Are we at the Hack Stamp delighted to see lazy critics punning on the subject matter of Dark Shadows in their reviews? Fangs, but no fangs. ---

The film has inspired decidedly mixed reviews -- our own came down on the negative side -- yet both those who liked it and those who didn't managed to find ways to insert tired references to vampires, or the supernatural, or the movie's plot device of Depp's character emerging from centuries in a coffin. Here's what the fans had to share:

“A ghoulish joy” – Caryn James, James on Screens

“Anemic in parts, this Johnny Depp/Tim Burton reboot is still, often, a bloody blast.” – Joanna Langfield, The Movie Minute

“… may be too light for vampire purists or fans of the original show, but fresh blood is just what the doctor ordered.” – Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“Depp fans will enjoy another batty performance.” – Stella Papamichael, Digital Spy

“Who better than Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, on their eighth film collaboration, to dig up Dark Shadows from the dead? … Dark Shadows is worth its return from the grave.” – Adam Bub, MovieFix

"Finally. A vampire movie you can sink your teeth into. Move over Edward Cullen. Barnabas Collins really sucks. In style." – Gary Wolcott, Tri-City Herald

And what about the detractors?

“… sinks its teeth halfway into its potentially meaty material but hesitates to go all the way.” – Todd McCarthy, Variety

“All fangs and no bite … Into the darkness may it stay.” – Matthew Pejkovic, Matt’s Movie Reviews

“A movie about the undead can still be DOA.” – Matt Pais, Red Eye Chicago

“... nothing nails the coffin shut quite like an unlikeable Barnabas Collins.” – Kimberly Gadette, Doodle

Next week: Fear the possibilities to be derived from Battleship and What to Expect When You're Expecting.