Movie Review-----DARK SHADOWS

I have seen every episode of the original DARK SHADOWS tv series thanks to Netflix. I was also a huge fan of the updated DARK SHADOWS starring Ben Cross that ran for one season on NBC in the mid 90's. When I heard that Tim Burton and Johnny Depp were combining for a new version of DARK SHADOWS, I got very excited. I was looking forward to a dark gothic update that would be both thrilling and terrifying. So when I saw the first trailer for it a few months ago, it made me angry to think that they are advertising it as a comedy. I couldn't imagine Tim Burton destroying the DARK SHADOWS legend by making it a satire. So when I settled into my seat this morning to see it, I had very low expectations. I think that helped....a lot. DARK SHADOWS opens with an incredible and compelling prologue that tells how Barnabus Collins became a Vampire and what sealed his inevitable fate being buried deep underground for 200 years. Then the film moves to the year 1972 and the main titles are shown while the classic and haunting NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN is played. I sat up straighter in my seat thinking that maybe Burton and Depp won't let me down....this might actually work. Two hours later, the end credits began rolling and I have to admit....I loved it. It's flawed and can't quite decide whether or not it wants to be a gothic horror film, cheesy soap opera, or 1970's satire, but on the whole, I was incredibly entertained and pleased with the outcome. The cinematography and locations are beautiful and the whole movie has a very misty foggy quality which lends itself well to the material. Johnny Depp is spectacular as Barnabus. It's perfect casting. Just try and take your eyes off of his hands....you can't! Michelle Pfeiffer is always a welcome sight on a movie screen and she is wonderful here. She absolutely understands the campiness of her role and has a delicious time with it. Helena Bonham Carter is quite funny and Jackie Earle Haley does a lot with a pretty underwritten role. The screenplay has a tough time vacillating between the comedy and the drama and if I didn't see that it was written by one person, I would have believed that two people wrote it in two different rooms and somehow just spliced it together. But in spite of it's schizophrenic feel, I watched most of it with a goofy grin on my face and simply had a great time. It has the feel of the classic show but with a much higher budget. The visual effects are top notch, the costumes are splendid, and Danny Elfman's musical score is combined with great songs from the 1970's. The movie is set up for a sequel, but my feeling is that DARK SHADOWS just isn't going to find enough of an audience to start a new franchise. Which is unfortunate, because I think there's enough talent on screen and behind the scenes to continue the tale of Barnabus and Family. I am still disappointed that the gothic feel of the first 10 minutes didn't carry through for two hours, but I still sat happily in my seat loving every moment of the ride.