| Sweeney Todd - 9/10 or ****1/2/***** stars There's probably not another film genre I dislike more than musicals. I have more fingers on a single hand than musicals that I thoroughly enjoyed. Tim Burton's latest picture and sixth collaboration with Johnny Depp, Sweeney Todd, which is based on the famous Broadway musical by Stephen Sondheim, is one of those rare musicals I can say I thoroughly enjoyed. Frankly, Sweeney Todd could be my favorite musical ever. In his role as a murderous, razor-wielding barber seeking revenge against those who destroyed his life, Depp brings fury and sorrow to the title character, and continues to prove that he's not only a superb actor, but an actor capable of pulling off anything, including singing. Helena Bonham Carter is terrific as a dreadful pie-maker who becomes Sweeney Todd's partner-in-crime. Although her singing is nowhere near as good as Depp's, Carter compensates for it with her charm, wit, and gothic sexiness. Sweeney Todd is Burton's best work since 1994's Ed Wood and a musical unlike any other. Bravo, Mr. Burton, bravo. Strider |