Dark Shadows

A vampire returns to the his family home after being imprisoned by an evil witch for 200 years. Now he has to restore the family name and fight the evil woman who enslaved him.

Tim Burton returns to our screens for the first time since Alice in Wonderland, introducing the character of Barnabus Collins, a tormented vampire, who has been locked in a coffin for the past 196 years. When an ill fated construction crew digs up his chained chamber, he is loosed on the world, his only intention to restore his family name to its former greatness.

He discovers that the evil witch who cursed him has also destroyed the family fishing business and that their stately home is in a state of disrepair. Not only does he have to fight off this evil temptress, but also figure out how to live life in 1971, along with adjusting to the oddball family, some five generations removed from the last time he was mortal. When the town of Collinsport is turned against his clan by the evil woman, he has to use all of the wiles to not only save his family, but also hold onto the love of his life who he thought he had lost forever.

Once again Tim Burton combines his directing talents with the wonderful pairing of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter, but sadly this joyous combination seem, in this instance not to have come off. For a film, that one went into with so many high expectations, I walked from the cinema, feeling rather let down and somewhat cheated by Dark Shadows

Don't get me wrong, the film is decent, the script is good, the effects are spectacular, but I still could not help feeling rather let down. The funniest parts of the film had all been played to death in the trailer and the rest of the script was found wanting.

Johnny Depp, was his usual superb self, giving a very decent showing, and in this role, finally did not remind me of Captain Jack Sparrow, an issue he has had in his last few outings. Michelle Pfeiffer gives a wonderful showing as "Elizabeth Collins Stoddard" in her first film since "New Years Eve" in 2011. She gives a convincing performance, giving the film some much needed emotion. Helena Bonham Carter does well as alcoholic psychiatrist "Doctor Julia Hoffman", giving a good few laughs along with her wishes to be immortal, but she seems to play the same role over and over again.

Paris born Eva Green goes blonde in this one, playing the role of evil witch "Angelique Bouchard", bringing a bit of tension to the film with a very decent character, while Chloe Grace Moretz, continues the growth in her stellar career, moving on from Oscar nominated "Hugo" to the role of rebellious "Carolyn Stoddard". It is fascinating to watch her acting progression and see how far she has come since the foul mouthed "Hitgirl" in "Kick Ass". Long may her career continue, and audiences can look forward to her doing more serious roles in coming outings.

Jackie Earle Haley, probably gives the performance of the film, with his portrayal of "Willie Loomis", the heavy drinking, but loyal, curator and odd job man to the Collins family, who will put his life on the line to protect his employers. Young Gulliver McGrath is the hidden gem in this film, moving on from his role in "Hugo" to give a showing far beyond his years as the troubled "David Collins". Be sure and keep an eye out for this young man in the next few years as he is sure to come up on the radar.

The film was a let down for a Tim Burton movie, leaving me wanting a lot more, but the concept was exciting and Depps' dry delivery of funny lines was enjoyable as always. The film is worth a watch, but is nothing very special at all. Enjoy it for the acting and the wonderful cameo by rock superstar Alice Cooper!

6.5/10