This is a strong recommendation.

Rating: 10/10 (22 December 2007)

Wow!!
What I think is most amazing about this movie is that it successfully uses all sorts of great contemporary artistic minds to produce one fine product. You have a commercial celebrity directed by an off-beat, visual genius, singing one of the greatest scores off all times. I love how the fluffy pop-culture types will be exposed to Stephen Sondheim and I love how the stuffy snobs will notice how fantastic Johnny Depp is. I think that's why Tim Burton made such a fine director: he was the most appropriate bridge between these two worlds as he himself straddles both the avant-garde and commercial worlds. Accessibility.
Before starting on my review, I believe one needs to have an open mind and appreciation for (or better yet understanding of) musical theatre, melodrama, and old film noir/horror films and actors. This movie does not cater to the brutish. I don't mean this to sound elitist but the level of art going on here (visual, acting, music) is significant and requires participation by the audience. If you're passive you won't enjoy it.
I won't bore with a synopsis as everyone knows it already so I'll focus on a few points:
I will say that Depp makes the Sondheim anti-hero his own and provides a stellar, introverted interpretation that really delves into the emotional complexity of the character. His performance helps to articulate the kind of severe tragedy this "penny dreadful" is all about. He is truly a chameleon. A pillar to which all commercial, Hollywood actors should rise: a STRONG character actor who takes risk and has broad appeal.
The other performers were great if not all obvious casting choices. Remember, this is a film interpretation of the stage musical not a filmed version of the musical. The fact that Sondheim blessed every decision of this put all of my worries to ease.
The opening credit sequence underscored by "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd" was excellent even if it was overly digitized. I thought this framed the film well and provided an appropriate prologue. You knew exactly what the film was about before the first words were uttered. It also shows how cinematic Sondheim's music can be. Many people believe that Sondheim's music is "married" to his lyrics and that they can't be separated. While I believe the former, this proves the later false and amazingly so!!!
I thought that Burton did an excellent job in directing the film. He is truly one of the finest American directors. He made this play his own. This wasn't arbitrary. I love BURTON!!
I thought screenwriter John Logan did an AMAZING job in condensing the source material. Even with the song cuts (as above), he allows the functions of these songs to be expressed in other ways so the story and motivation is clear.
I was so surprised and impressed by this movie. I was initially hesitant given the cast and Depp's pop voice but this movie was absolutely phenomenal! This film accomplished a lot and proved to be an excellent collaboration of great artistic minds specifically Burton, Sondheim, Depp and Logan.
Honestly, please see this film. It will thrill you!