Well, I liked it....a lot.

Rating: 9/10 (21 December 2007)

First, let me say that I was probably the first person in my home town to buy and listen to the Broadway recording when it first came out, and I have been a fan of this show ever since. I saw it on Broadway with the original cast (except for Anthony Garber), and saw recently the revival with Patti Lupone and Michael Cerveris. In addition, I am a professional in the opera world, and of course am a fan of really excellent singing.
All that being said, this is a movie i will go back and see again. And purchase when it comes out. I found it a breath-taking experience, in almost every way.
For one thing, i was once again struck by the truly transcendent brilliance of the musical score. Whoever posted above that we needed Danny Elfman ought to have his head and ears examined...and I am a fan of Mr. Elfman. There is simply nothing in the history of American musical theater to compare with Sondheim's score of Sweeney Todd, in combination with Jonathon Tunick's astonishing orchestration. In fact, one of my biggest complaints was constantly hearing the orchestra figure which introduces the "ballad of Sweeney Todd" only to be denied the actual melody. Despite that, I was reminded what a true work of absolute genius this score is.
As for the performances, I would say there isn't a truly false note in the bunch of them - even Johnny Depp, who I have always loved but thought unlikely for this role - with special kudos to Timothy Spall (a favorite from Topsy-Turvy), Ed Sanders (as Toby) as clearly the finest singer in the film, and my buddy Sasha whose phony Italian barber is beyond priceless.
Thank you to Burton and Sondheim - you have created something together that is unique in my not inconsiderable experience of cinema, and I will be forever grateful.