Lisa

Lisa is an intriguing American thriller film directed by Gary Sherman and launched in 1990. The film stars Staci Keanan in the titular role alongside Cheryl Ladd and D.W. Moffett. Lisa tells the story of a smart but naive 14-year-old girl who becomes entangled in a dangerous cat and mouse game, while her mother, played by Cheryl Ladd, remains blissfully unaware of the peril her daughter has embarked upon.

The narrative unfolds in the metropolis of Los Angeles, where we're introduced to the young, intelligent, and creative protagonist, Lisa Holland, played brilliantly by Staci Keanan. Lisa lives an otherwise normal suburban life with her overprotective mother Katherine, effectively portrayed by Cheryl Ladd.

Lisa's father isn’t around, and her mother's extreme protective attitude comes from the anxiety of being a single parent in a big city. Despite being limited within her mother’s boundaries, Lisa engages in harmless flirtatious activities to satiate her curious mind. She enjoys dialing men she spots in her neighborhood and playing an innocent but flirtatious game of phone tag, unbeknownst to her mother.

However, this seemingly harmless pastime takes a drastic turn when she spots a handsome stranger, played by D.W. Moffett. He seems to be a wealthy businessman at a first glance, and soon, Lisa sets her sights on him for her next telephone adventure.

What Lisa doesn't know is that this suave man has a chilling secret – he is a serial killer, infamously known as the Candlelight Killer who terrorizes women of the city. Thrilled by the mysterious man, Lisa dangerously initiates her coy game of telephonic flirtation, not knowing the true identity of her latest target.

Meanwhile, Katherine, a successful fashion designer, is busy juggling her career and role as a mother. She's a woman of the 90s, strong and independent, but somewhat oblivious to her daughter's exploits, attributing Lisa’s erratic behaviour to typical teenage rebellion.

As Lisa's curiosity increases, so does the tension in the movie. She begins to cross boundaries, unaware of the potential danger she's putting herself into. Moffett's portrayal of the unnamed character is sinister and riveting, capturing the audience's attention as he remains oblivious of Lisa's age and true identity.

Despite the dark theme, the movie delves into several relatable themes like the challenges of single parenthood, the curiosity and rebelliousness of teenagers, and the dangers that can lurk in a metropolis. The dynamic between mother and daughter forms the backbone of the film, with their dialogues and interactions driving the narrative forward.

Director Gary Sherman effectively develops the storyline by oscillating between Lisa's innocent, youthful pursuit and the sinister, terrifying persona of the Candlelight Killer. This juxtaposition heightens the suspense and makes for an engaging viewing experience.

Staci Keanan brings an admirable performance to the film as she transforms her character from a naive, innocent girl to a figure fighting an unknown danger. Cheryl Ladd’s portrayal of a loving yet distracted mother provides an emotional undertone to the thrilling plot, while D.W. Moffett keeps the audience on edge with his chilling performance as the mysterious, dangerous stranger.

In conclusion, Lisa is a gripping thriller that keeps you hooked with its suspenseful plot, strong performances, and thoughtful themes. It's a unique exploration of naivety colliding with malevolence that will leave you contemplating the potential danger hidden behind seemingly innocent actions. Lisa offers more than just a simple thriller; it is a thought-provoking tale of suspense, danger, and the harsh realities of the world we live in.