CINEMA: Depp delights as kooky vampire

Depp seems to be enjoying himself playing Barnabus and, we enjoy watching him

Some of their celebrated collaborative works include Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Sleepy Hollow and, most recently, Alice In Wonderland.

Based on Depps selection of roles, we all know by now that he simply loves the challenge of portraying characters that are anything but normal.

The eccentric Burton is perhaps the best director to provide Depp such challenges, thanks to his penchant for making dark fantasy films.

With such themes, it was surprising that Burton made Dark Shadows into a comedy. It might have worked on some parts of the film, but knowing Burtons credibility, it would have worked if it were a pure horror film, sans humour.

Based on the TV series that Depp and Burton loved watching as kids, Dark Shadows is about wealthy playboy Barnabas Collins (Depp). He rejects the love of the witch Angelique (Eva Green), who subsequently put a curse on him, turning him into a vampire. Hes buried alive before he is accidentally set free two centuries later, in 1972. He returns to his manor where his descendants are needing his help to survive.

Since this is another Burton and Depp collaboration, there was great hype among fans prior to the movies release. Unfortunately, the cinematic direction proves to be a little loose, resulting in messy projection and presentation of scenes.

There are some mistakes here and there, the biggest being that no one (in 1972) questions Barnabas about his awfully pale skin or peculiar appearance as a whole. Instead, they poke fun at his bizarre behaviour.

The film is also rather lacking in the humour department, despite being a comedy. It relies mainly on scenes showing Barna! bas tryi ng to adapt to a new environment. These are indeed some of the best scenes, thanks to Depps well-played facial expressions and awkward reactions. He knows that they are laughter triggers and makes full use of them.

Apart from that, the script seems rather dull.Although Depp cant beat the Cullens in slurping blood in the coolest fashion, he gives an amazing performance as a charismatic yet bumbling vampire.

Equally impressive is Green, who is the epitome of a beautiful villain. Looking even prettier without her signature eye-lined eyes, she flaunts her beauty naturally but her looks are marred by an unnatural-looking wig.

The others do all right, but their characters are rather dull and ill-constructed compared to Depp and Greens. Pfeiffer plays Barnabas mysterious cousin Elizabeth.

Growing up too fast is Chloe Grace Moretz who plays Elizabeths moody daughter, Carolyn. She is sometimes over-the-top in portraying her character.

For a governess, Vicky doesnt do much governing in the film, acting more like a guest in the house. Playing her is budding Australian actress Bella Heathcote, who looks so sweet despite having a mature disposition. Vicky resembles Barnabass Josette whose tragic death was hard on the man. However, when he and Vicky meet, his reaction lacks the surprise factor that he should be feeling.

On the plus side, the songs featured are all gems from the 1970s and they bring back nostalgic memories.

The creative and special effects departments deserve two thumbs-up for their work on the film. The fantastic setting looks both wondrous and creepy.

Dark Shadows moves at a moderate pace. Fans of fantasy, comedy and Burton and Depp should enjoy it.

NOW SHOWING

DARK SHADOWSDirected by Tim BurtonStarring Johnny Depp, Eva Green, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Bella Heathcote and Chlo Grace MoretzDuration 113 minsRating 18