The article defends PG-13 horror films, arguing that they can still be effective in delivering scares without resorting to extreme violence or gore. It challenges the notion that true horror fans must seek out the most depraved content, highlighting examples like "Drag Me to Hell" and "The Ring" as successful PG-13 horror films that rely on atmosphere and imagination to create tension. The upcoming film "Imaginary" from Blumhouse is also praised for its ability to provoke fear with minimal visuals, emphasizing the power of suggestion in horror storytelling.
"Lisa Frankenstein," a horror comedy written by Diablo Cody and starring Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse, debuted in second place at the North American box office with $3.8 million, while "Argylle" took the top spot with $6.5 million. Despite a modest production budget, "Lisa Frankenstein" received mixed to negative reviews and struggled to attract audiences on a slow Super Bowl weekend. Industry-wide, the weekend saw a significant decline in ticket sales compared to previous years, with analysts attributing the low turnout to a variety of factors. The box office is expected to pick up with the release of bigger movies in the coming weeks.
The domestic box office saw historic lows over Super Bowl weekend, with combined ticket sales of only $40 million, the worst showing in over three decades outside of 2021. Matthew Vaughn's film "Argylle" led with a meek $6.5 million, while Focus Features' horror-comedy "Lisa Frankenstein" opened in second place with $3.8 million. The industry is now looking towards the post-game era to regain momentum, and historically, there is potential for box office success despite the Super Bowl weekend.
The domestic box office saw historic lows during Super Bowl weekend, with combined ticket sales at an estimated $40 million, the worst showing in over three decades outside of 2021. Matthew Vaughn’s film "Argylle" led with a meek $6.5 million, while Focus Features’ horror-comedy "Lisa Frankenstein" opened in second place with $3.8 million. Hollywood studios are gearing up for new movie releases, and despite the Super Bowl, there is still potential for box office success.
"Lisa Frankenstein" and "Argylle" debut at the North American box office on a slow Super Bowl weekend, with "Argylle" taking the top spot. Despite a modest opening, "Lisa Frankenstein" failed to attract a large audience, while "Argylle" underperformed for Apple as its first major theatrical release. The weekend's overall box office was notably low, with industry-wide sales down nearly 25% from the previous year. Analysts attribute this to various factors, including the unique attention on the Super Bowl. The box office is expected to pick up with the release of bigger movies in the coming weeks, such as "Bob Marley: One Love" and "Madame Web," and the anticipation for "Dune: Part Two" in March.
"Argylle" claims the No. 1 spot at the box office with $6.5 million, while "Lisa Frankenstein" struggles in second place with $3.8 million, marking the lowest-grossing weekend of 2024. Super Bowl weekend traditionally sees slow ticket sales, and upcoming releases like "Madame Web" and "One Love" are not expected to significantly boost moviegoing until the debut of "Dune: Part II" in March. "The Beekeeper" and "Wonka" maintain their positions in the top three and four, respectively, while "Migration" takes the fifth spot.
Zelda Williams discusses her feature directorial debut "Lisa Frankenstein," a comedic homage to 1980s slasher films written by Diablo Cody and starring Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse. Williams shares insights into the film's production, including the challenges of directing a romantic comedy during the pandemic and the decision to tone down the R-rated content. She also reflects on her career, her famous father Robin Williams, and her disinterest in acting, while expressing her love for filmmaking and her dream project.
"Lisa Frankenstein" opens quietly at the box office with $1.7 million, likely falling behind "Argylle" in its second weekend. The film is projected to have a soft debut with around $4 million over the three-day frame, receiving mixed reviews and a lukewarm audience response. Meanwhile, the overall theatrical landscape is expected to remain subdued, with no domestic releases grossing more than $10 million. "Argylle" is set to retain the top spot despite a 62% drop in its second weekend, while "Dune" is being re-released in premium large formats ahead of the sequel's debut. Other films like "Wonka," "The Beekeeper," and "Migration" are also vying for top spots at the box office.
Diablo Cody, the writer of "Lisa Frankenstein," explains the ending of the film, where the protagonist, Lisa, joins her undead lover in death after a series of events involving murder and self-discovery. Originally, the ending was meant to show a cycle of grief and resurrection, but the director suggested a reunion between Lisa and the Creature, leaving the conclusion ambiguous.
Lisa Frankenstein, a film directed by Zelda Williams and written by Diablo Cody, explores the complex heroine of a lonely teen girl who raises a boyfriend from the dead. The story dissects Pygmalion-esque tropes and subverts the concept of creating the "perfect woman," placing the power of creation in a woman's hands. The film delves into themes of grief, societal expectations of women, and the dynamics of love and devotion, ultimately presenting a twisted fairy tale with a rare and surprising happy ending for its protagonist.
In an opinion piece, the author discusses the significance of women filmmakers in reimagining the Frankenstein story, citing examples like "Lisa Frankenstein" and "Poor Things." The article highlights the slow progress of women directors in Hollywood and the film industry's gender disparities. "Lisa Frankenstein" is portrayed as a celebration of women's creativity and a critique of gendered expectations, reflecting the ongoing struggle for women to gain equal opportunities in filmmaking.
Diablo Cody and Zelda Williams discuss their film "Lisa Frankenstein," including the R-rated cut of a bold scene, the resurgence of Frankenstein lore in cinema, and their collaboration on the project. They also share insights into the film's unique take on the Frankenstein story, the challenges of directing a mostly silent character, and the importance of staying true to the 1980s setting in the dialogue. Additionally, Cody expresses interest in reuniting with Jason Reitman and Charlize Theron for a future project, while Williams reflects on the memorable moments from making her directorial debut.
Lisa Frankenstein, a horror-comedy set in the '80s, follows the story of Lisa Swallows as she navigates high school and a reanimated corpse romance. Written by Diablo Cody and directed by Zelda Williams, the film pays homage to '80s and '90s cinema with its quirky and campy style. While not as memorable as the films it references, Lisa Frankenstein offers gory fun, thanks to Kathryn Newton's electric lead performance and Cole Sprouse's portrayal of the reanimated corpse.
"Lisa Frankenstein" is a teen horror-comedy film directed by Zelda Williams and loosely based on Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." The movie, set in the suburbs, follows a girl named Lisa who develops a crush on a 19th-century dead guy while navigating life with her father, stepmother, and stepsister. Despite its predictable plot, the film delivers some light fun and features girly-gothy production design reminiscent of the late 1980s and early '90s.
The domestic box office is expected to have a slow weekend as "Lisa Frankenstein" and "Argylle" battle for attention, with "Argylle" likely to retain the top spot despite its high production cost and underwhelming performance. "Lisa Frankenstein" is projected to fall short of double digits but may mitigate box office shortcomings due to its lower production cost. Overall, the box office is experiencing a slump, with ticket sales down nearly 15% from last year, but upcoming releases like "One Love" and "Madame Web" are expected to provide a boost.
