“Lisa Frankenstein” arrives with an intriguing premise and an abundance of potential, drawing inspiration from the vibrant 80s horror rom-com style. The film, directed by Zelda Williams and written by Diablo Cody, promises a quirky, entertaining ride but unfortunately falls short of its aspirations. Despite having all the right parts for a great film, they are stitched together in a way that doesn’t quite work, leaving the final product feeling disjointed and unsatisfying.

The concept behind “Lisa Frankenstein” is undeniably clever—a modern twist on the classic Frankenstein story with a teen romance spin. Set against an 80s backdrop, the film aims to blend horror and comedy with nostalgic charm. However, the execution falters. The narrative feels uneven, with tonal shifts that disrupt the flow of the story. The film struggles to balance its horror elements with comedic and romantic undertones, resulting in a confused and disjointed experience.

Diablo Cody, known for her sharp and witty writing style, brings her trademark quirkiness to the script. Her previous works, such as “Juno” and “Jennifer’s Body,” successfully combined humor with darker themes, creating memorable and engaging films. In “Lisa Frankenstein,” however, Cody’s writing doesn’t hit the right tone. The dialogue, while occasionally clever, often feels forced and out of place within the context of the film. The characters lack depth and consistency, making it difficult for the audience to connect with them or invest in their journeys.

Kathryn Newton, who has shown her acting chops in films like “Freaky” and “Abigail,” takes on the titular role of Lisa. Despite her talent and previous successes, Newton struggles to lift her character off the page. Lisa feels underdeveloped and one-dimensional, with motivations and actions that are often unclear or unconvincing. Newton’s performance, while earnest, is hindered by the weak material she has to work with, resulting in a character that fails to resonate with the audience.

“Lisa Frankenstein” had the potential to be a standout entry in the horror rom-com genre. With its unique premise and the involvement of talents like Diablo Cody and Kathryn Newton, the film should have been a delightful blend of humor, horror, and heart. Instead, it feels like a collection of mismatched parts—each element has merit, but together they don’t form a cohesive whole. The film’s uneven pacing, inconsistent tone, and lack of character development leave it feeling like a missed opportunity.

The Prognosis:

“Lisa Frankenstein” is a film that, despite its promising premise and talented team, ultimately fails to deliver. The disjointed narrative and uneven tone detract from the film’s potential, leaving it feeling incomplete and unsatisfying. Diablo Cody’s quirky writing style, usually a strength, doesn’t find its footing here, and Kathryn Newton’s performance is hampered by underdeveloped material. While “Lisa Frankenstein” has moments of charm and creativity, it ultimately falls short of its aspirations, resulting in a middling to low-grade film that struggles to find its identity.

• Saul Muerte