“Every family has its demons”
Based on the 1966 TV Series, “Dark Shadows” has risen from the grave in a delightfully dark comedy from Tim Burton now available on DVD.
Beloved by a witch, Barnabas Collins watches as his love is cursed into jumping from a cliff. Though he tries to follow her, he is doomed instead to an immortal life as a vampire. Fueled by her anger at his unwillingness to love her in return, the witch reveals his vampire nature to the townspeople who chain him up and bury him.
Fast forward 200 years, Barnabas wakes up in the late 1960s. Though his family name has continued, and the town his family founded thrives, the family business has floundered. The witch of his past has monopolized the fishing industry of Collinsport, Maine leaving his family with nothing but a house, a name and an array of issues.
Barnabas attempts to bring his family business back to life, but is targeted by a witch still in love with him. To add to his troubles, the family’s new governess bears an uncanny resemblance to his lost love, thus leaving him to seek her affection while battling off the attentions of the witch.
Starring Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, and Eva Green, this film also features the talents of young Chole Grace Moretz (500 Days of Summer, Hugo) who sparkles as a teen growing up in the ‘60s and dealing with her own dark secret.
The film’s soundtrack is an excellent collection of hits from the era including Moody Blues, Donovan, The Carpenters, and Alice Cooper. To top of the musical numbers, Danny Elfman (Edward Scissorhands) does the film’s spooky score.
All in all, Dark Shadows is just the film for a fun Halloween-themed movie night!
Check out the trailer below:
