunately did not, nor was it as strong as Warm Bodies. As the credits rolled, I couldn't help but think there was some sort of stylistic choice that was lacking; I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Part of me really wants to say it should have chosen more 80s music as I was largely disappointed one of the most iconic elements of that era was used, sure, but almost sparingly. Another deep cut - Take Me Home Tonight (which coincidentally also stars Teresa Palmer) - gained a lot of bonus points from its 80s music and it felt like Lisa Frankenstein wanted to...but didn't execute. There's also some stylistic choices where the fashion feels fantastically 80s as Newton gets to wear a lot of great outfits, but it didn't feel like it leaned much more into the era that could have given it more staying power. Perhaps, by trying to put my finger on what was lacking, for me at least, I'm missing the mark...but that's really the story with this fun, sometimes funny, but kind of forgettable film. 

As is the case with most films I decide to see (because I don't have time for the outright bad ones anymore), Lisa Frankenstein still entertained me without ever overstaying its welcome. Much like I.S.S. from earlier in the year, this is a swift, barely-over-90-minute film that amounts to a good one-time-watch, though I liked I.S.S. better. I could see a specific crowd making this a cult classic over the years, and good for them. It's silly and gradually gets better as it gets weirder and pushes its PG-13 rating more. Our leads of Cole Sprouse and Kathryn Newton are fun, with Sprouse owning a lot of physical comedy as Newton anchors the whole thing. They have decent enough chemistry to make it work and Newton leans into the crazier parts that leave the whole thing with a fun final half hour. 

There's some zaniness to be had with Lisa Frankenstein, and as I mentioned, I bet there are going to be people who absolutely adore this film. I merely enjoyed my time with it, wishing it had found that magic something that could have elevated the unique material, era, and cast a bit more. 

Rapid Rath's Review Score | 6.5/10