Lisa Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 11, 2026
Movie Overview: Lisa
| Movie | Lisa |
| Release Year | 1990 |
| Director | Gary Sherman |
| Genre | Thriller / Drama / Horror / Romance |
| Runtime | 95 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Lisa (1990) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Lisa are led by Staci Keanan . The supporting cast, including Cheryl Ladd and D.W. Moffett , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Lisa does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Thriller films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Lisa has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Thriller fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Lisa
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1990, Lisa is a Thriller, Drama, Horror, Romance film directed by Gary Sherman. The narrative builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Staci Keanan.
Ending Explained: Lisa
Lisa Ending Explained: Directed by Gary Sherman, Lisa attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core thriller themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Staci Keanan. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the thriller themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Lisa reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Lisa?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Thriller films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Lisa
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $4.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Top Cast: Lisa
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Where to Watch Lisa Online?
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Amazon Prime Video with AdsLisa Parents Guide & Age Rating
1990 AdvisoryWondering about Lisa age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Lisa is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, Lisa is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1990 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lisa worth watching?
Lisa is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Lisa parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Lisa identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Lisa?
The total duration of Lisa is 95 minutes, which is approximately 1h 35m long.
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How Lisa Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Lisa
**_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-
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.












