Sweeney Todd

I am a sucker for musicals. And if you're like me, this isn't something you're going to want to miss.

Twisted plot. All-Star cast. Stellar singing. Stellar songs. And blood, blood, blood everywhere.

(Note: There's a reason why it's rated R.)

But unless you a person that will pass out from seeing large amounts of blood (which aside from the color does not even look remotely real), I wouldn't let it stop you from watching this excellent adaption by none other than Tim Burton himself.

The mood is gloriously dark, and there is quite a bit of contrast and parallelism between characters throughout the film. Aside from the bits of CG motion in the very beginning of the film (something I simply never liked), the movie was extremely well put together and the cinematography flowed beautifully.

The plot is magnificent itself. It is incredibly bloody obviously, but those with an appreciation for the macabre will take delight in this murderous musical. The killings are overly dramatic, I admit, however, it seems strangely appropriate for this grotesque story.

As for the cast, it is clear from the opening credits that the movie is dense with quality acting. Veterans such as Johnny Depp (Sweeney Todd), Helena Bonham Carter (Mrs. Lovett), Alan Rickman (Judge Turpin), and Timothy Spall (Beadle Bamford) portray their characters with ease and perfection, while other actors such as Jamie Campbell Bower (Anthony Hope), Laura Michelle Kelly (Beggar Woman), Jayne Wisener (Johanna), and Ed Sanders (Toby) make their noteworthy big screen debuts.

Despite not being professionally trained singers (with the exception of Laura Michelle Kelly), however, the entire cast executes their respective songs superbly. Disproving all criticism concerning the casting of the musical, all have surprisingly gorgeous voices, even Ed Sanders, who I would naturally assume is really quite young and inexperienced. Especially since Steven Sondheim's lyrics are so unique, for all the actors to have sang the songs with such emotion and beauty is a true accomplishment on their parts. Additionally, even the orchestral background music is full and fulfilling, complimenting the singing perfectly.

Holistically though, the story itself is certainly one to watch. Though I admit that I was worried that despite the excellent music and lavish display of blood, such a magnificent musical would lack a decent ending, I must say that the end is actually quite satisfying.

A macabre musical that is genius itself, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a must-see for musical lovers and [open-minded] moviegoers alike.

(I think I'm going to run out and get the soundtrack now too.)

Rating: 5/5

Picture copyright (c) Dreamworks/Paramount and WB.