It occurred to me as I sat in the theater waiting for it to start that it would be impossible for me to "review" this movie. A review would require me to be impartial, and when it comes to this I cannot be impartial. But that's never stopped me from shootin' off my mouth, so why should it now.
It was better than I had feared. I wish they hadn't played it for comedy, but they did. I wanted to see it a second time before I wrote this, but life is a lot busier now than when I could spend half a day on the steps of the Lake Theater waiting for the doors to open.
How do I tell you about it without spoiling it if you haven't seen it? I don't. It's not really spoilable. If you're reading my blog you're probably familiar with the original. You have a pretty good idea of how it goes. They definitely have a different take on it, but I think it was in keeping with the spirit of the original. If you're worried about spoilers go see it, and come back and read this later.
I like the tone they set in the 18th century backstory. I knew I would. It was obvious from the trailer. I wish they had maintained it throughout. I found Barnabas' discovery of the Mark of Mephistopheles. If you don't see that coming down sixth avenue I can't help you.
They hooked me on the train. The original series started with Victoria on a train to Collinsport to start a new life. After Barnabas was introduced there seemed to be some indecision whether Vicky or Maggie was the romantic interest, and I like the way that was handled.
The second point I appreciated was Barnabas introduction to Victoria. If I had not been watching the original series on NetFlix I wouldn't have caught this, but they used the exact line from the series.
The seventies tone was well done, even if it was a little over the top. I found the "business rivalry" had the tone of a seventies prime-time soap opera, Dallas or Dynasty, which was appropriate. Of course I liked the music.
For some reason I was distracted (by Alice Cooper, I think) and missed the cameos at the door during the ball. (The main reason I want to see it a second time.) I have read that Mr. Frid did not enjoy the experience, and that saddens me.
I've had about all I want to see of overblown fight scenes, and in the immortal words of Forrest Gump "that's all I have to say about that."
The ending, also over the top (we're talking about Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, right?) I find more acceptable upon reflection. When you consider the story of Josette from the original series you'll find we have a complete circle.
It's not the movie I would have wanted. I hear there is more that will be on the DVD release, and I hope that's more satisfying. But I don't think they've damaged the franchise. They didn't "Howard the Duck" it. There is certainly much more that can be done with this story. The Collins Family deserves a place in American Mythology. I hope the next version does the story justice.
And if my math is right I have 1003 days until retirement. So until then you kids get off my lawn.
