Directed by Tim Burton
Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Michelle Pheiffer, Chloe Grace Moretz, Honny Lee Millar, Eva Green
Feels like we've been here far too many times in the past ten years. The film's premise of family sticking together could well be a justification for Tim Burton to use his regulars.
Based on a 1970's TV series, Dark Shadows sees an ill-fated Vampire named Barnabas Collins awaken in 1972 after being placed under a curse in the 18th century. He finds that his original love is gone, but that he has descendants who are living under fierce financial competition from Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green), the witch who placed Barnabas under the curse in the first place.
With a well spoken wit, traditional values and the odd thirst for blood, Barnabus insists on trying to save his family from disaster.
So we're all used to Burton's style now. Where Johnny Depp will play an outsider who actually has more to offer the world than is expected.
However Dark Shadows is more entertaining that the last ten years. There are a couple of surprises. The film is shot more like a decent vampire film from the 70's. And the soundtrack seems placed to let any older folk seem more at home.
The film isn't as unchallenging as Alice in Wonderland and not as much of a headache as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Though it's not as good as Sweeney Todd, Burton has got himself back on what he does best. Making an horror that's not scary but fun.
However for anyone who's seen The Addams Family, you'd wonder why he bothered with this one at all.
3.5/5
If you liked this you should try
Beetlejuice (1988) 4/5
The Addams Family (1991) 4/5
Thursday, 17 May 2012
Legend of the Guardians : The Owls of Ga' Hoole (2010)
Directed by Zack Synder
Starring Helen Mirren, Hugo Weaving, Sam Neill, Bill Hunter, Miriam Margolyes, Geoffrey Rush, Richard Roxburgh
Where Harry Potter brings together British acting aristocracy, this film has brought Australia's equivalent.
Based on a probably lesser known book series, Legends of the Guardians certainly portrays the more classical children's fantasy from the 20th Century, along with Watership Down.
It sees Soren, a young owl who firmly believes in a group of warrior owls known as the Guardians. When he and his siblings are kidnapped by "Pure Ones", a dominating group of Owls who wish to rule and oppress the Owl world, he manages to escape and find himself on a journey to gain help from his legends.
Legends of the Guardians is decent enough. It's refreshing to see a CGI film that's not overly bright, hurting the eyes of parents who've seen it one too many times in Shrek.
It can be a bit tough for young children. But for those older than seven, it'll be an introduction to maturer films. It won't be to every child's taste. One remembers The Land Before Time when young and there being little humour to keep the tale going. Folks who were children then may have their own now. And it's probably the closest thing to darker story telling in recent years that's not reaching itself into a franchise.
3.5/5
If you liked this you should try
An American Tail (1986) 5/5
The Land Before Time (1988) 3/5
Starring Helen Mirren, Hugo Weaving, Sam Neill, Bill Hunter, Miriam Margolyes, Geoffrey Rush, Richard Roxburgh
Where Harry Potter brings together British acting aristocracy, this film has brought Australia's equivalent.
Based on a probably lesser known book series, Legends of the Guardians certainly portrays the more classical children's fantasy from the 20th Century, along with Watership Down.
It sees Soren, a young owl who firmly believes in a group of warrior owls known as the Guardians. When he and his siblings are kidnapped by "Pure Ones", a dominating group of Owls who wish to rule and oppress the Owl world, he manages to escape and find himself on a journey to gain help from his legends.
Legends of the Guardians is decent enough. It's refreshing to see a CGI film that's not overly bright, hurting the eyes of parents who've seen it one too many times in Shrek.
It can be a bit tough for young children. But for those older than seven, it'll be an introduction to maturer films. It won't be to every child's taste. One remembers The Land Before Time when young and there being little humour to keep the tale going. Folks who were children then may have their own now. And it's probably the closest thing to darker story telling in recent years that's not reaching itself into a franchise.
3.5/5
If you liked this you should try
An American Tail (1986) 5/5
The Land Before Time (1988) 3/5
Thursday, 3 May 2012
The Smurfs (2011)
Directed by Raja Gosnell
Starring Neil Patrick Harris, Hank Azaria, Katy Perry, George Lopwez, Alan Cumming
Is it right for me to criticize The Smurfs? It's not aimed at me. It's aimed at very small children surely. And adults who remember the cartoon. The in-between folk will no doubt be in cynical mode once the film starts.
But rightly so I say.
So we open with a Hobbit Shire-like Smurfland where a small population of small creatures known as Smurfs reside. Each day they have fun, stay happy and continuously sing the most annoying tune available.
And someone doesn't like them. Who'd have guessed?
Gargamel, an evil wizard with the most bizarrely CGI-ed cat, has plans for using the Smurfs for his own wicked and magic devices.
I side with the villain from minute one.
After a heavy chase some Smurfs and Gargamel find themselves in modern day New York. There they meet a pregnant couple and a manipulating fashion designer.
Again this film is directed right to the kids. Which is fine. So long as no other human has to endure it. Azaria's camp villain jumps throughout the film without even the hint of menace. The Smurfs themselves are truly frustrating and I never thought it possible, but I actually hated Neil Patrick Harris while watching it.
Would have no problem with the film makers being slowly burnt alive with salt acid being sprinkled over them. With the Smurf's annoying song being sung for further injury.
1/5
If you like this you should try
Scooby-Doo (2002) 2/5
The League of Gentlemen's Apocalypse (2005) 3.5/5
Starring Neil Patrick Harris, Hank Azaria, Katy Perry, George Lopwez, Alan Cumming
Is it right for me to criticize The Smurfs? It's not aimed at me. It's aimed at very small children surely. And adults who remember the cartoon. The in-between folk will no doubt be in cynical mode once the film starts.
But rightly so I say.
So we open with a Hobbit Shire-like Smurfland where a small population of small creatures known as Smurfs reside. Each day they have fun, stay happy and continuously sing the most annoying tune available.
And someone doesn't like them. Who'd have guessed?
Gargamel, an evil wizard with the most bizarrely CGI-ed cat, has plans for using the Smurfs for his own wicked and magic devices.
I side with the villain from minute one.
After a heavy chase some Smurfs and Gargamel find themselves in modern day New York. There they meet a pregnant couple and a manipulating fashion designer.
Again this film is directed right to the kids. Which is fine. So long as no other human has to endure it. Azaria's camp villain jumps throughout the film without even the hint of menace. The Smurfs themselves are truly frustrating and I never thought it possible, but I actually hated Neil Patrick Harris while watching it.
Would have no problem with the film makers being slowly burnt alive with salt acid being sprinkled over them. With the Smurf's annoying song being sung for further injury.
1/5
If you like this you should try
Scooby-Doo (2002) 2/5
The League of Gentlemen's Apocalypse (2005) 3.5/5
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