The Hollywood movie Lisa Frankenstein officially opens in cinemas across the Philippines starting today, February 7, 2024.
Read: REVIEW: Liza Soberano's campy Lisa Frankenstein shocks and awes
On the eve of its Philippine premiere, former Kapamilya star Liza Soberano was at the Hollywood Athletic Club in Los Angeles, California, for a special screening of the horror-comedy film written by Diablo Cody (Juno, Jennifer's Body) and directed by Zelda Williams.
Read: Liza Soberano dons Olivier Theyskens dress at Lisa Frankenstein Hollywood premiere
The film's lead stars Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse were in attendance as the movie's promo shifts to high gear in preparation for its U.S. release on February 9.
Lisa Frankenstein holds a special interest among Filipino audiences for it marks Liza's debut on the international stage, with ardent fans calling it the start of the actress's "Hollywood era."
Read: Liza Soberano soon to make her Hollywood debut?
With that comes increased scrutiny, as viewers now can critique Liza's performance in a project that diverges from her previous loveteam-centric endeavors.
In the movie, Liza assumes the role of Taffy, stepsister to Lisa Swallows portrayed by Kathryn.
LIZA GETS PRAISES
Katcy Stephan from the American weekly entertainment publication Variety described Lisa Frankenstein "bloody, campy fun!"
She praised lead stars Kathryn and Cole, calling the former a "bona fide movie star" and the latter as someone who "excels in physical comedy."
As for Liza, Stephan said, "Liza Soberano shines as she delivers the film's best one-liners."
#LisaFrankenstein is bloody, campy fun! Kathryn Newton is a bona fide movie star, and Cole Sprouse excels in physical comedy. Liza Soberano shines as she delivers the film’s best one-liners. Zelda Williams was the perfect person to direct Diablo Cody’s expertly-written script. pic.twitter.com/Z2v10C0opr
— Katcy Stephan (@katcystephan) February 6, 2024
Film critic Courtney Howard also gave Liza major props, dubbing her as "the breakthrough performer" in the movie and that she's looking forward to seeing more of the actress on the big screen.
Liza Soberano is *the* breakthrough performer in #LisaFrankenstein. She’s who everyone will be talking about - and with good reason too. Looking forward to seeing her in more films. pic.twitter.com/nwbVBIDOBJ
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) February 6, 2024
Actress and writer Clarke Wolfe wrote, "I really enjoyed a lot of what #LisaFrankenstein had to offer!" and commended the female cast, including Liza, for their performances.
I really enjoyed a lot of what #LisaFrankenstein had to offer! Diablo Cody’s script crackles and there are a couple of scenes where Zelda’s direction flourishes. The ladies run the show: Kathryn Newton, Carla Gugino and Liza Soberano are so good and the 80s looks great on them! pic.twitter.com/vbpIGjHnbM
— Clarke Wolfe (@clarkewolfe) February 6, 2024
Frederick Nuti, co-host of the Knight Light: A Horror Movie Podcast, also commended the film, raving, "#LisaFrankenstein is a superb horror comedy."
He made special mention of Liza, calling her performance "amazing."
Happy to say #LisaFrankenstein is a superb horror comedy! Diablo Cody and Zelda Williams crafted this film with so much film love. Kathryn Newton is a horror icon. Supported by an amazing performance by Liza Soberano. A stylistic goth dream! Horror fans will fall in love! pic.twitter.com/FVAMZqngKU
— Frederick Nuti (@FrederickNuti) February 6, 2024
Meanwhile, American film critic Scott Menzel called Liza's portrayal in the film "very good" when asked by a follower.
She was very good! She is the perfect polar opposite to Kathryn’s character.
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) February 6, 2024
"SHE'S THE SWEETEST GIRL"
Liza developed a deep bond with her Lisa Frankenstein co-star Kathryn Newton.
In an interview, Kathryn referred to Liza as the "sweetest girl I've ever met in my whole life."
She said fondly of Liza, "I love Liza. She's just a gift to the world."
Read: "Leaked" photo from Liza Soberano's Hollywood film trends online
Liza, according to Kathryn, perfectly fits the role of Taffy and that "there's nobody who can play this role except her."
Elaborating further, Kathryn remarked, "Because she's such a sweet human and Taffy is really like kinda sweet, kinda terrible — you're not really sure.
"But there's nothing about Liza that's not perfect."
Kathryn admires Liza's work ethic and talent as an actress, something that she saw firsthand while doing the film.
"Working with her has been a lesson because she's so professional.
"This girl cries on command, she is funny on command, and she's always perfect so working with her was so much fun."
Liza, meanwhile, told reporters in an interview how she and Kathryn developed a friendship instantly.
“With Kathryn, we instantly clicked because I feel like we’re very similar in a lot of ways," said Liza, adding that both of them are "goofy" and fans of "K-pop and rap music."
Continued Liza, "She’s a sweetheart and is so much fun to be with.
"They all made it easy for me because I’m the type of person who’ll stay quiet in one corner until you approach me.”