A Winner!

Rating: 9/10 (26 September 2012)

Based on the Gothic soap opera of the same name that was produced for television between 1966 and 1971, Tim Burton's 'Dark Shadows' is A Winner! An Entertaining, Dark & Moody Horror-Comedy, that is spell-binding in its own world.
'Dark Shadows' Synopsis: An imprisoned vampire, Barnabas Collins, is set free and returns to his ancestral home, where his dysfunctional descendants are in need of his protection.
'Dark Shadows' has its own mood. Its for the Tim Burton Fanatics, who vow to appreciate the filmmaker for his own vision, which in my opinion, is bombastic & no-holds-barred. 'Dark Shadows' is Dark, Moody, Violent & Extremely Entertaining. The pure imagination of the Legendary filmmaker is visible in each & every frame. Fantastic Work!
Seth Grahame-Smith's Screenplay is entertaining & spooky. Bruno Delbonnel's Cinematography is atmospheric. Chris Lebenzon's Editing is sharp. Art & Costume Design, are Oscar-Worthy.
Performance-Wise: Burton gives Johnny Depp the best opportunities & Depp is simply mesmerizing as the imprisoned vampire, Barnabas Collins. Depp, An Acting God, lives the an unlikely protagonist in the most attractive manner. Depp is masterful all through. Eva Green has never been this evil before & she is absolutely delicious in here. She's twisted, wicked & ruthless, delivering a career-best turn. Bella Heathcote is fabulous. Michelle Pfeiffer lends grace to her character. Helena Bonham Carter is always flawless. Jackie Earle Haley is decent. Chloë Grace Moretz has emerged into a terrific performer & she does exceedingly well. Gulliver McGrath is perfect. The Magnificent Christopher Lee appears in a cameo.
Call it flawed & dark, I enjoyed Burton's interpretation of a complicated tale lasting centuries & Depp's masterful take on a cursed vampire. Strongly Recommended!