Awards night excitement and Frankenstein
I am eagerly awaiting Oscars night. You see the Oscars have always been my Super Bowl and I am preparing myself. I know people say the Oscars are boring, long and pretentious but lets get real, this is a Hollywood event full of actors, so profound pontification it to be expected. What I love most about the Oscars are the looks. If you want to know what haircut, lipstick shade or outfit will be the next big thing this is the night to pay attention. I’m also looking forward to seeing what the men will be wearing. Pedro Pascal’s hybrid of swashbuckler meets “Puffy Shirt” look at the SAG’s had me convulsing with laughter, while Ryan Gosling modelled yet another alluring Gucci number. Looks aside, I’m always curious to find out which movies will win and which movies will be snubbed. Sorry Barbie, even though you ruled the box office I predict your only win will be for Best Original Song. Oscar night also brings the promise of high drama, quotable speeches and record breaking wins. Here’s wishing Lily Gladstone brings home a well deserved statuette for Killers of The Flower Moon. There are 23 categories when all is said and done and I have made my predictions for all of them. Consequently, I am going into the night confident with all my picks.
One movie that won’t be winning any awards however is Lisa Frankenstein
I know it’s a clumsy segue but I’m eager to share my newest review. Written by the Oscar winning writer of Juno, Diablo Cody and directed by Zelda Williams (Robin Williams’ daughter,) Lisa Frankenstein is a cluttered mess. The poster for this movie is beautiful with its attractive 80’s Weird Science appearance and humorous tagline. “If you can’t meet your perfect boyfriend…make him.” Not only cute but clever. I know I have a few exes that I wouldn’t mind piecing together to create my ideal. Hmmm….I’ll take his abs and that killer smile please. Initial perception aside the actual film is a disaster. The plot revolves around teenager Lisa Frankenstein, Kathryn Newton, who discovers a man brought back from the dead. She precedes to use real human parts to make him whole again via a tanning bed with serious electrical problems Don’t get me wrong the idea has all the features of a fun coming of age movie but the execution is subpar. Firstly, the acting is not good with the entire cast overplaying, making each joke fall flat. Cole Sprouse, as the Creature, is the only highlight and while he doesn’t say more then one sentence, he steals scenes with his offbeat facial expressions. Secondly, the silhouette sequence during the opening credits is a direct copy of Tim Burton’s Corspe Bride. The similarities with Tim Burton continue with obvious poaching from Edward Scissorhands and Beeetlejuice. Thirdly, both the story and visuals have no natural flow making it more student film rather than a studio feature. Sadly, the idea seemed promising but the poor artistry stripped it of any value.