Dark Shadows

Slyly laced with weird, supernatural humor, Tim Burton's latest—based on the cult classic soap series—stars Johnny Depp as gothic vampire Barnabas Collins. In 1752, young Barnabas sailed from Liverpool to America with his parents, who built a fishing empire in the coastal Maine town of Collinsport. Barnabas fell in love with beautiful Josette (Bella Heathcote), but that infuriated witch Angelique (Eva Green), who killed Josette and cursed Barnabas for eternity. When his crypt is accidentally excavated some 200 years later, Barnabas emerges into 1972, bewildered by cars and TV sets, along with lava lamps, which he calls “pulsating blood urns.” Despite the efforts of its caretaker (Jackie Earle Haley), Collinwood Manor—Barnabas's ancestral home—is in ruins, and the financially-strapped family matriarch (Michelle Pfeiffer) struggles to cope with her angry, rebellious teenage daughter (Chloë Grace Moretz). Barnabas's arrival coincides with that of a young governess, Victoria (also played by Heathcote), who is persecuted because of her mysterious psychic gift. Victoria's charge is 10-year-old David (Gully McGrath), who is neglected by his wastrel father (Jonny Lee Miller), despite the efforts of psychiatrist Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham-Carter). Worst of all, Collinsport has become Angelsbay, named for its most prominent businesswoman, Angie (also played by Green). Declaring that “family is the only real wealth,” Barnabas vows revenge, determined to right the wrongs done over the past two centuries. Also featuring cameos by Christopher Lloyd, Alice Cooper, and original TV cast members, this fun and campy homage is recommended. [Note: Blu-ray extras include the “Maximum Movie Mode” viewing option which features nine separately viewable “Focus Points” (39 min.), deleted scenes (6 min.), trailers, and bonus DVD and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a fun reboot.] (S. Granger)