I saw Lisa Frankenstein

Lisa Frankenstein, directed by actress Zelda (The Frankenstein Brothers) Williams and written by Diablo Cody, who scripted Jennifer's Body, is an amusing variant of Mary Shelley's novel, as well as the aforementioned horror picture, in addition to Bride of Frankenstein, Lady Frankenstein, Edward Scissorhands, Frankenweenie, Corpse Bride, Fido, Deadgirl, The Living Dead Girl, Deadly Friend, Beyond the Darkness, May, Heathers, Benny & Joon, Valley Girl, Mean Girls, any rendition of Cinderella, and in a larger than anticipated way, E.T. 

For this sake of this 1989-relegated opus, Kathryn (Supernatural/Freaky/Quantumania) Newton plays Lisa Swallows, whose mother was murdered by a Michael Myers surrogate (one never explored beyond a fleeting "flashback," and with the insinuation that Lisa may have been the veritable culprit). When Lisa isn't yearning for Henry Eikenberry's charismatic, school-mag editor, Trent, she comes to terms with her woeful station at Bachelor's Grove Cemetery, where she admires the headstones and related sculptures.

By chance, lightning strikes her favorite grave, resurrecting Cole Sprouse's Victorian "Creature," who seems naïve (and kind) enough to befriend, especially considering his penchant for quality music. (Incidentally, REO Speedwagon's "Can't Fight This Feeling " takes on wry, new meaning in the movie's morbid, but euphoric context.)

What evolves is doused in cover-ups and alibis as Lisa and her cohort find him new appendages (mended through the electrical power of a tanning machine). These procedures prompt the kind of dark-humored brutality that would give Peter Jackson (considering his earliest productions) a run for his money, with one scene, in particular, echoing Dead Alive. 

Moreover, Lisa's insatiable need for acceptance, even if filtered through undead dynamics, is outright touching. Newton and Sprouse make the camaraderie click, adding just enough slapstick and sappiness to spin an identifiable vibe. (Carla Gugino as Lisa's self-centered stepmom; Liza Soberano as her out-of-step stepsister, Joe Chrest as her oblivious dad; and Bryce Romero as her frisky schoolmate, are engaging in parenthesizing the forbidding relationship.) 

I suppose one could argue that Lisa Frankenstein is a movie geared for the ladies, but as a horror buff (and one who appreciates the genre's comedic end), I believe the movie's irreverent charm will prove more universal (pun intended) than not. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if it was teamed with Renfield on the drive-in circuit this summer. Now, that's a devilish, double feature I'd be more than pleased to disinter!