Dark Shadows

I remember times when Tim Burton managed to capture my heart and enchant me with a film that had only a fraction of the budget of Dark Shadows. Something is simply wrong and that is despite the fact that an American studio provided exclusive conditions to the well-known director and that a number of top stars, including Burton's favorites Johnny Depp and his ex-partner Helena Bonham Carter, appear on the screen. The potential is there, but except for the sex appeal-loaded Eva Green, nothing works as I would imagine. By the way, I am one of those men who would without hesitation prefer the demonic witch over the boring Bella as the main hero. Overall impression: 55%. (2018-02-17)

What is it that you gentlemen experts don't like about it again? Every time I go to his movie, it's clear to me that it will be an unorthodox story... and that's exactly what it is again. Sometimes he makes a movie just to make some money, like for example Planet of the Apes. And sometimes he simply and easily fulfills one of the many dreams that continue to accumulate in his portfolio. And so what if the movie cost 150 million dollars, when it was backed by the producer Johnny Depp, who still feels the need to deal with money. I really liked Dark Shadows. They had exactly what I wished for... and so what if it was all terribly kitschy. The characters were flawless, the actors played them absolutely fantastically, I also incredibly enjoyed the music, the atmosphere was again wonderfully magical and the story was exactly what I would expect from Tim. Even in terms of visualization, I have no objections. I really don't see any significant problems. I also like that Tim invites either well-known but unique faces or unfamiliar and original actors to his movies. And he didn't disappoint here either. Everything about this movie fit me wonderfully. And even though it wasn't particularly original and I could easily skip some scenes, I enjoyed it. And if nothing else, Eva Green must have brought immense joy to every guy. (2012-05-16)

Tim Burton's dumbest and most boring film, and I say that as a great admirer of his. So, let's summarize. Typical Burton goofy humour? There’s none of it. Burton's famous bizarre visual styling? Non-existent. The always so distinctive music of Elfman? I didn’t catch it. Immersive plot? Plot? What plot? So what the hell, at least some minor tidbits, like Barnabas's confrontation with modern times? Criminally underused. I'll let Barnabas's fangs bite me if I'm making this up, but these were my two longest hours at the movies in years. (2012-05-13)

Burton fizzled out and there was nothing left but a bunch of make up, pretty sets and once emotive themes. More than anything else, the character of Barnabas is an unintentional authorial self-reflection by a filmmaker who, since Sweeney Todd, has been copying himself and chasing the ghosts of the past. (2012-05-10)

Congratulations to Tim Burton for once again managing to make a bad film. And this time he tried really hard. Not a bit of darkness. Under the surface, another annoying wannabe stylish crap with a heavily made-up Johnny in the main role and an elite cast that has nothing to do under Burton’s direction. Awful, the only good thing is the soundtrack. (2012-09-01)