There are two reviews to be written about Master of Dark Shadows, a new documentary nominally about producer/director Dan Curtis. For those of you already immersed in his work, there’s not much in the film you won’t already know.
Worse, much of Curtis’ career is reduced to bullet points between the demise of “Dark Shadows” — the Gothic soap he created in 1966 — and his expensive television collaborations with Herman Wouk in the 1980s, “The Winds of War” and “War and Remembrance.” The cover art might depict Carl Kolchak, the Zuni Fetish Warrior from “Trilogy of Terror” and Bette Davis in “Burnt Offerings,” but “Master of Dark Shadows” breezes past them with barely a mention. Worse, they’re referenced only in regards to Curtis’ interest in escaping the horror ghetto, which is not especially flattering to those works or their fans.
Still, as someone who loves many of the movies and television series touched upon in the film, it felt nice to spend a little time with old friends. Master of Dark Shadows might be a glorified obituary, but it’s an obituary for someone whose work I adore. I’m glad this movie exists, even if the content is a little underwhelming.
For those of you less familiar with Curtis, think of Master of Dark Shadows not as an obituary, but as a 100-level college course. From a cultural perspective the movies and television shows he created, produced, directed or championed make up some of the fundamentals of American horror. I’d put Dan Curtis in the same category as Rod Serling, Richard Matheson and sure, even Joss Whedon.
You always know when you’re watching a Dan Curtis production, credits be damned. They’re deeply American in their sensibilities, which often makes them difficult to parse. He shares Hammer’s interest in formal wear and cleavage, but none of their sense of grace and moral tradition. I’ve compared his first feature, House of Dark Shadows, to Italian Giallo films, but that comparison falls shy of being correct because of the stodgy displays of sexuality in his movies. Curtis also loved classic monsters like vampires, ghosts and witches, but preferred to slam them together against the nihilistic sensibilities of 1970s cinema. There are no happy endings in a Dan Curtis production.
Of course, none of this is really discussed in Master of Dark Shadows. Instead, director David Gregory holds our hand as he walks us briefly through the early days of Curtis’ career as a salesman for syndicated television and his first real success as a producer, bringing golf to television with “Challenge Golf.” Curtis was able to parlay this success into making a pitch for a dramatic series, negotiating with ABC in 1966 for a project that became Dark Shadows. After a slow start, the Gothic soap became a television sensation, and it’s here in the film that Jonathan Frid wrestles away control of the narrative from both Curtis and Gregory. Which is no small feat for a man who has been dead since 2012.
Despite being billed as “The Gothic World of Dan Curtis,” the majority of Master of Dark Shadows is spent discussing Dark Shadows. And whenever you discuss Dark Shadows, you’re going to spend most of your time talking about Frid, the Canadian actor who joined the cast more than 200 episodes into the show’s run and became a pop culture sensation. The gaunt, middle-aged alumnus of Yale and Oxford was set to retire from acting when offered the role of Barnabas Collins…a year later he found himself an unlikely teen heartthrob appearing on the covers “Tiger Beat” and “Sixteen” alongside Davey Jones and David Cassidy.
Image courtesy of collinsporthistoricalsociety.com
More than an hour passes before Master of Dark Shadows moves on from Dark Shadows and Jonathan Frid, spending about 10 minutes on his Herman Wouk adaptations (the first of which, The Winds of War, cost a whopping $38 million to produce — less than some actual wars) before moving back to… Dark Shadows. In this case, it’s the 1991 prime-time “revival” series for NBC, but even in this sequence — the final one in the documentary — you can sense resentment from Curtis over having to return to the well.
Ben Cross, the actor who succeeded Frid in the role of Barnabas Collins, says Curtis wanted to distance himself from the original series to such an extent that he asked the cast not to watch it. Decades later, on another channel and shooting on a different coast, Curtis still found himself in the shadow of Jonathan Frid.
Master of Dark Shadows closes on footage from the 50th anniversary Dark Shadows Festival in 2016 in Tarrytown, New York, and some words from Curtis that Gregory must not have digested. “I’ve always said I’d be remembered for Dark Shadows,” Curtis says in an interview taped sometime before his death in 2006. “And not things I really cared about, which were the great epics that I made. ‘Dark Shadows’ will be the thing that will be on my gravestone.”
When the closing credits begin to roll, it’s over the face of Frid as Barnabas Collins, fangs bared in a panel from the 1971 Dark Shadows newspaper comic strip.
Image courtesy of collinsporthistoricalsociety.com
Frid manages to upstage Curtis in the documentary’s bonus features, too. Among them are a delightful 1968 appearance by Frid on “The Dick Cavett Show” in which the two actors try to out-manner each other. (The episode has been lost, but has been “reconstructed” with stills and audio of the appearance.) There’s amazing newsreel footage of Frid’s 1969 UNICEF Halloween appearance at The White House with Tricia Nixon, plus his “Shakespeare & Poe in the Shadows” PBS special from 1983.
Dark Shadows cast member Kathryn Leigh Scott takes us on a guided tour of the New York City studios used by the show in the 1960s, which is invaluable because the studio has since been demolished. And … well, there’s lots of great bonus features on Master of Dark Shadows. My reaction to the documentary might be lukewarm, but the special features make this disc an essential part of any Dark Shadows fan library.
You can find read more from Wallace on Dark Shadows at
http://www.collinsporthistoricalsociety.com
As a devoted fan of South Indian action cinema and an entertainment journalist, I’ve come to admire the sheer charisma, talent, and screen presence of a few iconic actors who have redefined the genre. Here’s a list of my top five favorite Indian action heroes, along with a couple of must-watch movies from each of them that showcase their incredible prowess on screen.
- NTR Jr.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., known as NTR Jr., is an electrifying performer who blends action and emotion effortlessly. His dialogue delivery, intensity, and dance moves make him a powerhouse in South Indian cinema.
Must-Watch Movies:
RRR (2022): Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, this epic action-drama showcases NTR Jr. as Komaram Bheem, a fierce and compassionate warrior.
Temper (2015): NTR Jr. delivers a riveting performance as a corrupt cop who embarks on a journey of redemption.
- Allu Arjun
The “Stylish Star” of Tollywood, Allu Arjun, is celebrated for his fluid dance moves, charismatic screen presence, and action-packed roles. His ability to transform into diverse characters has won him a massive fanbase.
Must-Watch Movies:
Pushpa: The Rise (2021): As Pushpa Raj, a smuggler with unyielding determination, Allu Arjun delivers a gritty and unforgettable performance.
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020): While not strictly an action film, it features intense fight scenes and showcases Allu Arjun’s versatility.
- Prabhas
Known for his larger-than-life roles, Prabhas has become a global sensation. His dedication to his craft and ability to headline mega-budget films set him apart.
Must-Watch Movies:
Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) & Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017): These iconic films, directed by S.S. Rajamouli, transformed Prabhas into a household name.
Saaho (2019): A high-octane action-thriller where Prabhas portrays an enigmatic cop.
- Yash
Yash’s meteoric rise to stardom is nothing short of inspirational. His raw energy, intense action sequences, and ability to connect with audiences have solidified his status as a South Indian action hero.
Must-Watch Movies:
KGF: Chapter 1 (2018) & KGF: Chapter 2 (2022): Yash as Rocky Bhai is a cinematic phenomenon, blending larger-than-life action with a gripping storyline.
Masterpiece (2015): A lesser-known gem that highlights Yash’s charisma and action chops.
- Ram Charan
Ram Charan, a dynamic performer, has mastered the art of blending action, drama, and dance in his roles. His nuanced performances and incredible screen presence make him a fan favorite.
Must-Watch Movies:
RRR (2022): His portrayal of Alluri Sitarama Raju, alongside NTR Jr., is a masterclass in action and emotion.
Magadheera (2009): A timeless classic that combines action, romance, and fantasy in a spellbinding narrative.
Why These Actors Shine
What makes these stars stand out in the realm of South Indian action movies is their ability to push boundaries, take on challenging roles, and deliver performances that resonate with audiences. Whether it’s NTR Jr.’s emotional depth, Allu Arjun’s stylish personas, Prabhas’s epic presence, Yash’s raw intensity, or Ram Charan’s versatility, these actors have set benchmarks in the industry.
So, if you’re an action movie enthusiast like me, dive into their filmographies—you won’t be disappointed!
When RRR stormed onto the global stage, it didn’t just captivate audiences—it redefined Indian cinema’s reach. Among the legion of admirers is none other than James Gunn, the mastermind behind Guardians of the Galaxy and the architect of DC Studios’ cinematic future. Gunn’s vocal admiration for the film, particularly its star NTR Jr., has sparked excitement in Hollywood and beyond. It’s a testament to NTR Jr.’s exceptional talent and a long-overdue recognition of his abilities as an actor of extraordinary caliber.
In interviews and social media posts, Gunn has repeatedly praised RRR for its storytelling, high-octane action, and emotionally charged performances. However, what truly stood out for the acclaimed filmmaker was NTR Jr.’s portrayal of Komaram Bheem. Gunn lauded NTR Jr.’s magnetic screen presence, noting how his nuanced performance struck the perfect balance between raw intensity and heartfelt vulnerability. For Gunn, this wasn’t just an appreciation of a great film—it was a call to collaborate with an actor who embodies the charisma and skill needed for global stardom.
As Gunn reshapes the DC Universe, the prospect of bringing NTR Jr. into the fold feels like a natural progression. With his eye for blending humor, heart, and heroism, Gunn’s creative vision would pair seamlessly with NTR Jr.’s dynamic acting range.
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao Jr., affectionately known as Tarak, is no stranger to acclaim. Hailing from the illustrious Nandamuri family, his rise to stardom was marked by a series of standout performances in Telugu cinema. With each role, NTR Jr. has proven his versatility, effortlessly transitioning from emotionally driven characters in films like Yamadonga to action-packed blockbusters such as Temper and Janatha Garage. His role in RRR, however, elevated his craft to an international platform.
In RRR, NTR Jr. brought Komaram Bheem to life with an intensity that left audiences in awe. From the iconic jungle tiger scene to the emotionally wrenching friendship dynamic with Ram Charan’s Raju, he carried the weight of the film on his broad shoulders with effortless grace. His ability to portray strength, resilience, and vulnerability in equal measure cements him as one of Indian cinema’s greatest.
For years, Indian actors have slowly been making their mark on Hollywood, but NTR Jr. is poised to take it a step further. His universal appeal, combined with his dedication to his craft, makes him a natural choice for a crossover into global cinema. James Gunn’s interest in collaborating with him is not just a compliment—it’s a recognition of the talent that has long deserved a spotlight.
In a time when audiences are demanding more diverse stories and authentic representation, NTR Jr.’s inclusion in a major Hollywood franchise would be a game-changer. Whether as a DC superhero, a cosmic adventurer, or a complex antihero, Tarak has the range to bring any character to life.
Gunn’s admiration for RRR and NTR Jr. signifies more than just a potential collaboration. It’s a validation of Indian cinema’s ability to produce world-class talent and stories that resonate across cultures. As filmmakers like Gunn shine a light on stars like NTR Jr., the gap between Bollywood, Tollywood, and Hollywood continues to narrow, creating a truly global entertainment industry.
For NTR Jr., this could be the beginning of a journey that takes him from an Indian megastar to an international icon. As fans of cinema, we can only hope that James Gunn’s vision materializes, giving us the opportunity to see Tarak in a role that matches his immense potential. After all, it’s about time the world recognizes what Indian audiences have known for years—NTR Jr. is a force to be reckoned with.
Review By: Raja V. Deva
Genre: Political Action Thriller
Runtime: Approximately 165 minutes
Director: S. Shankar
Writer: Story by Karthik Subbaraj; Screenplay by S. Shankar, Vivek, and Venkatesan
Cast: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S. J. Suryah, Srikanth, Sunil, Jayaram, Samuthirakani
Music Composer: Thaman S
“Game Changer” marks S. Shankar’s foray into Telugu cinema with a political action thriller designed to be grand in scale and ambition. The film features Ram Charan in dual roles: Appanna, a shrewd political leader, and his son, Ram Nandan, an upright IAS officer determined to clean up a corrupt system. However, despite the actor’s valiant efforts, the story doesn’t fully work with Ram Charan in the lead.
Originally conceptualized for another actor, the film’s narrative feels like it was tailored for someone with real-life political aspirations. While Ram Charan brings his star power and intensity to the roles, the weighty political undertones and the narrative’s structure don’t align well with his on-screen persona. His dual performance showcases his range, but the emotional depth and conviction required to anchor such a politically charged film seem misaligned with his strengths.
The supporting cast provides decent performances, with Kiara Advani and Anjali making their presence felt, though their characters lack depth. S. J. Suryah stands out as a formidable antagonist, adding gravitas to the film. Thaman S’s background score enhances the mood, though the songs occasionally disrupt the flow of the narrative.
Visually, the film boasts stunning production values and large-scale set pieces, typical of Shankar’s style. However, even the grandeur and intricate action sequences can’t mask the disjointed storytelling. The screenplay struggles to balance its political commentary with its action-oriented approach, leaving neither element fully realized.
Ultimately, “Game Changer” feels like a project that missed its mark. The story might resonate with audiences interested in political drama or those with a penchant for larger-than-life narratives, but it doesn’t do justice to Ram Charan’s abilities or his established image.
Rating: 6/10
For fans of Ram Charan or political thrillers, it might be worth a watch, but “Game Changer” feels like an opportunity lost to deliver a truly compelling cinematic experience.
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James Gunn’s Love for RRR: The Rise of NTR Jr. as a Global Phenomenon
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