From the mind of Robin Williams’ daughter Zelda Williams comes a unique and heartfelt romantic comedy blended with horror. A flick that is fun and is twisted, perfect for mature audiences to get a taste of 1980s jam with science fiction thrown in. A film where a Frankenstein creature is helping a girl who is trying to find connection in her life. That film is Lisa Frankenstein.

The plot of Lisa Frankenstein gears on Lisa (played by Kathryn Newton), a high-school teen in Louisiana who lost her mother at a young age. It’s 1989 and Lisa has been adopted by a family. Her adoptive parents are Janet and Dale (played by Carla Gugino and Joe Chrest), and their daughter is Taffy (played by Liza Soberano). Lisa feels hatred from her adoptive family, but she’s just trying to live her best life. She is seeking attention and popularity, but she spends her time by a graveyard because she has developed a crush on a corpse there. And then a wild dream comes true—the corpse comes to life! The monster is called The Creature (played by Cole Sprouse), and Lisa is terrified at first. But then she realizes that The Creature has feelings like she does. Together, they build a bond and go on a bizarre journey to find happiness. Lisa’s new attachment to The Creature is a ride of unexpected surprises that will make audiences laugh out loud, and a lot.

From my perspective, Lisa Frankenstein is like Risky Business meets Young Frankenstein. It’s over-the-top and frequently cheesy, but it had me sold. There is a 1980s jam that flows smoothly throughout the many adventures of Lisa and The Creature. She uses him for revenge, or to make her feel special. It is both a comedy and horror film where hearts are strong, and it will give audiences an adrenaline escape that keeps finding its right connections. It does go awry at times, as The Creature kills some folks out of the blue, but Lisa is invigorated by The Creature’s mission of helping her find happiness.

Lisa Frankenstein may seem predictable, and on some levels it is, but Williams’ directing will have its viewers pulling for a film that tries hard to find its funny, just like her father Robin always inspired his audience to find joyful moments in the movies and the arts. The story of a Frankenstein with a twist—a big heart—makes for a screenplay where connection and empathy matter, as does feeling connected.

There is a lot of mayhem around this monster. He doesn’t speak, and Sprouse plays the role very well, being in tune with the silence and showing through his actions the mind of a creature trying to adapt to a world he has never seen before. But does Lisa truly love The Creature? Catch Lisa Frankenstein and find out. It is a fun and tasteful experience; a journey of new adventures for both Lisa and The Creature in the year 1989. Three out of four stars for Lisa Frankenstein.