Movie Review—Dark Shadows
Directed by: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeifer, and Eva Green
Okay, But, Could Have Waited for Cable (3 popcorn boxes out of 5)
This month’s movie review belongs to the film
Dark Shadows
A comedy-horror film for teens and adults
The Collins family moves to America in 1752,
building their own fishing empire off the coast of Maine. Their young son
Barnabas, played by Johnny Depp is raised to rule the kingdom, but along the
way, he steals and breaks the heart of their maid, Angelique Bouchard,
portrayed by Eva Green. Only she is much more than just the local help. A
scorned woman can be very dangerous and Angelique is additionally threatening
in that she is a witch. Subsequent to her betrayal by Barnabas, she removes her
competition and turns him into a vampire, then turns the town of Collinsport
against him, having them bury him alive.
Here comes 1972, and Barnabas is freed from his
captivity. His family’s stature and fortunes have dwindled, as Angelique’s seem
to have grown. The matriarch of the family is performed by Michele Pfeiffer, as
Elizabeth Collins Stoddard. The family is dysfunctional at best, to the point
that when Barnabas erupts into their lives it is just natural to allow him to
take over, also he has a secret that aids in the recovery of their fortune. The
current Collins children seem to need some therapy and there is an in-house
doctor as well as the need for a nanny, who resembles the past love in
Barnabas’ life. Is there love in his future and the chance for a normal family
life? Hardly, and Angelique is only one of the barricades to such happiness.
Director TimBurton, has not done justice to the
television show and even his usual ability to find a loveable character amidst
the gruesome and horrific is missing. The portrayal of David Collins by
Gulliver McGrath, is one of the few bright spots, in addition to the spot that
Alice Cooper engages. The music and costumes are enjoyable, but the rest of the
movie leaves a lot to be desired. The advertisements led to the feeling this
was going to be more of a comedy and less of the gothic darkness of the series.
The outcome was more as if Tim Burton could not decide which movie he was doing
and directed the actors in the same manner, as the acting by all of these fine
actors seemed just as confused. The blood and gore did not make it more
dramatic, nor did the far from romantic liaisons between Barnabas and
Angelique. Really could have waited for the cable release.
