'Lisa Frankenstein' Unleashes a Darkly Comedic Experiment

He’s a corpse, but we’ve made things work.

Lisa Frankenstein rose from the dead into theaters in 2024. Lisa has a crush, only he’s been dead for a century. One night, after a set of horrific circumstances brings him back to life, Lisa and the corpse embark on a journey of love, happiness, and finding missing body parts.

You gotta love horror-comedy films like Lisa Frankenstein. It belts hilarious jokes in its darkly zany storyline. My only issue is that it doesn’t utilize its main story components enough, intertwining random scenes rather than a concise story.

Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse are a hilarious duo. They have electric comedic timing. Both actors have had successful careers already, especially Newton. Newton is a great actress, but her character, Lisa, felt underdeveloped. Considering her quirky personality, this is on purpose.

The real star of the film is Cole Sprouse. Sprouse is unrecognizable (literally). He impressively dictates cryptic movements, funny reactions, and non-verbal abilities. Before filming started, Sprouse worked with a movement and mime coach to develop his non-verbal techniques. Acting is not just about dialogue. We need to enforce non-verbal acting more because it’s just as important.

Everyone involved in the film embraced the over-the-top atmosphere. They all had a good time. I have never seen Carla Gugino in a role like this. Liza Soberano is another highlight as Lisa’s spiteful stepsister, Taffy. More credits include Henry Eikenberry, Joe Chrest, Jenna Davis, Trina LaFargue, Paola Andino, and Joshua Montes.

Zelda Williams accomplishes the film’s vibrant aesthetic with her unique approach. The visuals reminded me of a Tim Burton film, but Williams infuses her own distinct visual features. The film shouts 80s with hairstyles, outfits, and exotic decor.

All the sets are brightly lit and traced with loud colors. My friend and I lamented how we wanted to live in Lisa’s vibrant pink house. It’s also ironic considering the film’s dark nature. That’s what makes it funnier.

The makeup team developed cryptic makeovers for the corpse. I’m disappointed that the corpse doesn’t remain with decaying skin for the entire film. It ruins the believability.

Now for the part where I have mixed opinions. As the trailer implements, Lisa Frankenstein hardly focuses on the relationship between the main characters. Lisa guides her own way and casts the corpse to the side. She’s not even interested in him. Maybe that’s the whole point of her character, but it’s the main storyline.

The story is choppy. The overall narrative struggles to maintain its initial momentum. The pacing becomes uneven, and the plot meanders, leaving the audience yearning for the same energy that propelled the film in its early stages.

Lisa Frankenstein is hilarious. If only I could have recorded my reactions in the theater. I belted out laughing several times! The best scene is when Lisa runs screaming when the corpse first arrives. Background humor needs to come back! However, it’s easy to tell when jokes are planned. There’s a pause after each line, reminiscent of a sitcom. It was distracting.

Oh yes, Lisa Frankenstein is also violent. There’s also some sexual content. I have read reviews stating shock at how this film is not rated R. To me, everything happens offscreen. The film could have taken more risks. Be prepared because the funniest sexual innuendo is in this film. You’ll likely roll on the floor laughing.

This film is a great time, especially when seeing it in theaters. You can’t skip out on seeing Lisa Frankenstein. It’s a noteworthy addition to the horror-comedy genre. I’ll forever treasure the laughter.