It really does only take two words to describe Tim Burton’s newest movie – excellent and bloody. I went to see it yesterday afternoon with some of the family, and everyone to a person agreed that it was a well done movie. We also all agreed that there is a lot of blood. But, we also basically agreed that it was what I would call “clean blood.” Unlike a lot of modern slasher films, there was no torture and grossness to it, although anyone at all squeamish would have problems watching.
The acting, and even singing, though are superb. Johnny Depp, Helen Bonham Carter, and Alan Rickman are all excellent in their roles. The sets, costuming, and lighting are all done brilliantly to portray the gloom and grime of a Dickensian London. And yet, the real star of the movie is the original Stephen Sondheim musical. The tunes are wonderful yet haunting and the lyrics can be at the same time macabre and amusing. All at once you find yourself laughing, gasping in shock, and recoiling in horror.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, is not a movie I would recommend for the young or those who tremble at the sight of blood. However, if you are a fan of Johnny Depp, Tim Burton, good musicals, or gothic London, this is definitely a creepy gift for you.
