DARK SHADOWS (2012)

Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 12A
Starring: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Eva Green and Helena Bonham Carter

My view on Tim Burton movies has always been very simple; I love them. Not every single one of them (who has time to watch them all?!) but the ones I’ve seen have always been brilliant. So, I was expecting the same with Dark Shadows.

Barnabas (Johnny Depp) is a only a young lad when his parents start their hugely successful Collinsport fishing business. When Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green) is devastated that Barnabas has fallen in love with another woman she uses her witch powers to curse him. Barnabas is transformed into a vampire and buried alive. Some 200 years later his body is found and he returns to the Collins manor. Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) is now head of the manor and the fishing business, which has collapsed. Baranabas discovers this is due to Angelique and sets out his revenge.

In the trailer for Dark Shadows it portrays a dark but hilariously funny movie, but the reality doesn’t match the expectations. Although dark and a bit off the wall, I wouldn’t say it was as funny as I was hoping. I felt there was a lot left to be desired in the comedy department.

I must give credit for the make up in the film though as Johnny Depp looks ridiculously young compared to his real age. The storyline has an odd storyline, which seems to be a bit all over the place. In all honesty I was quite disappointed by Burtons latest film as he always delivers such brilliance.

It was watchable and there were parts that I did enjoy, including psychiatrist Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter) and her hangovers, but it just wasn’t enough. I’d say it’s a film you have to see, as I think you’ll either hate it or love it, but I certainly won’t be watching it again.

Verdict: 3/5