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Film reviews

Lisa Frankenstein Review

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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.

59th Chicago International Film Festival, Film reviews

The Holdovers Review

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The Holdovers, directed by Alexander Payne and written by David Hemingson, is a film about people who know how to turn hard times into good times. Paul Giamatti plays the lead in the film, and his performance as a lonely man and a frustrated teacher is stellar. The Holdovers is simply one of the best films of 2023.


The Holdovers takes place in the 1970s. It is the depth of winter at a New England boys prep school. Teacher Paul Dunham (Giamatti) volunteers to stay on campus with boys who can’t go home for the holidays. Many of the boys are hot-headed and not very academically inclined. Dunham is strict teacher, and the students tend to rebel against him.

One of the students, Angus Tully (played by Dominic Sessa), couldn’t go home because his mother is in a new marriage and she didn’t want him home for the holidays. All the other boys manage to find a way to get home, so Paul is stuck with just Angus and the cafeteria lady, Mary (played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph). Angus is desperate for a holiday feeling so Paul begins to take him on excursions, mostly restaurants and a few other places. Paul can see that Angus craves a sense of connection at a time when his family is not there for him.

One of the fascinating things about the writing in The Holdovers is that even though Paul is all about discipline and tough love, he breaks the rules many times to help Angus feel connected. It’s the holidays, a time when it’s important to be with family. And we find out that not only is Angus alone for the holidays, Paul also doesn’t have anyone to be with either. Paul is tenured and has been at the school for many years, so even though he’s breaking the rules, he probably wouldn’t lose his job and he thinks it’s worth the risk in order to provide Angus with some happiness.

Paul Giamatti’s performance in The Holdovers is on par with his brilliant performance in Payne’s Sideways (2004). Almost two decades later, Giamatti still has that frustrated yet heartfelt attitude of inspiration. He inspired his friend in Sideways as much as he inspires Angus in The Holdovers. Payne’s directing is such that the key characters in many of his projects often find encouragment for others. The Holdovers is a masterpiece of connection.

I loved The Holdovers because it deals with loneliness and melancholy in an interesting and encouraging way while the characters navigate situations that are difficult and unavoidable. And we all have difficult and unavoidable situations in our life. It’s a film where the joy of feeling loved is restored, where good times come out of the bad. The Holdovers is an achievement that is unique in its brilliance. It is not to be missed. Four stars for The Holdovers.

Film reviews

Every Body Review

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The term intersex is at the center of Every Body. For those unfamiliar with this term, intersex refers to people born with genitals, chromosomes or reproductive organs that don’t fit into a male/female sex binary. It is a story of individuals who have encountered many hurdles before owning and accepting their bodies. Every Body is a daring documentary and a revolutionary achievement. Every Body is a film that proves how hard it can be to be accepted. I found the film engrossing because the stories are touching and courageous. The exploration of fear experienced by the starring individuals is where Every Body stands as a sentimental struggle.

Every Body shares the stories of Sean Saifa Wall, Alicia Roth Weigel, and River Gallo. These individuals shine by being brave as they share their secrets about their own bodies. They talk about how medical advice and shame have brought them mental challenges throughout their tough journeys. The film is brilliant in capturing their emotions as they elaborate on hiding the truth about themselves. Every Body is a sensory experience and an important and invigorating documentary.

It is said in the film, “Surgery is not medically necessary.” This quote reminds us that one’s gender is about how one chooses to live their life. Someone may want to live with the body parts they were born with.  Others may elect surgery to help them feel like they are their true gender. Every Body is a scientific ride which reveals the traits, personalities, and complex challenges of Wall, Weigel, and Gallo. Their success is illustrated in this documentary as all three intersex individuals have had to overcome many rough encounters while dealing with their unique gender scenarios.

I respect those who identify in different ways. I feel I have even more empathy for those who feel the way they do after watching Every Body. The in-depth descriptions and topics are emotional and compelling. The stories described in the film display how there is increased awareness and more support for gender diversity in society today. The topic is still quite sensitive, but the film demonstrates the resilience of those impacted by being intersex and the hope that there is increased understanding. The documentary shines a light on the positives of being open and honest about the issues that are highlighted in Every Body.

The emotional content of the film is sensitive and requires empathy. It is a documentary of a serious topic told in a highly personal way. The concept of delving into individuals’ feelings connected to their gender and anatomy is bold. Every Body carries a strong and powerful message that everyone no matter what their gender should be accepted. The talents that Wall, Weigel, and Gallo carry with them add to the unique way they each identify with the world around them. Every Body is an intriguing documentary focused on awakening acceptance and being an ally for those who identify differently. Three and a half out of four stars for Every Body.