Recommendation Station: Lisa Frankenstein

This comedic gem will cure your seasonal depression

By Belle Becker
Bleeding Cool

Directed by Zelda Williams, daughter of Robin Williams, and written by Diablo Cody (“Juno”), “Lisa Frankenstein” is an 80s-inspired gothic romcom that even horror fans can appreciate. It serves as the junction between the events of the book, Frankenstein, and the real-life experiences of its author, Mary Shelley.

A highschooler named Lisa, still reeling from her mom’s tragic passing, finds herself having to look after a Victorian-era zombie and chaos ensues with an electrifying soundtrack behind it. It can best be described as “Heathers” meets “The Corpse Bride”, so if you like either of those, this one’s for you.

The New York Times

The acting is phenomenal. If you are unsure of watching it because you don’t like one of the actors, please try it. You will be surprised by how well everyone plays their roles. Kathryn Newton is so likeable as Lisa that you can ignore the morally questionable things she does, and Cole Sprouse plays a hilarious zombie guy. Liza Soberano also shines as Lisa’s cheerleader stepsister. On top of this, the writing doesn’t feel like it was done by a 50-year-old man who thinks dad jokes are top-tier comedy.

It’ very rare to come across a comedy that’s actually funny. This movie nailed it—it genuinely made me (and the whole theater) laugh out loud. It’s unserious in the best way possible. It’s simple and it’s weird, which is why it works so well. Overall, this movie is what cinema is supposed to be: fun.

The Ithacan