Interview with the Vampire (1994)

Two centuries as a vampire, and Louis still hasn’t found one thing to enjoy. Brad Pitt plays him with a gloom so heavy it could put a candle to sleep, and since he narrates the whole movie, the long Paris stretch turns into a slog. Then Tom Cruise sweeps in as Lestat, all lace cuffs, wicked grins and terrible manners, and every scene he’s in comes alive, which is funny for a movie about the undead. The real star, though, is Kirsten Dunst as Claudia, a girl turned into a vampire who grows up inside while her face never changes. She’s furious, funny and heartbreaking, and the grown-ups around her can barely keep up. The candlelit sets and costumes are gorgeous. It made $223.7 million worldwide on a reported $60 million. A 7.1 because Cruise and Dunst bring the bite, and Pitt brings the brooding. $12.68 says you wear something with lace cuffs this month and act like it’s no big deal.

What works: Tom Cruise is a wicked delight as Lestat, and Kirsten Dunst gives Claudia a fury and sadness that steal the movie.

What doesn’t: Louis is such a passive, mopey narrator that the middle of the film sags, especially once the story moves to Paris.

Who it’s for: Fans of gothic costume drama who like their monsters sad, fancy and very well dressed.