Dark Shadows

[madmarva]

Those put off by the tone of the Dark Shadows trailer, might be surprised if you see the film.

It does have a light touch, and various scenes are played for laughs, but at its core the film does justice to the Collins family, and Barnabus' love story, curse and feud with Angelique.

While it wasn't what I had in mind of a film adaption of Dark Shadows, Burton, Depp and the screenwriter may have been smart to capture the core of the story, but adding intentional humor in the mix.

The movie's not a classic, but it is fun. However, it's probably going to be buried by the Avengers. Whoever the studio suit was that decided to open the film this weekend should rethink his scheduling strategy.

[The Toyroom]

Going to see this tomorrow...Looking forward to it!

[emeraldknight47]

MIB41 and I might do a double feature this afternoon and see both DS and THE AVENGERS and then go out for beer and schwarma!!!

[madmarva]

That sounds like a fun day.

[The Toyroom]

The trailers do the movie an injustice IMO. It's a pretty straight forward movie with some humorous scenes (the ones you see in the trailers). But it's not played strictly for laughs.

I thought the 3rd act was a bit "Death Becomes Her" though. And that's more effects than the black humor.

I liked the nods to the TV series that they threw in...like combining the Maggie Evans and Victoria Winters characters, the reference to Windcliff Sanitarium, the Bill Malloy-like ship captain played by Christopher Lee, Laura Collins appearing when the house was ablaze, the werewolf....

I was caught off guard by the turn of events with Dr. Hoffman and the b.j. scene was unnecessary... And eliminating Roger just seemed like a way to thin the cast for the finale.

But in the end it gave us a Barnabas who finally got a happy ending...something television never allowed him...

[mego maniac mark]

We saw it earlier today. I wouldn't say it is a great film, but nonetheless it was good. Depp was really good and had some good lines
The ending was somewhat predictable, and left open for a sequel
Over all if your a fan of Burton/ Depp movies, you will enjoy it.

[MIB41]

Just got back from seeing it. The wife and I managed to get ourselves away for a rare 'date night' at the movies and boy were we slack jawed after this film. It is NOTHING as advertised. NOTHING. Whoever was in charge of advertising this film as a satire and planting it next to the Avengers should be canned and banned from Hollywood for life. Morons. All of them. While this film certainly had some dark humor, it most definitely had an engaging tale that was completely serious and had more than it's share of chills and horror throughout. I completely disagree this is a 'typical' Burton/Depp film. While Burton certainly immerses himself in the Gothic world which is his trademark, he artfully blends horror with fantasy to give this story a look more reminiscent to Interview with a Vampire than one of his more off-kilter storybook designs. The score from Danny Elfman plays eerily similar to that film which helps underscore some of it's creepier moments. And the song selections play so well to the various tales within the story like "Nights in White Satin" and "The Ballad of Dwight Frye". Our crowd applauded at the end. And my wife, who is NOT a big Burton/Depp fan, thought the film was excellent. So for those who feel scared off by the trailers, have no fear. The love and respect of Dark Shadows is lovingly on display in more ways than I can count. A film that will likely find it's afterlife on DVD since it has zero chance against the mighty Avengers. It deserves to be seen. It's a good movie and one Dark Shadows fans will embrace.

[madmarva]

One of my favorite nods to movie vampire lore is the scene when Barnabus finally gets his coffin and rises from it, referencing both Lugosi's Dracula and Shrek's Nosferatu.

I liked the humor, but I'm also glad that it did justice to several of the original plots lines.

As Anthony stated the film kind of ran wild at the climax, but all in all it was fun. The man out of his time material worked well and they really got the 70s look and feel. Collinsport reminded me a bit of Amity from Jaws, of course in Jaws it was modern. Music was excellent.

This film really should have been released in early October to gain a little Halloween synergy, but I guess that's the plan for the DVD/Blu Ray.

[MIB41]

I love the cameo by Christopher Lee. To me the whole film plays like a love letter to that resurgence of monster films in the 60's and 70's. You not only get this amazing story about the origin of Barnabus Collins, but it's laced with little nods to all things monsters. Like the kids playing with the Aurora monster kits; Alice Cooper singing " The Ballad of Dwight Frye" as we watch the girl wrapped in a straight jacket and exiled away. "Nights in White Satin" is played as the film unfolds from the start. The film just has a beautiful tone that is so engaging and fun, it's hard not to like the movie. And the effects are impressive. The fight sequence with the Witch is quite interesting and very effective. All of this is lost in the trailers. There's not even a hint of what this film is truly about. Epic fail on the marketing side.

[enyawd72]

MIB41 is correct on all counts.

I was literally coerced into seeing DS, (I wanted to see Avengers again!) but I'm actually glad I did.

The film is NOTHING like the trailer. The comedic element was minimal, and the film easily stands on it's own as a tribute to the original series. I was very pleasantly surprised.

[Earth 2 Chris]

You guys are actually making me want to see this, and I'd pretty much decided against it in theaters.

I'm guessing not appropriate for a 10-year old though? A BJ scne?!?

Chris

[The Toyroom]

The bj scene is "suggested"...Dr Hoffman drops down to her knees, cut to Barnabas' surprised face and then cut to next scene.

The wild romp between Barnabas and Angelique in her office will be much harder to gloss over...

[MIB41]

10 might be a little young for this Chris. The film is pretty intense in places and is actually pretty bloody as well. Plus it has a few provocative scenes that would probably not be appropriate for children. No nudity, but heavy on the innuendo. It's an amazing film though. I guarantee you 30 minutes in, you'll be saying, "Wow. How did marketing miss this?" It's an engaging story.

[The Toyroom]

I need to add some Alice Cooper to my iPod today

[MIB41]

^^^ YES! Alice Cooper was awesome in this movie. And it played so well to the overall story. Dark Shadows just nails all the right tones and images of that era. Need I add the actor who played Rorschach in the Watchmen is the butler here? Very unique in every way. I don't know how you can be a fan of this genre and not like this movie. It's that good. I don't see many films multiple times in the theater. Typical they don't impress me enough to spend the money more than once. This I will see several times.