Sweeney Todd

Sweeney Todd - Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Ed Sanders (January 20, 2008)


Wow! I had read that this was a dark film and it is. If you are a squeamish person, give this film a miss. But, if you love musicals, then rush to the theater to see it on a big screen.

Depp plays Sweeney Todd, a man who was happily married with a daughter. He was falsely accused of a crime and deported. The Judge who caused him to be deported then sets upon Todd's wife and adopts his daughter. Todd returns 15 years later, a changed man. He begins a relationship with Mrs. Lovett, maker of the worst pies in London. Men start to disappear and suddenly Mrs. Lovett's pies become hot sellers. What is the connection?

This film version of Sweeney Todd gives new meaning to the word macabre. It is violent, darkly funny and very very good. Neither of the leads are trained singers but acquit themselves very well. My one quibble with this version is that it felt slightly unfinished. I was hoping to find out what happened afterwards. A minor point though. If you are a fan of any of the main actors, this is a must see. Just don't go out for a meat pie afterwards!

My movie page for 2008