Tim Burton and Johnny Depp's version of Dark Shadows is a partly uneven yet still enjoyable movie of a cult classic TV series

Rating: 6/10 (20 May 2012)

I had first been familiar with the TV series "Dark Shadows" when it was mentioned in a book about cult TV programs. But it wasn't until the early '90s TV series remake that I even watched anything to do with one Barnabas Collins who was portrayed by Ben Cross in that one. I remember highly enjoying it and was disappointed when it was cancelled after only 13 eps. So while I admire Tim Burton and Johnny Depp and the work they've done together for so long, I was a little disappointed by their latest opus in making a film of this long-beloved series. I mean, I found many of the '70s references funny but also a bit distracting since they didn't seem to advance any characterizations or plot developments. And one doesn't really get the connection Barnabas and Victoria Winters have to each other despite the flashback scene involving the latter. In fact, I enjoyed the scenes Depp has with Eva Green as Angelique better. And Michelle Pfeiffer doesn't really have much to do as matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard even when she uses her gun so that was another disappointment. But, like I said, there were some pretty funny '70s flavor involving The Carpenters, some Steve Miller lyrics, and an Alice Cooper appearance. And there is some respect concerning the translating of the plot lines and some characterizations of the show to the movie. I guess what I'm trying to say is don't expect a seriously epic drama concerning vampires, just go with the flow of part-camp, part-dramatic entertainment.