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Two weeks and two stunningly fun summer films. Things are looking up for the summer of 2012... or they were until we realized this week we get "Battleship" and "The Dictator." Oh well, nothing good lasts forever.  Here's a look at "Dark Shadows."

Dark Shadows
Starring: Johnny Depp, Jonny Lee Miller, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, Chloe Grace Moretz, and Jackie Earle Haley
Synopsis: No major stars have as diverse a set of indelible characters on their resume as Johnny Depp. He’s sailed the high seas as a pirate, lived the solitary existence as an outcast, played an average Joe stuck in an espionage plot, been a reclusive chocolateer, and been a signing barber with a homicidal streak. And that’s just a handful of the different roles Depp has played over the years. Given his range and history, it makes perfect sense he would be tapped to recreate the iconic role of Barnabas Collins in a modern update of “Dark Shadows.” And who better to helm this update than Depp’s frequent collaborator, director Tim Burton. Together Depp and Burton have created a myriad of memorable films. Into that cannon comes “Dark Shadows,” which borrows from the mythology of the original TV series but spins off into a creation all its own. And it’s a delightful change of pace for the summer, and bound to add to the legend of the Burton-Depp pairing. I am not old enough to have been a fan of the original TV show, which ran from 1966-1971. I did see the ultra-serious TV remake from 1991, so I had a sense that the source material was viewed somewhat as a drama. Though the original had campy elements in its production, it has a serious and devoted following. Those that took “Dark Shadows” seriously will likely be a bit disappointed with the Burton-Depp incarnation, which shows an appreciation for the source material but interprets it in a wholly different way. This “Dark Shadows” embraces the camp of the material and characters, and also seeks to poke a bit of fun at the time period itself. All that works in creating something original and fun, starting with Depp’s performance in the role of Barnabas. The film is light, fun, and full of jokes aimed at those familiar with the time period. From song lyrics to one-liners about the style and décor, Burton’s “Dark Shadows” is as much about exploring the awkwardness of the 1970s as the source material. And it all works, coalescing into a fun experience. The performances are all good as well. Pfeiffer and Bonham Carter excel in their roles, the young performers do well, and Green is compelling as the evil witch Angelique. She has some great back-and-forth with Depp in the film, which adds to the fun. But it is the great performance by Depp, who creates another unique, original character, that really brings the film together. His mannerisms, delivery, and response help add to the fun and whimsy of the production. The script from Seth Grahame-Smith is witty and moves at a good pace. It captures the absurdity of the period, but does it in a loving way. That adds to the fun of the production. Certainly, like many Burton films, this movie won’t appeal to everyone. It’s built on sarcasm, quirky characters, and masterful production values. Among Depp-Burton collaborations, this is one of the best. For fans of the genre, fans of the filmmakers, and those looking for a fun summer film, “Dark Shadows” is a treat.
Rating: PG-13 for comic horror violence, sexual content, some drug use, language and smoking.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, May 18 — "Battleship," "What to Expect When You're Expecting," "Hysteria"

Friday, May 25 — "Men In Black III," "Chernobyl Diaries," "Moonrise Kingdom"