Dark Shadows

Movie Name: Dark Shadows

Year of Release: 2012

Director: Tim Burton

Stars: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley, Jonny Lee Miller, Bella Heathcote, Chloe Grace Moretz, Gulliver McGrath, Christopher Lee, Alice Cooper

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7

Synopsis:

Celebrated director Tim Burton is back, following the disappointing "Alice in Wonderland". His new film, "Dark Shadows" adapts a TV series from the late 60s that gained a cult following throughout the years. The film follows the story of the Collins family, in particular of Barnabas Collins, a young man who in the 18th century gains the attention of a witch. The witch upon seeing that Barnabas is in love with someone else, curses him, turns him into a vampire and buries him. 200 years later, Barnabas is unearthed, and sets out to help his living descendants and battle the witch that transformed him into what he is.
The always fantastic Tim Burton has found another suitable vehicle for his universe in the character of Barnabas Collins. Barnabas is a man at odds with the reality, in a time that has evolved beyond him, of behaviors of those who surround him that he does not recognize. The 1970s may as well be a completely different universe for the hero of this story. As usual in his more personal projects, Tim Burton's heroes are individuals of a certain singularity, possessed of an innocence that also has a darker, hidden tone. Barnabas is no exception - he longs to be reunited with his long lost love, but he is also a vampire (a monster as he describes himself) who kills when needed. The script of the film is filled with great characters, from the delicious Angelique, brought to life in a great performance by Eva Green, to Dr. Julia Hoffman, who Helena Bonham Carter portrays as usual with an ironic twist that is unforgettable. The film however belongs to Johnny Depp, who is simply superb as Barnabas - he makes the character simultaneously endearing, funny and frightening. The film is an overall treat, filled with great humor and attention to detail. A film worth watching.