Unlike musicals of the past, it doesn't try to lure in new fans--but definitely will satisfy all the old ones

Rating: 5/10 (28 January 2008)

Tim Burton seems to prefer the dark, he was the child that wasn't afraid of the lack of lights, he embraced it. Over the span of his very successful career he excels in dark, grim tales that dances with an art style that has become a staple of his movies and eventually pop culture. He has a lot of hits (Batman, Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, Beetlejuice, Nightmare Before Christmas) and very few misses (Batman Returns, Corpse Bride). He turns his attention to musicals, a darkly comical one at that (who saw this coming?). Reuniting yet again with Johnny Depp and his off-screen girlfriend Helena Bonham Carter, Burton adapts the unique horror musical and puts his little spin on it. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough of a spin. While fans of the musical will be overwhelmed and absolutely delighted that the transition was extremely accurate and doesn't miss a beat, others and/or those who do not like Stephen Sondheim's murderous music aren't going to find much delight here. Tim Burton put his special touch, but doesn't expand upon it, which unlike in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Batman Returns; it prevents Sweeny Todd from being a fun movie.
Sweeny Todd follows the grim, angry, bitter, vengeful barber (Johnny Depp) that was banished away from his home, wife, (Laura Michelle Kelly) and child because of a jealous judge (Alan Rickman). Upon his return he changes his identity, finds a new friend (Helena Bonham Carter), and seeks the death of the man that stole a good portion of his life. There are no rainbows in this picture, in case you are wondering. Things take a nastier turn when his focus of murder begins to broaden. If there is a strong element in this movie, it's the casting. We have Oscar nominees, distinguished actors and actresses, unknown gems, and underrated talent running this show, and they range from Jack Sparrow to Borat to Hans Gruber to even Marla Singer. While their singing isn't the greatest, they possess the energy needed to run this musical. Notable performances include Johnny Depp, Carter, and of course, Rickman, who is always great as a villain.
The singing isn't as bad as the musical numbers though. Unlike classics like Grease, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Mary Poppins, Sound of Music and even the modern-day gem Chicago, there isn't any song that stands out or plays in your head long after the credits start rolling. There is nobody to blame except the musical itself. As a matter of fact, the lack of entertaining content can be totally traced back to the musical itself; which offers a lot of gruesome details, scant singing, but not enough time to sit and absorb what's happening. In musicals, there should be a balance between song and dialogue and action. Sweeny Todd certainly has the endless plethora of songs, but rather lacks any fun or slick storytelling and dialogue between vocal jumps. Here Tim Butron can add in whatever he wants to enhance the play or at least make it remotely different.
For whatever reason, Burton was a bit hesitant. To supporters of the musical, this is a blessing. Instead of notching his own vision, he instead uses his filming techniques and art styles to bring the musical to life, and it works to the highest degree. Sweeny Todd is one of the most visually impressive movies of 2007, and doesn't cut back on the gore at all. The harsh tone is perfectly set, and even when higher-contrast colors are used (in one pivotal scene), we never leave the bleak world of London created by Burton. But, with the musical being rather dull and totally predictable in the end, a little change couldn't hurt, right? Couldn't we spice up the movie with a bit more dark humor? Couldn't we get rid of some pointless musical interludes that have very little effect on the overall plot? Of all the times in which it would have been nice to see a little difference from the original source by the famed director, it happens when Burton wants to actually remain faithful. So, outside of the circle of Sweeny fans, we aren't going to find many followers.
Bottom Line: Good musicals in film blend a lot of energy with kinetic action and decent songs. Sweeny Todd lacks the action, lacks a little energy and desire to dare, but did have enough music for sure. The exaggerating and usually-moody style of Burton was a perfect match for this musical; unfortunately the musical isn't that great to begin with. Then with Burton remaining totally, totally true, it fails to really captivate those not already familiar with the musical. The dark humor wasn't as scattered as one would hope, and it's a shame that the amazing talents of all the actors and actresses involved are overlooked by the controversial content and heavy dosage of blood spewing across the screen. It is visually stimulating, but not very rich. Will you enjoy this movie? If you enjoy the musical and an endless barrage of singing. Is it better than the classic musicals of past and present? Hardly. But who is at fault here? It is hard to point a finger, but maybe because I've set the bar higher than I should. After all, if I didn't like the musical, why would I ever expect to enjoy this? Expect blood, guts, and a glut of singing.