Dark Shadows Movie - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Willbo · 05-08-2012, 11:07 AM

Anyone plan on seeing the movie? I am but was disappointed it was a comedy at first. My daughter wants to see it but I am going tot see it first just to make sure it is appropriate for a 10 year old. Have a feeling it will not be. Hope it is good.

Leslie Eckhardt · 05-09-2012, 11:06 AM

I am absolutely going to see the film on Friday when it opens. I've heard the negative publicity but I form my own opinions. Other films which were called out as "flops" which I enjoyed were The Stepford Wives remake and the Bewitched film. The film Bruno received 3 1/2 stars by Roger Ebert and I found this to be a dismal film in horrible taste. Maybe I'm old-fashioned (I am), but I prefer my own taste to that foisted upon me by the reviewers. I may love or hate the new film, but I will give it a chance.

Mario500 · 05-09-2012, 04:25 PM

Age should not really matter in whether a movie is appropriate or not. What matters is whether the person is mature enough to handle the material or not.

As for whether I plan on seeing the movie or not, I'm not really interested. I would rather watch the original serial or even the first two theatrical movies than another adaptation produced years after the end of the serial.

Some folks may feel the new movie is a tribute to the original series, but I believe broadcasting the original serial would be a better tribute.

loaferman · 05-10-2012, 11:56 AM

As a DS fan since the reruns I watched in the mid 1970's, I am going to see the movie to support more "Dark Shadows" whether it be films, books, or just memorabilia. I understand the film may not completely be my preference for preserving the show's legacy but with Depp and Burton at the helm it is going to get attention. I predict a lower than expected box office due to the release right after "Avengers" which played to packed houses last weekend. I would like to see DS revived on television as a prime time soap but fear today's networks would miscast it with 20 somethings with overtly sexual and graphic horror storylines which totally contradict the Victorian gothic sense of the original series where sexuality was an undertone and the repression of it led to much of the shows tension. the characters had sexual tension because they could not act it out on camera. The lack of explicitness in terms of both sex and gore (horror) added an aura of the audience using their imagination that I fear is lost on today's producers.

Leslie Eckhardt · 05-11-2012, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leslie Eckhardt

I am absolutely going to see the film on Friday when it opens. I've heard the negative publicity but I form my own opinions. Other films which were called out as "flops" which I enjoyed were The Stepford Wives remake and the Bewitched film. The film Bruno received 3 1/2 stars by Roger Ebert and I found this to be a dismal film in horrible taste. Maybe I'm old-fashioned (I am), but I prefer my own taste to that foisted upon me by the reviewers. I may love or hate the new film, but I will give it a chance.

OK, now I've seen the film and I neither love nor hate it. It looks and sounds good, but the script is sometimes silly and there is way too much comedy. Johnny Depp does sound like Jonathan Frid. The cameo by the original stars goes by in a blink and with one line of dialouge given by one of them. Mrs. Johnson is reduced to a mute hag. Maggie Evans and Victoria Winters are the same person. Carolyn's fate is practically incomprehensible.

catlover79 · 05-11-2012, 07:22 PM

I haven't heard good reviews about this movie from ANYONE.

loaferman · 05-12-2012, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leslie Eckhardt

OK, now I've seen the film and I neither love nor hate it. It looks and sounds good, but the script is sometimes silly and there is way too much comedy. Johnny Depp does sound like Jonathan Frid. The cameo by the original stars goes by in a blink and with one line of dialouge given by one of them. Mrs. Johnson is reduced to a mute hag. Maggie Evans and Victoria Winters are the same person. Carolyn's fate is practically incomprehensible.

I pretty much concur with your review. Liked it, but definitely did not love it. The end is pretty incoherent. I was disappointed that considering the fact that Mr. Frid was obviously doing his final film appearance that he did not get a line or even a close-up or some show of respect. He made the show that has endured for nearly 50 years and both Depp and Burton are fans, having the original "real" Barnabas and the "new" one interact for a few seconds would have been a nice gesture. Maybe a "haven't we met before" line would have been better.

Leslie Eckhardt · 05-13-2012, 01:53 AM

One thing is certain. No matter what any of us think of the film, it has rekindled interest in the original show. Since I first heard about this film, about six months ago, I have acquired an out-of-print book, Dark Shadows Tribute, the CD version of the old record soundtrack album including some entertaining radio interviews with the original cast, a download from Vudu of the 1970 House of Dark Shadows feature film, and the new DVD Dark Shadows: Fan Favorites. In addition, I have watched 160 episodes of the original series and the 12 episodes of the 1991 revival on Netflix. (I can't afford the 1225 episode complete series DVD set.)

Willbo · 07-02-2012, 05:06 PM

Finally saw the movie yesterday. I really liked it. It was much better than I thought it was going to be. I do wish the Fab 4 were in it a little more though.

Christopher · 07-20-2021, 06:49 AM

I watched this for the first time since it was released in theaters back in 2012 and it still sucks. I did not care for it. This was Johnny and Tim's chance to make a serious adaption of Dark Shadows like Dan Curtis wanted with his revivals and they blew it. They ruined a lot of characters like Roger, Barnabas, Carolyn, and Willie. The only thing I liked and was intrigued by at first was Barnabas telling Elizabeth he was the original Barnabas and a vampire. We know they only did that so Michelle Pfeiffer could get more air time. She's a big name and they needed to use her properly. But I still like that idea of Barnabas being close to a family member and letting them know who he really is.

What Tim and Johnny should have done was start the Dark Shadows movie out in 1795 for new fans and old fans to see their take on the origins of Barnabas and how he became a vampire. The whole first movie should have been about Barnabas cheating on Josette with Angelique and Angelique getting her revenge on Barnabas. They had plenty of ideas since the original Dark Shadows had Angelique curse Barnabas, kill Josette, kill Barnabas's younger sister, and almost every other family member Barnabas loved. Then they should have ended the movie in 1967, or whatever year they wanted, when Willie opens the coffin and Barnabas's hand reaches out and grabs Willie's throat. This could have sparked a lot of interest for a sequel where we see Barnabas's introduction to the current Collins' family. They had the power to make this a huge movie franchise and blew it because they wanted laughs and gags. I doubt we'll ever get this chance again to see Dark Shadows on the big screen.

05-08-2012, 11:07 AM	#1
Willbo Member Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 10, 2012 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 859	Dark Shadows Movie Anyone plan on seeing the movie? I am but was disappointed it was a comedy at first. My daughter wants to see it but I am going tot see it first just to make sure it is appropriate for a 10 year old. Have a feeling it will not be. Hope it is good.

05-11-2012, 07:22 PM	#6
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	I haven't heard good reviews about this movie from ANYONE.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

05-13-2012, 01:53 AM	#8
Leslie Eckhardt Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Sep 24, 2011 Posts: 293	The Movie HAS Accomplished One Thing One thing is certain. No matter what any of us think of the film, it has rekindled interest in the original show. Since I first heard about this film, about six months ago, I have acquired an out-of-print book, Dark Shadows Tribute, the CD version of the old record soundtrack album including some entertaining radio interviews with the original cast, a download from Vudu of the 1970 House of Dark Shadows feature film, and the new DVD Dark Shadows: Fan Favorites. In addition, I have watched 160 episodes of the original series and the 12 episodes of the 1991 revival on Netflix. (I can't afford the 1225 episode complete series DVD set.)

05-09-2012, 11:06 AM	#2
Leslie Eckhardt Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Sep 24, 2011 Posts: 293	I am absolutely going to see the film on Friday when it opens. I've heard the negative publicity but I form my own opinions. Other films which were called out as "flops" which I enjoyed were The Stepford Wives remake and the Bewitched film. The film Bruno received 3 1/2 stars by Roger Ebert and I found this to be a dismal film in horrible taste. Maybe I'm old-fashioned (I am), but I prefer my own taste to that foisted upon me by the reviewers. I may love or hate the new film, but I will give it a chance.

05-09-2012, 04:25 PM	#3
Mario500 Member Senior Member Join Date: Jun 14, 2011 Posts: 1,062	Age should not really matter in whether a movie is appropriate or not. What matters is whether the person is mature enough to handle the material or not. As for whether I plan on seeing the movie or not, I'm not really interested. I would rather watch the original serial or even the first two theatrical movies than another adaptation produced years after the end of the serial. Some folks may feel the new movie is a tribute to the original series, but I believe broadcasting the original serial would be a better tribute.

05-10-2012, 11:56 AM	#4
loaferman Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jun 23, 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 642	As a DS fan since the reruns I watched in the mid 1970's, I am going to see the movie to support more "Dark Shadows" whether it be films, books, or just memorabilia. I understand the film may not completely be my preference for preserving the show's legacy but with Depp and Burton at the helm it is going to get attention. I predict a lower than expected box office due to the release right after "Avengers" which played to packed houses last weekend. I would like to see DS revived on television as a prime time soap but fear today's networks would miscast it with 20 somethings with overtly sexual and graphic horror storylines which totally contradict the Victorian gothic sense of the original series where sexuality was an undertone and the repression of it led to much of the shows tension. the characters had sexual tension because they could not act it out on camera. The lack of explicitness in terms of both sex and gore (horror) added an aura of the audience using their imagination that I fear is lost on today's producers.

07-02-2012, 05:06 PM	#9
Willbo Member Forum Regular Join Date: Feb 10, 2012 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 859	Finally saw the movie yesterday. I really liked it. It was much better than I thought it was going to be. I do wish the Fab 4 were in it a little more though.

07-20-2021, 06:49 AM	#10
Christopher The OG Core Four Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 15, 2001 Posts: 14,833	I watched this for the first time since it was released in theaters back in 2012 and it still sucks. I did not care for it. This was Johnny and Tim's chance to make a serious adaption of Dark Shadows like Dan Curtis wanted with his revivals and they blew it. They ruined a lot of characters like Roger, Barnabas, Carolyn, and Willie. The only thing I liked and was intrigued by at first was Barnabas telling Elizabeth he was the original Barnabas and a vampire. We know they only did that so Michelle Pfeiffer could get more air time. She's a big name and they needed to use her properly. But I still like that idea of Barnabas being close to a family member and letting them know who he really is. What Tim and Johnny should have done was start the Dark Shadows movie out in 1795 for new fans and old fans to see their take on the origins of Barnabas and how he became a vampire. The whole first movie should have been about Barnabas cheating on Josette with Angelique and Angelique getting her revenge on Barnabas. They had plenty of ideas since the original Dark Shadows had Angelique curse Barnabas, kill Josette, kill Barnabas's younger sister, and almost every other family member Barnabas loved. Then they should have ended the movie in 1967, or whatever year they wanted, when Willie opens the coffin and Barnabas's hand reaches out and grabs Willie's throat. This could have sparked a lot of interest for a sequel where we see Barnabas's introduction to the current Collins' family. They had the power to make this a huge movie franchise and blew it because they wanted laughs and gags. I doubt we'll ever get this chance again to see Dark Shadows on the big screen.