Overrated

Rating: 4/10 (12 January 2008)

This movie was well made, the acting was good, and it exceeded my expectations. However, Sweeney Todd still is a pathetic excuse for a musical. Stephen Sondheim is a spectacular lyricist, but almost every tune in the show seriously lacks a melody. While the words of "Have a Little Priest" are remarkably witty, it is almost impossible to recall its melody after the show has concluded.
Sweeney Todd was dark and filled with gore. It has a plot that lacks in substance - a demon barber slits throats and gives the bodies to a lady who cooks them into pies. The actors were not singers, but I give them credit for their wonderful attempt at singing Sondheim's complex tunes (not that anyone would notice if they were to sing them incorrectly).
If you like Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, or Stephen Sondheim, then I'm sure I can't change your mind. However, it is my opinion that this and all other Sondheim musicals are vastly overrated. This movie ignored any dark humor that was present in the stage play and took itself too seriously. Tim Burton makes interesting movies, but I would prefer the musical for obvious reasons. Neither the musical nor the movie is "incredible," however, so I'd advise seeing the movie because it's cheaper. Save your money to see a real musical such as Phantom or Wicked.