While I might stand alone, I have nothing but rave reviews for Dark Shadows. Another triumph in my book for the habitual collaborators Depp and Burton. WHile the previews and television spots do lead you to believe that the movie is to be more a of a satirical comedy, it lives up to my expectations being a dark melodramedy.
Now those of you who have seen the movie and disagree with what I’m saying, I’ve come prepared. *Pulls out wooden chair and whip, cracking it along the ground* Back you demons! Back! Just kidding… but seriously, I was laughing throughout the entirety of the movie at the premiere last night. I did notice to hear my laugh a lot and not so many others at times, but you can’t expect everyone to appreciate a good flat joke with perfect timing.
Having such a star-studded cast you wouldn’t expect any less from the movie but scene stealing moments and lines, but honestly through out the movie the quips and punches seem to be very well spread out amongst the A-Listers. Jackie Earl Haley(nightmare on Elm Street, Watchmen), Helena Bonham Carter (Fight Club, Alice in Wonderland) , and Johnny Lee Miller (Hackers, Dracula 2000) may not have had the largest roles in the movie (meaning the most lines or the most screen time) but with the little they had their impact was untouchable. Each role was perfectly cast in my eyes taking the actors for what they truly are and creating characters that, if it were a reboot of the television series and would have to make another eleven to twenty-three episodes, would have no problem filling air time and continuing to please watchers everywhere. these actors obviously didn’t care about screen time and we always love that in our favorites A-Listers, but still gave every thought possible to the personalities of their character.
I just honestly can’t word how much I LOOOVVEEDDD Jackie Earl Haley’s portrayal of the groundsmen/butler Willie Loomis. For me he stole every scene as soon as he walked into frame. Also, Johnny has always been a favorite of mine since i saw hackers at the age of ten or so, but even with biast aside his character popped off-screen for me even considering his character antagonistic ways.
***Omg! i loved the hair but would hate in on him today. but for his character amazing. the hair spoke wonders for all characters though as to be expected in Burton film in my personal observations and slight obsession lol
Depps persona throughout the movie was pristine of course. I would expect no less as always, of someone so natural at taking characters on paper and bringing them to life in more than just a theatrical production but giving them life all the way down to small twitches or peeved expressions. Speaking of expressions, Johnny’s face was just in character as you’d always expect it to be-his silent moments being some of my favorites throughout the movie. His betrayal of Barnabus Collins was entirely his own;however, you could see the old Barney from the 70′s come through in the moments of the film where he explored the more selfish and self-absorbed version of himself. !SPOILER! Such as in the manner of courting the young and haunted Ms.Victoria and still committing some lets say, questionable acts with both Angelique (Eva Green) and Dr. Hoffman (Helena Carter) twice throughout the film. Altogether from costume to expression Depp’s portrayal of Barnabus in my eyes was a beautiful reincarnation form new eyes.
We of course cannot forget the amazing Michelle Phieffer playing the mother hen of the roost. Her bold facial structure that often does so well as catching lighting to create a cold, martyrs look only blended in with her character and drawled out lines. (Come on we all love how after batman she never lost the kitty drawl in her voice at points) She was just hard enough to portray a woman who has struggled to maintain her house (I’m sorry manor lol) and family throughout such hard times and having to live through the old faithful curse of her family name, only coming out the other side to be a maintained, stern, protective mother. Elizabeth Collins’ role in the family was shaky with the buisness having fallen apart generations before her, her renewal for life and work smolders brighter as Barnabus arrives on the scene with the promise to devote himself to the task of placing the family back upon the pedestal it once stood and gaining back their respect throughout his namesake town of Collinsport.
I am nothing but pleased with the movie. Five stars in my book. 10 Cherrys all across the board for me!
