song and blood

just a forewarning here. i’m writing this review after seeing atonement. unfortunately this means that sweeney todd will be somewhat obscured under shadow. regardless…

good movie! but not my favorite musical. the music was different than what i normally expect of a “musical”. sweeney todd is not really something you can “sing” to (versus moulin rouge and chicago). another notable difference between this musical and those others is that there is considerably less dialog in sweeney. it is almost entirely sung. i also enjoyed the darkness of the film, both literally and metaphorically. the plot was great, though just a little bit predictable towards the end.

i thought johnny was great. i don't have to say this, because anyone who has ever seen him act knows this, but he is an incredible actor. he is so believable and versatile. i am transfixed by his every performance. and while he’s no sinatra, he still has a decent voice. and you’ve gotta give him props for doing something outside his comfort zone. helena was great. i enjoyed her voice, very breathy and frail, like her physique and character. i wish she was showcased a little more and i wish sweeney gave her a fighting chance. she was terrific. her want for sweeney and the torment she experiences from him not returning her affections is powerful but subdued. alan rickman delivered as always. he plays such a good bad guy! he has that deep, slick voice that just makes him (and everything he says) sound like an asshole. if he told me i was the most beautiful girl in the world, i wouldn't know whether to kiss him or slap him. also can i just say that he looked damn good in this movie too?! rawr. a nice change from the slimy snape.

the moral of the story is to not live in the past. it demonstrates how grief and revenge can be so all consuming that you miss out on new opportunities and happiness.

obviously if you are squeamish you shouldn't see this film, but if you can get over the spurting fake blood and you have a $9 laying around and want to see something different, i would suggest seeing it.

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sweeney todd gets a B!
-t