Dark Shadows (movie)

 

While I watched the original Dark Shadows TV series when it aired, I don't remember much about any plot that ran through that soap opera - really just remember Barnabas and the fact that there was occasional supernatural beings appearing throughout the series. Tim Burton's 2012 movie remake (with Johnny Depp in the lead role) doesn't seem to have much to do with the original show other than the characters - the movie even takes place in the 70's, after the TV show went off the air.

But, as with any of Burton's projects, it looks good, Depp plays the character with a bit over-the-top silliness (not necessarily a bad thing) and the rest of the characters at least somewhat resemble people from the original. I don't remember how the original Barnabas was cursed, but here an eternal witch caused him to become a vampire after murdering his lover because he spurned the witch. When he returns in the 70's, she has practically destroyed his legacy, and his vengeance - and her continual animosity towards him - is the basis of the plot.

Ghosts and werewolves also appear, and Alice Cooper serenades a party they throw, which was a nice touch - his band is made to look like the original AC group, down to correct instruments - and they perform "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and "Ballad of Dwight Frye", which is especially fitting for a particular sub-plot. Of yeah, an Iggy song plays in the background earlier in the movie, although it's a tune that wasn't released at the time, but what the hell....

Far from any sort of seriousness, it's a fun romp, looks great, and has some excellent music in the soundtrack (although the Carpenters also appear on TV and as background music).