Dark Shadows

From other critical responses, it seems that some are losing their patience with Tim Burton. But if you’re a fan, his films come with a sense of continuity that speaks to similar demographics. They aren’t sequels or set in the same place, but Sweeney Todd, The Corpse Bride, etc. all fit together in a consistent filmography for Burton. The latest is the 70’s set gothic drama Dark Shadows. Based on the soap opera of the same name, Johnny Depp plays a vampire imprisoned by a scorned witch (Eva Green). Buried for almost 200 years, Construction workers find him and free him in 1972.

The film’s first half is paced well giving enough time to establishing the back story and introduce the characters. But the true soap opera roots come out after that. There is a sense that the writers were tentative to leave out some of the series’ biggest moments. The final battle has ghosts, vampires, werewolves, witches, fire. It’s a bit much. The acting proves to be just as unpredictable as the plot. Depp gives one of his better performances as the well-spoken Barnabas Collins. He’s like a refined Jack Sparrow at times. On the other end, Chloe Moretz plays a one-dimensional character and not particularly well. It’s unexpected for a sought after young actress.

Most movies Burton releases become instant Halloween classics and Dark Shadows is another example of that. The film has a great look to it with elaborate sets and costumes. It would seem that the potential for a franchise that most other big summer movies have would have helped Dark Shadows. They knew there wouldn’t be a sequel so they pulled out all the stops and the plot became too fractured. But like I said to start, if you’re a fan of Tim Burton you’ll like Dark Shadows. He knows how to churn out fun but creepy movies.

Each film earns either zero, a half or a full arrow in five categories. The categories are Acting, Writing/Directing, Emotion, Innovation and Overall Impression. The arrows are added up to equal the full score.