Well...it was amazing!

Rating: 9/10 (28 June 2012)

I am a massive fan of Tim Burton, but had never actually heard of Dark Shadows as a soap opera till the film was released (this is because it isn't really big in the UK); I was a little apprehensive at first, because he hasn't done a soap opera before and I didn't really know how he was going to play it, but I must say I was HUGELY impressed. Firstly, lets go with the golden trio, Depp, Bonham Carter, and Burton- now when a film comes out and these three are involved, I automatically get excited. Once again I was largely impressed by Depp's performance, as a vampire in a completely different era to his previous, the vocabulary used and comedic timing was spot on. However, though Helena Bonham Carter did do the film justice, I felt something somewhat lacking in her performance in comparison to her others, (Sweeney Todd, Alice in Wonderland, Planet of the Apes.) She just didn't seem entirely focused, but it is not a criticism merely an observation. Moretz and Pfeiffer were absolutely fantastic as Mother and daughter, and with the final plot twist in the end you can really see the bond created between the cast members which was brilliant. BUT- the biggest congrats and praise goes out to the wonderful Eva Green, playing Barnabas' brief love interest, the jealous, psycho witch/bunny boiler, Eva's Angelique Bouchard was excellent, she stole every scene she was in with what seemed like effortless attempt, (even from Johnny Depp) and although psychotic and insane, played a deviant sexy strong character, or 'ballsy Barbie' . Her comedic timing was absolutely perfect and she was quite literally the star of the film. One cast member disappointed me though, and that was Bella Heathcote, I felt her portrayal as Maggie Evans/ Victoria Winters, was completely monotone, she was very plain and did not stand out for me at all, and I had to think that in the final scene, her likeness to one of Tim's animated characters was the only reason she got the role, as her acting was absolutely dismal. Overall, the film was extremely enjoyable, funny and in one particular scene, absolutely moving (I admit I did cry!)- The music was brilliant (who doesn't like the 70's) and it is full of laughs, and also a little scary at times. I went to see this at the cinema 11 times and I was NEVER disappointed, can't wait for the DVD!!!