DVD Corner

Lisa Frankenstein Blu-ray Review

“Lisa Frankenstein” is dead on arrival. 

From the mind of writer Diablo Cody (best known for “Juno” and “Jennifer’s Body”), “Lisa Frankenstein” is a horror-comedy rom-com set in 1989. The central character of this piece is Lisa- a goth teen outsider who is struggling from the loss of her mother. Her father (Dale) has remarried to a vile woman (Janet) that seems to have it out for Lisa. Janet has a daughter (Taffy) that is the complete opposite of Lisa, but manages to be a rather kind stepsister. To make a long story short, Lisa is at a cemetery she tends to frequent where she wishes to be with a Victorian man buried there. Much to her surprise, Lisa finds the man has been resurrected from the dead albeit he is unable to speak and is missing body parts. Lisa decides to hide the undead man (AKA the Creature) in her closet and begins to bond with him.  The Creature, in turn, looks out for Lisa and begins to punish those that wrong her. Lisa and the Creature soon find themselves on a warped path filled with romance, murder, body part replacements, and revenge.

Directed by Zelda Williams, “Lisa Frankenstein” is a frustrating horror comedy that never feels like it comes together like it should. The 2024 film is very much a throwback to 80’s horror (complete with horror references ala “Day of the Dead”) and coming-of-age teen movies, but it also feels like a poor imitation of other films that have come before like “My Boyfriend’s Back.” Diablo Cody (who is noted for strong dialogue) struggles in the comedy department here. In fact, the whole film feels like an unpolished first draft with head-scratching elements (the tanning bed plot device comes to mind). Even the relationship between Lisa and the Creature feels rushed despite the cast’s very best efforts. 

Speaking of which, the cast is the only thing keeping this film afloat. Kathryn Newton truly gives it her all here with an energetic and crazed performance. She certainly tries her best here even with the weak material she is given. Cole Sprouse doesn’t have much to say, but manages to have good chemistry with Newton as the Creature. Liza Soberano isn’t a household name yet, but she steals scenes as the stepsister Taffy. Last, but not least there’s the always reliable Carla Gugino who relishes playing a villain of sorts (Janet).

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? The hi-def transfer is a little fuzzy, but still solid.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 5.1 track is satisfactory (especially when it comes to the 80’s fueled soundtrack).

Extras:
* Digital copy
* Universal trailers
* 5 deleted scenes
* A 2 ½ minute gag reel
* “An Electric Connection”- A featurette on the film and characters.
* “Resurrecting The 80’s” covers the 80’s setting and production design.
* “A Dark Comedy Duo” is all about the collaboration between Diablo Cody and Zelda Williams.
* Commentary by Zelda Williams. 

April 1, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Cole Sprouse, Diablo Cody, Horror Comedy, Kathryn Newton, Lisa Frankenstein, Lisa Frankenstein Blu-ray Review