On a Messy Vampire Film with Dark Shadows

Another vampire film, although this time based on a soap opera from the 60s not too dissimilar to The Addams Family (164 – 1966). However, the film, Dark Shadows, does not come close to matching the gothic fun of The Addams Family (1991). This is a trademark Tim Burton film with iconographic set design and camera work that is Burton’s blueprint and as always there is enjoyment to be taken from that. And, as always, Johnny Depp in the lead role once again shows his versatility. Unfortunately the film is poorly put together with the story feeling so conflated that it screams inconsistency. Other than Depp characters are irregularly drawn and are either grossly overlooked and underused (Jonny Lee Miller, Helena Bonham Carter) or appear significant but are then ignored for large chunks (Bella Heathcote, Michelle Pfieffer). Yet it is Chloe Grace Moretz who takes the award for most bizarre character development.

All this is a shame as when Depp and Burton work well, it really works well. Yet Sleepy Hollow (1999) is the last example. Mostly, Dark Shadows just feels like a whole soap opera crammed into a two-hour film and that will never work. 

On a Nifty Balancing Act in Avengers Assemble

Joss Whedon, best known for the fantastic TV shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1996 – 2003) and Firefly (2002 – 2003) (the latter of which became his first great feature film, Serenity (2205)), has just, with his second feature film, done something that other Marvel film directors haven't been able to do: created a balanced, entertaining film based on Marvel characters.

After a slightly dodgy, ‘here we go again’ beginning, Avengers Assemble spends the next two hours fifteen minutes being nothing but entertaining. Whedon’s most accomplished achievement is balancing all the characters so that it feels like a group leading role. Robert Downey Junior’s arrogant Iron Man isn’t allowed to steal the show, despite perhaps being best suited to the witty script. The same is true of Captain America. In fact it is Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk who, although sharing equal screen time with the rest, (even Hawkeye and Black Widow – minnows of previous films) comes away as the main talking point.

It is not only the characters that are well balanced. The story and the commitment to character raise Avengers Assemble to the level it’s at. All the characters feel developed. Loki is far from a stereotypical I-want-to-take-over-the-world bad guy. There are issues raised that, if you want to see them, offer criticisms over American foreign policy. All in all, there is little wrong with this film. Even the expected explosive ending is handled with a personal touch and doesn’t forget to maintain the individuality and group dynamic of the characters.

The film, like other Marvel adaptations is more child friendly and never comes close to the layered complexity of Christopher Nolan’s Batman (2005 – 2012) films, which raised the bar for comic adaptations and continue to enjoy their own company at the top. Despite this, there are few experiences during a summer cinema season as fun as Avengers Assemble.

On Marley

With no prior knowledge of reggae star and international icon Bob Marley, it is impossible to say how accurate Kevin Macdonald’s documentary is. However, as a documentary it stands as a successful one. The structure is chronological and ensures Marley laymen are catered for. The input from Macdonald is minimal, allowing the interviewees to tell their story and let their personality shine through. Even if you dislike reggae, the joy of those in the crowds filmed at concerts is catching. Additionally, Macdonald has put the film together very well, editing it to keep the pace speedy and match the beats of the music allowing for an aesthetically pleasing film. None of this should be any surprise however, following Macdonald’s previous documentaries One Day in September (1999) and Touching the Void (2003); he clearly has a skill for the genre.