"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber On Fleet Street" (2007)

Rating: R:18

Genre: Drama, Musical, Mystery & Suspense

Directed By: Tim Burton

Written By: John Logan

Released: December 21^st, 2007

Runtime: 116 minutes

Studio: DreamWorks/Paramount Studios

Summary:

A Tim Burton film, which tells the story of Benjamin Barker, a barber who is falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit, exiling him from the town while the evil Judge Turpin gains custody of Benjamin’s wife and daughter. Fifteen years later, Benjamin Barker returns with vengeance under the new identity of Sweeney Todd. Here he meets widow and owner of a pie shop, Mrs Lovett. Sweeney sets up a barber shop above her shop and together they embark upon a crime rampage against those who have hurt him...with a few twists along the way.

Review:

I won’t lie. The plot is slightly barbaric, and it does get a bit eccentric as the film progresses... But if you’re into this type of film, and are not opposed to a little beheading, you’ll enjoy it! It tends to be classified as a Horror/Musical, and I think there is be a little wry humour in there too. I’ve really never been a fan of musicals, but I’ve always felt this film doesn’t go too off the point as soon as they start singing! The story doesn’t necessarily stop up to allow them to have a dance, if you will! There are some catchy songs in there too.

Johnny Depp is, as usual, very good and looks completely different from other roles he’s played. He received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role, and this was well deserved. This was his sixth time teaming up with Tim Burton, two more would follow. Helena Bonham Carter is also excellent as Mrs Lovett. Alan Rickman and Timothy Spall are amongst the cast too, making it quite the little Harry Potter reunion!

All in all, I enjoyed this film. It won’t be to everybody’s taste, but I would recommend it.

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