ST isn't all that bad

Rating: Null/10 (2 September 2008)

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street 9-2-08
Musicals are a curious thing, it is a rather odd anesthetic conceit that I have never quite become accustom to. People compelled to express exposition through song/dance whilst those around them seem to know the lyrics and choreography or are not at all startled by a man singing to himself. Such things push my ability to suspend disbelief to its limit. Then there is the fact that for the most part the music in said films is generally not to my liking (i.e. not something I'd cue up on the ol' ipod for the drive in to work). Its all a bit too much for me...that being said ST isn't all that bad. Its a rather beautiful film, the design and cinematography are superb. There is a dreary sheen that permeates every frame that is quite beautiful. There is something to be said about the gore in this film which is amazingly excessive and wonderful. Any cast with Johny Depp and Alan Rickman at the top of the bill is by definition amazing and they don't disappoint. Helena Bonham Carter and the always superb Sasha Baron Cohen are equity fantastic. It occurred to me whilst viewing ST that had this not been a musical It would be amongst my favorite films the music thing does kind of kill it for me though.