"Dark Shadows" is a fun blend of comedy and horror, following a lovelorn vampire across centuries.

This past Mother’s Day Sunday I went to see Tim Burton’s new film, “Dark Shadows,” at the Coronado Village Theatre. I have visited our gorgeous hometown theater many times since the grand re-opening, but this was the first time I had watched a movie in one of the smaller two theaters that flank the large, central theater. The experience was pleasantly surprising and the intimate space only enhanced my enjoyment of the film. Fresh popcorn, candy, and Cherry Coke in hand, I settled in with my husband to watch this gothic tale.

“Dark Shadows” is directed by Tim Burton, and stars the legendary actor, Johnny Depp. Depp plays Barnabas Collins, a wealthy 18th century businessman who owns a canning company in Collinsport, Maine. All is well in Collins’ world until he falls for the beautiful Josette, and in the process angers ex-lover, Angelique, played by actress Eva Green. He is cursed by the jealous witch and entrapped as a vampire for two centuries. When Collins finally escapes from his underground tomb it is 1972 and the Collins’ Family is in as much disrepair as his once grand mansion on the cliffs of Maine’s stormy coast. Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, and her family are now the struggling residents of Collinwood Manor and Barnabas Collins, whose portrait has hung on the manor’s wall for hundreds of years, has reappeared to save the day.

I originally believed this film was a comedy, due to misleading previews, but after watching the movie I’d place it more in the drama and fantasy category. There are comedic parts of the film, but sadly most of them were shown in the previews and didn’t come as a surprise. Overall, the story was predictable, with a few unexpected twists and turns. The costumes were fun and well-done, but I expected more from the set and special effects. After seeing other work from director Tim Burton, I was disappointed with the overall quality and feel of this film.

I’d recommend this movie to vampire film lovers, Johnny Depp fans, and lovers of Tim Burton’s work. “Dark Shadows” may not be as spectacular or live up to Burton’s other films, but it’s still fun to watch and great entertainment.

Starring: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Eva Green

Length: 113 minutes

Rated PG-13 for comic horror, violence, sexual content, some drug use, language, and smoking

For Village Theatre movie times, click here.

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Anne Covington Morse

Online Editorial Intern

eCoronado.com