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I used to really love the old soap opera Dark Shadows, and it became something more than just a silly tv show for me and for others i know. The character of Barnabas Collins was really my introduction to things "vampire", and it rather bothers me that the new movie seems to be something of a spoof. A bit like doing a comedic version of "The Stand" or "Salems Lot".

Does anyone else wish this movie had been done more in a more serious tone? Do some prefer it as a comedy? Is there anyone that wont see it because its a comedy?
~W~

I was very disappointed with the movie. having seen the original TV series and then the series with Ben Cross in the 90's, this film was absolutely tragic.

Personally, I found this movie to be quite good.

It wasn't pure comedy in my estimation but I can see why it was implemented into this movie. In order to balance out the rather dark and haunting forbidden, comic relief allowed people to laugh and not be so overwhelmed with tragedy and death. Even the great Shakespeare used this technique.

But aside from all that, this is purely my stance and viewpoints and I respect all others.

I have not seen the original series, but I know my dad used to be hooked on it. I will take the time to see it because I have made it my goal to watch any vampire movie that has ever been made, no matter how cheesy.

When I saw the preview the other day, I did not expect to see a serious movie. I have also noticed that humor has been embedded in many more movies lately, even some of the ones that are meant to be more serious. "Avengers" had a lot of humor that was not really based on the original story line.

I am torn on the subject. Because I have seen the original series. But I also love Johnny Depp and Tim Burtons work on about everything they do together. I am very much looking forward to seeing it.

i agree with savage...i have always loved burtons work, but i think perhaps i want more of a tribute to the original series than a spoof.
~W~

Love it, hate it- this is the sort of thing Hollywood is producing anymore. I remember the original Dark Shadows myself, but everyone must take into account its being aimed at a new generation so if we feel it should be serious or....not so much is an opinion some may not share.

I love Johnny Depp and Tim Burton and I'm sure this will be a great movie.

However, I think Hollywood's next move will be to take Beavis and Butthead and turn that show into a highly intelligent, serious movie.

I will see it this weekend if I get a chance to hopefully.I love Johnny Depp and well vampire in general of course I wouldn't be here if I didn't like vampires O_O

I used to watch the origional Dark Shadows also. I haven't seen the movie, but the previews are really cute. Johnny Depp is a seriously talented actor, and I think it being a Comedy is just fine. We need a little comedy sometimes, and Depp will always deliver!

I remember watching the orginal series as a kid. Did they just bring back reruns in the 80's or did they do a whole new series then ? I admit kn owing who was going to be in the movie, I figured it would have to be great with the casting and the director.

I will just wait and make my opinion after I have seen it.

I've always loved Dark Shadows. And while I was not yet born when the original was on television in the late 60's and early 70's, and too young to appreciate the reboot made in the early 90's, I have seen every episode. And I've been an avid fan.

Now the recent movie.. I was not impressed. I have always loved Tim Burton and his work, and I've also always loved Johnny Depp and what he's done. As a team, they can make great films, but they can also strike out tragically (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for example). I can say, I was not looking forward to this movie from the get go. I had dreaded the making since I had first heard Burton was going to do it. And, I was not wrong in doing so. I found it unimaginable and simply boring. And for a Burton film, that's pretty bad.

The fact is, though, that people don't seem to care about the source material for most film adaptations. Look at what they did to 21 Jump Street. The recent movie was a farce of what the original television show was all about. Look at any film adaptation of a television series, The Dukes of Hazard, The A-Team, Avatar: The Last Airbender (which just makes me shudder in disappointment), Bewitched, and so on and so forth. Very few have ever done the show they were based off of any justice. Very few. Burton did a decent enough job, most people I've talked to about it cannot stop raving about the film. And in the end, that's all that matters. There will always be a select few who find disappointment in a franchise that has been turned into a film. Such shows have some pretty cult like followings, and appeasing them is never easy.

In the end, while I disliked the film, many loved it. It appears to have been a hit with most people. You can't fault the filmmakers for doing what they had to do to create what they thought would be an entertaining film. They simply want your cash, and you won't fork it out if the film sucks. They can't cater to everyone, and as I stated, someone will always be disappointed in the end. I'm just sad that I couldn't find more enjoyment in the film.

The movie is obviously geared toward the next gen kids. Those brats who can't get off their texts and cell phones for more than 5 minutes and who always use the word, "like" for every other word. Blah...

What ever happened to traditional scary movies? I would have preferred a sinister version of Dark Shadows, something along the lines of Sleepy Hollow.

I find the new version a fresh and interesting twist. I am certain it is being honorably portrayed as Johnny Depp is one of Johnathon Fridd's (Spelling?) greatest fans and avid fan of the original series. He is just putting his and Tim Burton's artistic vision in the film. I am just glad it does not have sparkly vampires in it. :) I do miss a Quentin analog. A werewolf would be a fantastic addition.

I'm looking forward to seeing the moving with some trepeditation. I love Johnny Depp. From the commercials it seems like Dark Shadows is completely different. However I'm trying to keep an open mind and remember that the Willy Wonka movie was interpreted differently as well and was successful. Hopefully Dark Shadows manages to do the same.

Adding to my earlier statement...

I disagree with making serious shows into comedies yet, in this era, vampires have really become the "Care Bears" of the monster/horror genre so, it is understandable why they would make this a comedy.

Having seen the original series and the film, I think Jonathon Frid would be burning with rage in his grave. I was at the dark Shadows convention with some of the surviving cast, in 2009, and they'd be horrified at this bastardisation of the series. I thought twilight wad bad?

This film is pure schlock!

Yet, under a different title; with different character names, this would be a great movie.

Thank you for this post. I have not seen the movie Dark Shadows. I have seen the advertising of the movie. Truly, it appears from the quick preview clips as a type of “ comedy” for very young children.

Although, I have only seen the original Dark Shadow's series a few times about 10 years ago, there was something “captivating” about the show.

I would without further hesitation, preferred a “traditional Gothic” re-make. The preview does not resemble the episodes that I saw from the original series. I would not go see this “cartoon.”

Victorya

Dark Shadows wasn't suppose to be exactly like the show. It was more or less of an ode to the soap opera. The only reason I know this is because my partner explained everything to me in about 30mins right before the movie started. And my personal thoughts about the movie was that it would of been better if it was more serious and have funny moments. It was a good movie just to see, but for a few things it was like if you didn't see the soap opera it was kinda like 'WTF!'

Also, if you saw the soap opera and then saw the movie for a split second they showed the original cast in the movie. But its one of those things that if you're not paying attention you won't notice it.

Should it have been serious ? Yes, I would have enjoyed it more if it had been. I enjoyed it but just felt alot was missing. I too watched it years ago and loved it.

From what l have been told of the show, it was a bit too comical but ai enjoyed it for the most part.

i never saw the series but the movies was pretty good if you like johnny depp.

I was really looking forward to it before I saw the first promo and then I was instantly prepared to be disappointed. I think the commercials played up the 'comedy' aspect in order to get people in to see the movie since as another poster pointed out, vampires have become the care bears of horror.

That said, with my expectations pretty low, when I did see it I was pleasantly surprised at how 'serious' it actually was. Granted, there was still a lot of tongue in cheek silliness but I was able to laugh along anyway since I hadn't expected a faithful adaptation of the original.

I haven't watched the original series, but i personally thought the movie was pretty good. Maybe that's because I am a huge Tim Burton fan, but I think the humor was a big plus for the movie.

I'm gonna try and find the series somewhere and watch them because of the great comments about the original.

you can find the original series on dvd format with amazon. my sister has it on vhs tapes. I have not seen the movie yet but i can just imagine tim burton's version of Dark Shadows. I remember running home from school to watch it. actually my first introduction to vampires was "Dracula" the 1931 version with Bella Lugosi who im my opinion is the godfather of all vampires...Dark Shadow for its time was truly the first gothic soap opera. And in case your wondering about the original theme song to the show. it's called Quentin's Theme..

it was ok... Comic wise but the oringinal TV show come out in 1966 and it was not so funny, but in the end i thought it was ok.

I think it should have been a closer tribute to the original series and its 90's remake, dark, dramatic.... sadly, i think this material was simply used as an excuse for Tim Burton to toss Helena Bonum (sp?) Carter and Johnny Deep into yet another film together firstly, make money secondly, and payhomage to the original material a far distant third...

So someone else noticed that. Him throwing the 3 of them together. Well i loved the movie no matter wat anyone else says. It couldve been worst. The vampire at least went with how a vampire was suppose to be. Il laughed thourgh the entire movie. My keep telling me to shut up. But i do see where everyone is coming from.

The manager gave me a free ticket refund

ill say this i am a big fan of dark shadows, i have some of the shows, the old books that were 60 cents when they came out, did have the revival.

i like the idea that they changed it up some. when it came out first it worked for then, then the 80's or 90's came the revival, they skiped and mixed things up, still good. it really was enjoyable for me.

with this new one, it fits for now. i was rather glad it was not like back in the day all serious. a few friends and relatives saw the comercials and it made them want to look into the old series and are glad it is not the same.


its kinda like the walking dead series if you look at it.

@ladyofdragonrose

i have several seasons of the dvds or the original show, and also have recorded the 90s remake on the dvr a couple of weeks ago.
love that show very much.

i also found on amazon the music of dark shadows and it included quentins theme....

very lovely piece of music.


~W~

I have yet to see the movie.
Having said that, I think that by having a comedic Dark Shadows, there is room for a dark serious version...that most fans of the tv show would appreciate.

The old serie was so unintentionally funny and that`s why it`s good that this one is intentionally funny.
Art must be intentional, mostly.

I really am not sure if I want to see this new one. I use to watch the old show.

Ephemeral,

Your narrative of the film has answered all my questions. Thank you.


You've touched on some beyond worthwhile points. Such as, that a majority of any age actually, liked the movie. The concept behind why such is the case is what is to be pondered as all encompass, important.

That is to say, that if this movie or other like-wise movies, remakes, or whatever it may be, is accepted by the majority. Then it is obvious what the power brokers think of the average individual.

No further words needed. I thank you, truly.

Victorya

Master Mel,

I am glad that you were given a free ticket! Glad to know this. As if you got a free movie tiicket is because you told the Manager, exactly what this movie meant for you.

Victorya

not having seen the original i cant comet on it but tim burton nd johnny deep have never made a movie in my opinion tht wasnt good in some way

have seen the original series and the remake series in the early 90s I was expecting that the movie though wont be the same as the remake was not the same as the original that is still would be gothic and not a comedy
As for seeing the movie at the theatre think will wait and see if it comes out on dvd or tv

While I knew ir was a Tim Burton film, I should have expected it to be somewhat different. So, shame on me then. The college movie reviewer I went with, wanted a sickbag /1/2 through the film

Alrighty then... I did watch a downloaded copy of it and was mildly impressed. If you can get past the first 45 minutes of hoaky crap, it does get really dark and creepy. Creepy to the extent that Barnubus (Depp) starts getting abusive. Actually the entire adult cast get into a war with one another. The end is the real dark and creeper. I won't ruin it for this audience. But it was dark, creepy cheese.

personally after seeingthe previews, and know how the original series was, it basically has what is called dark humor, Depp did a great job of playing Barnabus. Tim Burton only went into detail about the war between the witch which imprisoned Barnabus and Barnabus's affiliation with the family house. Although in the original series if I remember correctly, Barnabus did not live in the house but in the family crypts, and he only came out at night, not during the daylight hours. Not sure where Burton went with changing things, but it's not bad for a re-boot of the series, but personally, let the old show lie still and don't re-incarnate them, they were good then, but to bring them back is an indication that Hollywood is deperate for ideas.

It's camp, which takes itself seriously only for comedic effect.

I am just getting tired of the Johnny Depp/Tim Burton duo. I never saw the show, The movie is some what funny. Johnny Depp could play a good vampire if in a serious movie.

The show was my first 'darker' show as a child. The movie I went into thinking it would be funny, campy. It wasn't. Sure it had some onliners, most of them in the movie trailer.

What I didn't like was the story line. So much thrown into the plot at the ending - it was poorly written.

Not a fan of the movie.

Good point? Maybe the bad reviews will keep them from making another one ever again.

I enjoyed the movie, but it wasn't what I expected. I am a big Burton/Depp fan too. I would absolutely love to see Depp in a more serious vampire movie.

Well, sure the movie is different from the series. But! To be honest, it's Tim Burton we are talking about =) He has his own special forbidden, which is slightly cheesy, slightly comical, slightly gore and a bit nostalgic (just my own humble opinion)
I expected nothing else from him, really =) Fun movie, reminded me of the Mars Attacks in a way (not sure why, just did)

I feel I will wait for it to come out on video, with some of these reviews. I just cannot see paying that kind of money to see a movie I may not like.

This movie was FANTASTIC!

I have to agree with VW.

The movie would have been more enjoyable if it weren't based off the original Dark Shadows series. Similar theme? Perhaps. But having one movie to portray the original... It made for a very jumbled movie.

The movie had far too many different plots to it that it became jumbled from about 3/4's of the way into the movie. Sure, it was comical to a point and Johnny Depp can play just about any role, but it really shouldn't have been made. The ending, especially, was so jumbled it almost didn't make much sense.

Maybe if the movie itself was longer or, for instance, like how Lord of the Rings was- several movies to portray it, then it might have been better. But all in all... It could have definitely been better.

I liked just how it was any other way and they probably wouldn't of let that show on air it has a small cult rolling now I believe.

Well I actually haven't seen the t.v. show since it might have been way before my time, or a little bit at least. From what I saw of the movie I think the hilarity is great. Movies don't have to be serious, even if it was based on an old soap show. I plan on seeing the movie soon, if its not in theaters than I will wait for the DVD.

I saw the film the weekend it was released in the U.K and no I had never seen the t.v. show beforehand although I knew there had been one. Personally I did enjoy the film, alright it wasn't the standout film of the year but it wasn't awfull either, perhaps due to fact that I had never seen the series.

Yes, there were some definite 'camp' elements in there but there was also some quite serious moments as well and no I would not recommend taking young kids to see it unless you want screaming kids and/or plenty of drama.

I haven't seen the movie yet, although I am fan of ''Dark Shadow'', not the new movie. I think the movie really made a mockery of it. I refuse to watch it.

Like almost every good thing, they try to bring something to be ''spoofy'', and not serious. Sorry if I'm bashing, but I find they could have done this better. I give the thumbs up to Barnabas Collins.

In regards to Johnny Depp, he's not at all attractive in my taste. He could have pulled it off well if he was serious. If the movie wasn't a so called spoof. As for Tim Burton he owns him as well as Danny Elfman's without question.

i want to see dark shadows but i havent had time to watch it..i think it should be taken seriously though.

I think it should have been a serious as the 70's hit film and series.

I wish it had been more serious and scary like the original.

Finally after bitchin and moaning about wanting to see it forever. I finally got to watch Dark Shadows. I missed out on the original series, but did manage to catch the reboot in the 80's or 90's. I love mostly everything Johnny Depp does, but this wasn't one of my favorites I hate to say. As far too as Johnathan Frid rolling in his grave, he actually had a small part in the movie that was filmed before he passed away.
"Frid spent three days at Pinewood Studios in June 2011 filming a cameo appearance for the 2012 Tim Burton Dark Shadows film, which became his final film appearance." Quoted from Frid's Wikipedia.

I plan to see the movie, but have never seen the series.

While I'm sure some fans of the original series wanted the movie to be a pretty straightforward remake, the director probably wanted to make sure that a wide array of people liked the movie. Teenagers and maybe to middle aged people is probably what this movie is aiming towards. Giving a dark, soap opera and comedic feel and casting Depp is what is going to get the younger demographic to watch this.

Just my opinion. It really could be a horrible rehash of a missed series. Then again, everyone is a critic.

~~Fallen

Given what Omega said and since it's been out for awhile, I thought I'd see what RottenTomatoes.com had to say.

40% positive. Ouch...But then Magic Mike is currently at 79% so take that stat with a grain of salt.

I liked it, but wished it wasn't as funny as it was.

I was disgusted with the new movie. Enough said.

I liked the movie for what is was, but I wouldn't go out of my way to watch this movie again.

I cannot wait for the DVD to come out. It's in my top 5 DVDs to buy.

Personally I really wish it would have been serious. I'm not much for comedy and I was disappointed in the film.

I've never seen the original stuff so I can't compare it but I do think that more could have been done with the movie. It's cute, I guess, how they tried to do some of the stuff but most of the funny parts didn't last and the rest was just kind of thrown in there.

I seen the original movie made from this soap oera back in the seventies, yes; I was very young and probably shouldn't have seen it. I have been hooked ever since. I think Johnathon Frid was very scary. I love the old black and white vampire flicks. Nothing can compare to these in my opinion.
That being said: I am so utterly disappointed and was looking forward to this being made into a new movie. Most people would not even know there was an original movie and will only know of the tv series. The movie was called" House of Dark Shadows" I have not seen the new Johnny Depp movie, and probably wont.
I wish they would have taken it to a different level. I think thier main intention was to make fun of the series for what it was and not produce a a film that could have been such a piece of history like the show was.

i am a large fan of dark shadows the new movie was not to bad, the movies todays generation, as the re make fit mine and the origina fit my parents.


things change with the time

theres not been a really good vampire film or tv program in a very long time

I watched a bit of the soap before I watched the movie and actually liked it. I didn't find it to be too silly as Tim Burton tends to do with a lot of things.

I wish it had been. I saw this movie a little while back and I was very disappointed in it. For a movie with Tim Burton, it had so much promise, but watching it, I felt it lacked everything. Humor was there, but it was way too obvious. I never saw the original series, and honestly, the previews were better then the movie itself. This is just my opinion. It felt like there should have been more depth into the acting, instead it was all very light - hearted in a very gloomy setting. I think if it had been more serious, it would have been better. Or, at least if it was written differently.

I like the Tim Burton and Johnny Depp version.

I was hoping for a Johnny Depp vampire movie for years after seeing Interview with a vampire movie , I always wanted to see a very long-haired Johnny being an old-fashioned vampire I enjoyed the movie somewhat, but did feel it should have been way more dark and serious like Sweeney Todd. to me it was like Tim Burton's willy Wonka and Ichabod Crane had a child and the child turned into a vampire :) however i really do love all of Tim Burton movies and his wife even though he uses her just a little too much lol.

I loved the movie....then again I never saw the original soap, so who knows. I think Tim could have done better cause some parts seemed kinda just thrown together, but in all I enjoyed it.

Like many others, I grew up with that series, and like others, it was also my introduction to things supernatural. I was totally offended at the treatment it was given as a movie, and think it could have been much better. Anybody who watches the movie that hasn't seen the original or even the remake of the series is going to assume that was what it was- a silly crapshoot about vampires.

I wanted to post a video from the old series, however they probably won't allow it in this forum. If another film is made I really hope it's along the lines of the original series.