Dark Shadows Review (MINOR SPOILERS)

Dark and Funny... for some

THE MOVIE: CRITIC'S TAKE

Not too many of you know that this film was once a TV show. Not any TV show but a hit. It was suspenseful, rich in goth detail, and the first real show about loving a vampire, way before Buffy and Angel and all this Twilight mess. You can call the show an original piece of art. A few decades later and the new generation just laughs at it. Tim Burton decided to turn this drama show into a comedic satire of the 70s. The film itself isn't bad, it's just not for everyone from either generation. The only saving grace of this film was Johnny Depp. What role can't this guy play?

STORY

Barnabas Collins, played by Johnny Depp, was born into a rich family. He watched as his parents turned their misfortune into a pot of gold. He wasn't the only one though. Angelique, played by Eva Green, was obsessed with Barnabas. She becomes his live in maid and lover and watches as he fondles every woman that crosses his path. He does fall in love with his dream girl and marries her. This pisses Angelique off and makes Barnabas life hell. She first kills his parents and then sends his beloved wife over a cliff. He commits suicide by jumping in after her only to learn that she cursed him as a vampire! That Bitch!

A nasty one at that!

She is able to convince a mob to trap Barnabas in a coffin for 197 years. Once freed he goes on a killing spree to quince his thirst. He realizes that he is in a new world facing the McDonald dragon. The only thing he cares about though is fixing the family business and helping his family. Elizabeth Collins, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, tells him that the family business is in ruins and the the fortune is non existent. Barnabas convinces her to let him stay in exchange that he restarts the family business and keeps his dark secret a secret. There is one problem though. Angelique still runs the town.

Like a diva

He also falls for the governess Winters, played by Bella Heathcote. She looks like his late wife and wants to make her his bride. This pisses of Angelique once again and offers him the town in exchange for his love. He tells her fuck no and vows to take her down. She's no fool and traps him in a new environment. An unlikely hero comes to his rescue but is the damage too late? Angelique is going to attack his family and Barnabas may not be strong enough to stop her. What can a vampire and a whack family do?

Besides looking like the Addams Family

ACTING

The acting here was great for a comedy like this. The chemistry between the actors are great and believable. Chloe Moretz plays the sexually frustrated teenager. She was awesome as a brat but when she tried to be sexy I couldn't help but put my head down. It didn't work. What did work was Johnny Depp. He owned his role and pretty much single handily made this movie worth watching. He brought the best out of all his actors and gave the film what it needed. Eva Green did a great job too but not with just her words but her facial expressions as well. However, if it wasn't for Depp this movie wouldn't be all that good.

She was alright too

SPECIAL EFFECTS

The effects here were lovely. I loved the 70s setting. It was like going back in time and watching an era. The blood is never too much and the action is an enjoyable experience. The cracking of the witch was a nice touch. It reminded me of a mannequin with imperfections. Overall this department did a fine job.

What a diva!

WRITING AND DIRECTING

The film was written by Seth Smith and Directed by Tim Burton. Seth wrote some interesting dialog. Not once did I feel that anything was unnatural. The story flowed with a decent pace that didn't leave you bored. I wasn't too happy with the ending because they threw to much at us in a short time. Tim Burton is his usual weird self. He gave us unique artistry which brought this movie to life. He is one of the best directors in Hollywood and this film shows it.

THE END

The movie is worth a watch. It would make a good date movie and it's good for a few laughs. Johnny Depp is amazing in this film. He is a great actor and one day will win an Oscar. He made the movie what it is. Like I said it's not for everyone but the film is still worth a shot. You might be one of those that love it.

OVERALL


STORY - 7 out of 10
ACTING - 8 out of 10
SPECIAL EFFECTS - 7 out of 10
WRITING - 7 out of 10
DIRECTING - 8 out of 10


OVERALL - 7 out of 10 (GIVE IT A SHOT)