Dull Surprise!

Rating: 5/10 (24 April 2016)

Unfortunately, I was unable to accept the two leads' performances as befitting the characters. They underact to "Dull Surprise" levels, especially Depp. Don't get me started on that last scene! Furthermore, he doesn't look old enough to be the father of a sixteen-year-old, and their hair and make-up look too Hot Topic for my taste. I call this "But not too historical" syndrome. Do audiences really not want to see how people dressed and did their hair in times past, or are wardrobe people lazy?
Most unforgivable is the fact that they cut sections of the musical that are a big part of why I love it, namely, Kiss Me, the Judge's song sequence and the beggar woman's pickup lines. Why does Tim Burton reduce Johanna's character but not Mrs. Lovett's? She's clearly misguided in all things, so I care more about the other women. I have a feeling the cuts were done to make the film under two hours, which is a terrible idea. Films that give themselves time are usually better.
HOWEVER! Depp and Bonham-Carter are the only egregious things about the movie! Everyone else is dressed roughly appropriately for the period, and fits my personal vision of their character well. Rickman as Judge Turpin, for example, is one of the greatest casting moves of all time to the point where I forgive his inability to sing. Laura Michelle Kelly is also great but underutilized. My only problem with the supporting cast is the focus on Timothy Spall's face in the scene where he and Turpin have just left the courthouse.
Finally, the film looks beautiful; I couldn't tell the backgrounds were mostly CG. But alas, Sweeney Todd needs engaging lead performances to work as a finished product.