A teenage girl becomes infatuated with a stranger who is, unbeknownst to her, a serial killer.
Staci Keanan
Lisa Holland
Cheryl Ladd
Katherine Holland
D.W. Moffett
Richard
Tanya Fenmore
Wendy Marks
Jeffrey Tambor
Mr. Larry Marks
Edan Gross
Ralph Marks
Julie Cobb
Mrs. Marks
Michael Ayr
Scott
Lisa Moncure
Sarah
Tom Dugan
Mr. Adams
Frankie Thorn
Judy
John Hawker
Mr. Howard
Drew Pillsbury
Don
Elizabeth Gracen
Mary
Dennis Bowen
Alison's Boyfriend
Director, Writer
Gary Sherman
Writer
Karen Clark
October 25, 2023
6
**_Prosaic flick about a mother & daughter’s clash with a serial killer_**
A 14 years-old girl (Staci Keanan) inadvertently strikes up a secret relationship with a distinguished restauranteur in Hollywood (DW Moffett). Unfortunately, he might also be the notorious Candlelight Killer, which would put her and her mother in danger (Cheryl Ladd).
"Lisa" (1990) is a coming-of-age drama meshed with PG-13 slasher. Writer/director Gary Sherman knows how to make atmospheric horror in view of his well-done "Dead & Buried" (1981). I happened to see Brian De Palma’s “Dressed to Kill” (1980) the night prior and it was thoroughly artistic and well-written with genuine surprises. This film, by comparison, strikes me as by-the-numbers, which no doubt had to do with the modest budget.
Nevertheless, “Lisa” is a perfectly serviceable film in which the mother & daughter are successfully fleshed out and you find yourself caring for them and their outcome. Staci was only 14 during shooting while Cheryl was 38. If you’re a fan of either, this is certainly worth checking out, even though it’s not exactly high art.
The movie runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot in Hollywood (the apartment, flower shop and school) and Muse restaurant on Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles.
GRADE: B-
Status:
Released
Original Language:
English
Budget:
$0.00
Revenue:
$4,347,554.00