Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
I was excited about Lisa Frankenstein. The trailer made me think that I was in for a joyful ride that would have the makings of a cult classic. What I got instead was a film that failed from a writing front.
In the 80s, Lisa Swallows (Kathryn Newton) forms a friendship with an undead monster (Cole Sprouse), who together go on a journey of friendship and helping each other out.
The film thinks it is a comedy on the level of Edward Scissorhands, but not a single gag landed for me. It also fails when it comes to character development, Lisa Swallows' transformation doesn't feel earned, it comes off as forced. Neither could the script make us feel for Lisa and the Monster. It was dull, which is a shame because it wastes a premise which had so much potential.
I also feel sorry for the technical team because they put their full effort into it. The film lets itself down from a writing point of view. The production design was amazing, the house design certainly had a campy feel.
I also liked the costumes. It could have easily come off as Wednesday-lite. But instead, they create one memorable look after another, totally apt for your Halloween inspo. Even the soundtrack was amazing, along with the background score which completely fit into the theme and aura of the film.