Tim Burton was a powerhouse in the 80s and 90s, but he is widely regarded as a director who lost his way. An over reliance on video game-tier CGI along with a lack of focus has marred his work in the post-2000 world.
Dark Shadows is what I consider to be a return to form for him. The film is a hugely entertaining and very funny Gothic comedy, and it really delivers on those fronts. The highlight is of course Johnny Depp as the Vampire with the floral speech patterns, and when contrasted with the 1970s setting it makes for some genuinely hilarious moments.
The rest of the cast is not to be overlooked either as we have some big players here. I love the fact that Burton has reused all of his key Batman actors over the years, and It's SO good to see Michelle Pfeiffer back working with him for the first time since she was Catwoman. Helena Bonam Carter is always a joy, and although her part is a bit smaller, she plays the old drunk beautifully.
It's certainly Burton's best live action work of this century, although it's not perfect. The film meanders a little during the middle, and the focus abruptly switches from one character to another leaving you wondering just who is the actual protagonist. There is also a little bit of that console game CGI in there a few times, but it's nowhere near as bad or as overused as some of his other films.
I highly recommend Dark Shadows. It's a funny and entertaining movie with some great performances, and one where the good far outweighs the bad.
Dark Shadows is what I consider to be a return to form for him. The film is a hugely entertaining and very funny Gothic comedy, and it really delivers on those fronts. The highlight is of course Johnny Depp as the Vampire with the floral speech patterns, and when contrasted with the 1970s setting it makes for some genuinely hilarious moments.
The rest of the cast is not to be overlooked either as we have some big players here. I love the fact that Burton has reused all of his key Batman actors over the years, and It's SO good to see Michelle Pfeiffer back working with him for the first time since she was Catwoman. Helena Bonam Carter is always a joy, and although her part is a bit smaller, she plays the old drunk beautifully.
It's certainly Burton's best live action work of this century, although it's not perfect. The film meanders a little during the middle, and the focus abruptly switches from one character to another leaving you wondering just who is the actual protagonist. There is also a little bit of that console game CGI in there a few times, but it's nowhere near as bad or as overused as some of his other films.
I highly recommend Dark Shadows. It's a funny and entertaining movie with some great performances, and one where the good far outweighs the bad.