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"Lisa Frankenstein," directed by Zelda Williams, remixes the Frankenstein tale with influences from John Hughes, Tim Burton, and 2000s Hot Topic culture, set to an '80s soundtrack. Written by Diablo Cody, it parallels her work on "Jennifer's Body," exploring teenage angst through horror. The story follows Lisa Swallows (Kathryn Newton) who magically revives a Victorian poet (Cole Sprouse), leading to comedic horror. The film shines with strong performances, especially from Sprouse and Newton, and a memorable supporting cast. Williams’ direction captures an authentic '80s vibe, though the film struggles with tonal consistency. It's a promising debut that refreshingly revisits its classic origins.

Ethan Coen's "Drive-Away Dolls" (aka "Henry James' Drive Away ****") is a lesbian road comedy that delves into the American lesbian experience. Influenced by editor Tricia Cooke, Ethan's wife, the film blends sexual liberation with a comedic journey. Despite witty dialogue and strong performances, the plot is unclear, and the visual style feels inconsistent. Ethan's direction is seen as lacking distinctiveness, which detracts from the film's strengths in character and narrative.