Confession: I’ve loved Johnny Depp since 21 Jump Street. Last night, I went to a pre-screening of Dark Shadows. I never saw the original TV show, so I didn’t have any preconceived notions going into the film. I’d seen a few trailers and it looked like a fun escapist movie.
I was right. After braving the heat and the nameless rabble loudly smoking in line, my emotional toil paid off. The main thing I remember about the movie is that I laughed out loud a few times and who doesn’t love it when a rock star plays himself 40 years ago? I’m looking at you, Alice Cooper.
Personally, I thought it was a little long. Then again, I might have ADD from all the damn time I spend on Twitter.
OK, yes, I’m a fan of Time Burton and of course, where he goes, Danny Elfman follows.
I liked the feel of the movie. Yes, it’s a fantasy, but lots of fantasy movies seem like they want you to feel like it could take place around the corner. I felt like I was watching a charming film from the 30s. It reminded me a lot of Sleepy Hollow. Many of the outdoor scenes looked like they were filmed on a set lending to the unreality. Also, I couldn’t stop staring at Michelle Pfeiffer’s eyelashes or Helena Bonham Carter’s for that matter. They were so lovely and fake. I want to wear some right now except I’m shit at applying them.
As my friend, Moxie said, it was a good natured romp. The audience seemed to like it because they clapped at the end. This is a phenomenon I will never understand. It’s very nice that you liked the movie, but the actors can’t hear you.