Missing a bit of the Shadow

Rating: 6/10 (19 June 2012)

Johnny Depp and Tim Burton over the years have obviously stamped their mark pretty deep in the world of Hollywood. They have developed titles such as Edward Scissor Hands, Sweeney Todd, Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Facotry. All of these films impressed me and I thought i would expect nothing less from the 2012 film Dark Shadows.
Firstly, this movie did have its highs and i immensely enjoyed them like its impressive cast. But this movie also had its lows which unfortunately overshadowed the highs (no pun intended). The plot lacked detail and everything seemed to be happening very quickly. It involves a centuries old vampire being set free from his coffin like prison. After this he decides to continue his legacy and help his present descendants prosper in their fishing business. This plot is certainly different and could have been a real success. The characters in this film, mainly the family are developed effectively but no character wowed me. Even though Johhny Depp did deliver his usual brilliance their was a lack of reaction with other character to build interesting relationships.
Their was the same dark and slightly wondrous feel to the movie which is no doubt created by the hand of Tim Burton even that couldn't patch the hole in plot development. The ending was somewhat boring and again had no wow factor unlike the epic conclusion in Alice in Wodnerland. It is also a comedy and their is parts where i chuckled a little but the balance that Burton provides between horror and comedy was tipped here with no sense of direction.
All in all this movie disappointed me. I was expecting a dark and comedic joy ride with a fantastic climax. But because the movie lacked this i give it a unsatisfying 6/10.