Review of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1982) by Dennis L — 06 Jul 2008

Stage to movie adaptations have always been disappointing. But alas, Tim Burton succeeds in his 6th collaboration with actor Johnny Depp. (In fact, Burton, Depp and Bonham Carter is starting to look like each other hmmm.).

Johnny Depp does his role well aptly paired with Helena Bonham Carter wrecking havoc among the "scum" of London. Revenge stories are always dark and dreary - just the kind of theme Burton likes. And there's always a lesson to be learned when your heart is filled with it. Production design is your typical Burton-esque dark grey - but I'm getting tired of it hehe.

Stephen Sondheim's lyrics and melodies are simply great to hear. They'll stick in your head - but in a good way. Didn't realize Alan Rickman can sing (maybe i'll watch Die Hard again. Surely get some laughs).

In reality, Sweeney Todd didn't fulfill my expectations. I thought there was more talking than song. Turns out 95% of the lines are sung. I expected it to be similar to Little Shop of Horrors. Doesn't even come close. I expected to not like it that much. But I loved it.

Story: 8/10.

Boredom Factor: 4/10.

Pace: Slow to medium.

Talk to Action to Music Ratio: 1:3:6.

Watch Again Rating: 7/10.

Overall: 8/10.