Maybe it depends on expectations. I didn't go into it expecting a recreation (or even continuation) of the TV series. I let the film stand on its own. Being a big Burton/Depp fan, the only expectations I had going in were that it would be quirky, and that I would probably enjoy it. I was right on both counts.

Also, I didn't really view it as a spoof of the 70's, or of the show. Yes, there was some comedy in the fish out of water element of the story, but for the most part Depp played the character pretty straight, and that worked for me. He was once a good man who had been turned into a tortured monster by a curse. But, because he had been a "gentleman" in life, he remained (mostly) so as a vampire. But he was still a vampire, and he lived on human blood.

I'm mixed about it, it is somewhat fun... the best I can say is Tim Burton did a good job with a terrible script. There were lots of shots/details that were interesting to me. all the plot and labored exposition was gibberish though. Depp is best in scenes when he is listening and not relaying plot points (I'm sick of his british accents and comical eyebrow raises).

Where it stands for Tim Burton for me, it is closest to his Mars Attacks ... but it could've been an Ed Wood...which presented a heightened reality but had genuine emotions and humanity.

I've seen some of the original show and some of the 91 revival....

Film was decent enough. Some charactes were ignored until needed (Victoria, the daughter etc), but overall I enjoyed it. Wife loved it. The audience even clapped at the end which sorta blew my mind.

That's an interesting comparison to Mars Attacks. It is one of my favorite Burton films and I would probably rate Dark Shadows fairly close to it.

Mars Attacks ranks as one of the three worst Burton films for me (along with POTA and Alice), so that's not a flattering comparison in my eyes.

But, much like Mars Attacks, Dark Shadows is a meandering mess.

Mars Attacks is kind of awesome, so I'm taking that as a I might like Dark Shadows, though doubtful.

Count me as someone who also loved Mars Attacks. So perhaps I might like Dark Shadows.

I liked Mars Attacks! a lot too actually. Still not sure I want to see this in theaters though. Maybe a matinee if anything but it's not a priority to see.

If not for the last 20 minutes or so (which turns into a special-effects fest), I'd actually recommend DARK SHADOWS. But I disliked the finale so much, it really ruined what is otherwise probably a B-plus film.

Those who said this really isn't a comedy are exactly right. It's not really a serious drama either...other than the pre-credits sequence, which is told totally "straight". It has about as much humor in it as THE AVENGERS...which is not to say the jokes are as funny - but that's about the level of comedy. Let's just call it a "lighthearted drama".

This is actually the best live-action Burton film I've seen in a while, which may not be high praise, but it's worlds better than Alice in Wonderland was, that's for sure. Still, there's not much of an overall plot here - the enjoyment really comes from the actors (most of whom do a really good job with the little they have story-wise) and Burton's great visuals and really giving the "feel" of the early 70s to the movie.

Overall, it gets a C-plus from me...it's something worth checking out, but not until it hits home video - which will probably be by the end of summer, given its disappointing opening.

It would seem our tastes are very different. And, of course, I do not share your opinion of either film being a "meandering mess."

For those who did enjoy Mars Attacks, I suspect you might also enjoy Dark Shadows.

Mars Attacks is one of the only Burton films that still holds up for me in repeat viewings. So now I may kind of like Dark Shadows?

Saw "Dark Shadows" Saturday, it bored me to tears.

Well, Mars Attacks feels like a series of barely connected scenes that all feature killer martians. I would definitely call it a mess.

Dark Shadows has major characters that only appear in 2 or 3 scenes, are given nothing to do, and have little to no motivation. Oh and let's not forget

Those are just a few of the problems.

If you think that you are somehow going to convince me that I am wrong and you are right, you are sadly mistaken.

I HATED Mars Attacks, but semi-enjoyed Dark Shadows. I think it compares more to Beetlejuice than any other Burton film, although this obviously isn't the straight-out comedy that was...but they're both about an odd family in a spooky house. Perhaps cross Beetlejuice with Sleepy Hollow and set it in the 70s.

Well, an opinion is an opinion. However, the film is structurally weak, and has shallow characterizations. You can like the movie despite those things, but the flaws are there.

This thread reminds me I need to revisit Sleepy Hollow. I remember being greatly disappointed by it when I saw it years ago.

Oh Please.
It's a movie based on a _____ (insert widely disparaged format/medium).
It's not supposed to be _______ (insert well crafted title from a vastly different genre/ aimed at a completely different demographic).

Sheesh.

Exactly. It's a popcorn movie. Turn off your brain and enjoy.

I've never seen the show - thought there was half of a good movie in the bloated 2 hour runtime. It starts off great, with the setup being really well done, setting the tone and being a lot darker than I was expecting. When we get to the 70's, the movie slows down considerably until Barnabus is released - then he shows up, we get about 30 minutes of good stuff and then the movie crawls to a ridiculous finish.

I'm not sure how they managed to make a movie feel OVERLONG by at least 30 minutes, but also have every character and plotline feel UNDERDEVELOPED. I think there were some very cool ideas here and there (Victoria's ghostly problems, everyone in the family having a curse etc., Barnabus murdering a lot of people) but all were undercooked. There were entire characters who acted as window dressing - seriously, Jonny Lee Miller is awesome but why bother even having that useless character.

Visually it's got a lot going for it and the casting was great, but they didn't give them enough to do. Despite enjoying half of it, it's a tough recommend because the other half was so deadly boring. I do like the fish out of water stuff but it's not mined for even half of it's potential. Frustrating.

I liked it for what it was, which was stupid campy fun. Money well spent imho.

Eva Green was great to look at... but movie overall was blah.

Meandering mess describes it for me. I was very underwhelmed and don't want to ever see this again. DIdn't hate it by any means. It's was somewhat pleasant and I chuckled a bit here and there but there were so many ideas that were underdeveloped it was just a mess. The daughter reveal at the end being the one that left the worst taste in my mouth. Why even bother?
Eva is so beautiful but didn't love her as a blond. I would tell anyone to wait until you can watch it at home. (and I love Mars Attacks)

I loved it!

Tim can I have your autograph?