Sweeney Todd Review

[_Yoda]

OK, I'm probably the only nerd who saw this movie, but I'm a Musical Theater geek, so here goes!

I'm a fan of the show, so hearing Sondheim's haunting music with the gorgeous orchestra was a thrill.

I was disappointed that the chorus was basically removed. In the stage production, the chorus tells a lot of the story. I understand thematically why Tim Burton chose to make this choice for film, but it was a shame not to hear that music. There was also quite a bit of solo work by the Beggar Woman that was cut due to this reduction.

I thought that Johnny Depp was a great choice for Sweeney Todd. He really captured the role. His singing was not great, but not bad, either. It would have been better if he had stronger vocals, but his acting made up for it. I was actually quite impressed.

Alan Rickman was AMAZING as the Judge! He was so delightfully evil. My favorite song in the whole show was "Pretty Women". Depp and Rickman played so well off of one another. It was amazing acting chemistry.

Helena Botham Carter did not impress me as Mrs. Lovett. I just didn't care for her voice. I would have liked to have seen someone who had more teeth to their voice do the role. (Like me! LOL) Bernadette Peters would have been an amazing choice. I will give Carter acting props, though. She did the best she could with the wispy voice she had, and her chemistry with Depp was great. Overall, however, I think she was the weak link in the show.

"Sweeney Todd" is not for the faint of heart. There is a lot of blood...very "Tim Burton-ish". I was impressed with how true to the story Burton kept the movie script, though, and I bought the CD as a Christmas present to myself.

Overall, I enjoyed the movie, and will, no doubt, buy the DVD when it becomes available.

However, Angela Landsbury will always be the true Mrs. Lovett.

;)

[_Yoda]

OK, now I know I'm a nerd. 14 views and no replies. I feel lonely. Someone at least say Hi.

LOL

[_moksha]

I understand Morrison Meat Pies are already seeing an increase in their sales.

[_SUAS]

Okay I saw Sweeney Todd and I guess it was okay. My 22 year old son and husband really liked it. I just did not get it.
I thought the feel of the movie, the darkness, the customes, the set, the makeup, all came together to give the movie an interesting feel. I have never seen the musical so I no basis for comparsion like you do.
I agree with you about Johnny Depp his acting made up for his singing. How he manages to look different for all his roles is beyond me.
Helena Botham Carter was not a strong singer, someone with a stronger voice would have been better. Why did they cast her?
Overall I would give Sweeney Todd a 8 out of 10.

I would also recommend Charlie Wilson's war. I like Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. I am Legend, Will Smith is Buff.
Juno, the young lady that plays Juno is very good. P.S. I love you is a sad movie but with a happy ending. See it with your husband because you will both end up appreciating each other after the movie.

[_SUAS]

Also go see National Treasure:Book of secrets.

[_Yoda]

Helena Botham Carter was not a strong singer, someone with a stronger voice would have been better. Why did they cast her?

She's married to Tim Burton. That probably has something to do with it. LOL Also, she has had a strong chemistry with Depp in other movies.

Also go see National Treasure:Book of secrets.

I really want to see that! I loved the original. Is it as good?

[_SUAS]

Helena Botham Carter was not a strong singer, someone with a stronger voice would have been better. Why did they cast her?

She's married to Tim Burton. That probably has something to do with it. LOL Also, she has had a strong chemistry with Depp in other movies.

Also go see National Treasure:Book of secrets.

I really want to see that! I loved the original. Is it as good?

Yes it is better than the first. You will not be disappointed I promise. Go and see it then come back and tell me how you liked it.

[_Jersey Girl]

Liz,

Do you really have to ask if I saw Sweeney Todd with Depp? ;-) I wasn't at all familiar with the musical itself or the storyline. I loved it in the sense that I love Johnny Depp. ;-) I was totally desensitized to the buckets of blood until near the end when the finger is in the sandwhich. From that point on, the gore was heaped on but I do understand why there needed to be a gory climax.

Depp was made for Tim Burton films, I can't think of anyone else who could have so righteously pulled off roles like Scissorhand, Wonka or Sweeney Todd.

I think his ability to change his appearance and wear a role are what makes him a genius character actor. I think he's only begun to hit is stride.

Depp is a god, just look at those cheek bones.

;-)

[_the road to hana]

However, Angela Landsbury will always be the true Mrs. Lovett.

;)

Didn't she play it more like an off-center Kewpie doll?

[_Yoda]

Liz,

Do you really have to ask if I saw Sweeney Todd with Depp? ;-) I wasn't at all familiar with the musical itself or the storyline. I loved it in the sense that I love Johnny Depp. ;-) I was totally desensitized to the buckets of blood until near the end when the finger is in the sandwhich. From that point on, the gore was heaped on but I do understand why there needed to be a gory climax.

Depp was made for Tim Burton films, I can't think of anyone else who could have so righteously pulled off roles like Scissorhand, Wonka or Sweeney Todd.

I think his ability to change his appearance and wear a role are what makes him a genius character actor. I think he's only begun to hit is stride.

Depp is a god, just look at those cheek bones.

;-)

LOL! I agree! I have a huge crush on Johnny Depp. I love the fact that he is my age. ;)