Dark Shadows (2012)
Brief review: Based on the gothic horror soap opera of the same name, "Dark Shadows" is yet other Burton / Depp collaboration that has its moments of genuine fun, wit and amusement, but it's also full of intentional silliness that never quite works right. Due to its unbalanced script, the film fails to blend comedy, horror, and romance properly, and as a result, "Dark Shadows" is amusing but far from hilarious, interesting but hardly intriguing, and somewhat creepy yet never scary. The visuals of the film are nothing short of fantastic - the location is perfectly-chosen and grim, yet pretty, and that combined with Delbonnel's beautifully murky cinematography creates a splendidly gothic atmosphere, plus, the glorious old mansion, where most of the action takes place in, has so many amazing features, it will take your breath away. However, despite the stunning visuals and Tim Burton's unsurprisingly polished direction, the movie still lacks that extra special something that would have made it more memorable. The entire cast delivers. The main focus is on Johnny Depp and he gives yet another outstandingly amusing performance as the 200-year-old well-mannered vampire, trying to break his curse. Eva Green is devilishly sexy as the manipulative witch, Michelle Pfeiffer does a solid job as the charismatic Elizabeth, but Helena Bonham Carter and Chloë Grace Moretz are those who truly stand out from the rest.
Overall summary: It's a bit silly, and its director struggles to find the right balance between horror, comedy and family affair, but Burton's "Dark Shadows" makes up for these shortcomings with a top-notch cast, stunningly atmospheric visuals and some gorgeous settings.
The visually-stunning "Dark shadows" is yet another collaboration by Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. If you like watching great movies from this duo, then why not join lovefilm.com. Get a one month free trial and check out the entire Burton/Depp collection online.
The visually-stunning "Dark shadows" is yet another collaboration by Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. If you like watching great movies from this duo, then why not join lovefilm.com. Get a one month free trial and check out the entire Burton/Depp collection online.
12 comments:
The trailer had an uneven feel to it which is why I decided to wait for NetFlix with this one.
Alex, I kinda liked the trailer. The movie ain't uneven, but it lacks punch if you know what I mean. I saw it on the big screen and didn't have any regrets.
The stupid silliness of the trailer almost made me vomit. Enough with the Burton / Depp rubbish. I'm serious.
Depp MUST stop playing silly goofheads, and Burton really needs to go back to his roots, back in the days when he was awesome (Ed Wood, Edward, Sleepy Hollow...).
Maynard, I kind of agree with you about Burton backing to his roots, but I think he just wants to show us a different side of him. I'm huge Burton fan and I either like or love his movies. This one I liked, because it was funny enough and the visuals were absolutely splendid.
Depp is at his best playing goofballs, and that's why I don't think he should stop.
I am DYING to see this. The trailer looks incredibly awesome, funny and creepy. Perfect Tim Burton as always. The only bad thing Burton ever did was Planet of the Apes, I have loved everything else he's done. No one will ever convince me that Burton and Depp should stop working together. They are golden no matter what in my opinion. :)
Mel, I'm with you on this one. Depp and Burton are a match made in heaven and they should have never stop working together.
I thought Burton's Apes was watchable at best, but I agree it was his weakest film so far.
I reckon you're gonna enjoy this one quite a bit, but hey, don't expect too much, okay? :)
hmm...Might as well see it. So long as it's entertaining, that's what matters!
Kaijinu, it is entertaining... well, moderately. :)
George, another fine review. It sounds like it looks great. But, that's true of all Tim Burton movies.
- Maurice Mitchell
The Geek Twins | Film Sketchr
@thegeektwins | @mauricem1972
Thanks, Maurice, and I agree.. His movies never fail to impress, visually. ;)
From the trailer it looks like it should do exactly what it says on the tin, and from your review it sounds like it does. A typical Burton-Depp film. I'm not really interested in seeing it, though Eva Green looks smoking hot!
Planet of the Apes watchable at best?! I thought it was toe-curlingly bad!
Russ, it's probably the weakest Burton/Depp collaboration, but it's still a lot of fun. Eva Green has an amazing body, but I don't think her face is that attractive.
Yeah, Planet of the Apes was okay, if still disappointing.
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