Last night, for my birthday, Mike took me out to dinner and a movie. And I got to pick the movie!! We usually agree on movies, but I knew a musical was going to be a hard sell. Even though Mike LOVES Johnny Depp, he HATES musicals. Hates them. He was actually SNORING at Phantom of the Opera at the Chicago Opera House. So.....I usually go with my friend Kris. At least she appreciates a good musical!!
Oh....but this movie is fantastic!!! Johnny Depp has cemented himself as the most versatile actor in Hollywood. I already knew that. He's done some of my favorite movies, including What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Finding Neverland. But he is just so good as Sweeney Todd. And he can sing!! Who would have thought?? He is dark, creepy, and completely set on revenge.
Helena Bonham Carter has always been, in my opinion, a total spook (anyone who would be engaged to Tim Burton would have to be!) But I've always liked her. She has that whole gothic thing going for her. And she's good at it. She takes the role of Mrs. Lovett and does wonders.
Alan Rickman is also another favorite of mine. He plays the greatest villains ever.....and Judge Turpin is no exception. He's fantastic to the very end.
I don't like to review movies....because frankly, I'm not very good at it. So, I'll stop here. This is definitely not a movie for everyone. The gore factor is pretty high, and some of those scenes are really intense. Then there is the whole singing thing. Mike said he would have loved it without the singing. And I know a lot of people probably feel the same way. Personally, I thought the singing just brought out the whole story in such a unique way. I can't imagine it being any different. Tim Burton and Johnny Depp are certainly masters on top of their game in this one. But don't take my word for it....go see it!! (if you aren't too squeamish!!!
20 comments:
I really liked the movie too, Stephanie. Johnny Depp is fantastic and his costar did a great job as well. I can't see it without the singing either--it would have had to be played completely different than it was if there was no singing, I think. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Happy Birthday!
Thanks Wendy!! I was pretty sure I was going to like it. I just didn't realize how much I would love it!!
I can't see it without the singing either. I'm glad it was there...I think it made the movie! I hate musicals too...hate them with a passion. In fact, I hate them so much, I don't think I've ever seen any other ones before :p They just don't interest me. But if you put Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, and Helena Bonham Carter's name on anything, I'm there! And I loved this one. Glad you did too! Oh, I just thought of a musical that I saw and liked! Across the Universe! But that was all Beatles songs, how can you not like that?
Chris - I actually like musicals....as in plays. I did love the movie Chicago. Thought it was a fantastic version of the Broadway play. And I try to hit plays whenever I can. Les Miserables is one of my all-time favorites.
This movie was fantastic. As you said, with Burton, Depp and Carter (and I'll even through in Rickman) you have a sure winner, even if it is a musical!! I need to see Across the Universe. I heart The Beatles!!
I have got to see this! Johnney Depp is my favoritest actors ever!
Happy Belated B-Day!
Lady Tink - If you like Johnny Depp then you do have to see this one. Fantastic!!
Actually my birthday is tomorrow. But since the kids are taking me out to lunch tomorrow, Mike and I settled on last night to celebrate!! But thanks!
The movie has taken a place on my all-time favorite list-just as it is.
Do you have a fascination for unicorns too? I have a special fondness for them and a whole collection of them.
I wonder how many Johnny Depp fanatics are also unicorn fanatics.
wow, I just can't wait to see this! It'll only be released on the 25th here...I really can't wait!
I just knew you would love it as much as I did. It isn't for everyone, but it is so beautiful and all the actors are amazing (even Sacha Baron Cohen, who I usually don't like). I listen to the soundtrack in my car ALL the time. I kind of dig Johnny Depp's voice...among other things. :P
I am glad I'm not the only one who doesn't love musicals - but even so, I'm really looking forward to seeing this movie! It looks like a lot of fun. And it's clearly not your everyday musical. Johnny Depp sure seems to have a blast with every role he takes on, doesn't he?!
Well, I'd definitely say it sounds like you had a wonderful night out for your birthday! So glad to hear it, Stephanie...you definitely deserved it!
Love, love Johnny Depp. I really want to see this one and really the only thing that has perhaps stopped me a bit is the fact that it's a musical. I don't like musicals very much, except for The Sound of Music :)
So glad you enjoyed the movie and your birthday!
Things keep interrupting the plan for me and a friend to go see this. I've heard enough about the gore to not risk taking Mary until after I've seen it. Glad you enjoyed it!
And I have to admit that I just don't get how people who like movies and like music can hate musicals. There is such a great depth of emotion that comes from musicals. I understand to each his own, but I still don't get it! ;)
My problem with musicals (which is admittedly silly) is that it kind of bugs me when the story comes screeching to a halt, and then suddenly every one is singing and dancing, knows all the words and the steps, and then when it's done, everything continues as though it never happened.
I liked the Buffy musical episode, though - and especially the wonderful explanation for the bizarre "musical" phenomenon. :-)
And there are a few others I can't resist (The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins are my favorites). But for the most part, I'd rather see a regular play.
jonny depp definitely is the man!
it hasn't got here yet, but i must admit, i'm also quite dubious about this whole singing business, but not too much. any time i've ever doubted tim burton he's always come up with the goods - so i doubt doubt him anymore. he just knows what he's doing!
i actually received the original novel of this for christmas. its one of those penny dreadfuls (this one is apparently, technically, a "penny blood") and it was origincally called "the string of pearls" as it was a love story. todd, of course, soon captured everyone's imagination and he swiftly took over the story and dominated later incarnations.
it was quite funny when my friend gave it to me, though. she said to me "i thought you'd... like this sort of thing" and looked at me with a frown, as if i was some real out-there wacko for liking "that sort of thing". i didn't quite know how to take that, but i laughed 'cause i thought it was funny, how she was sort of disgusted, but still was nice enough to get me something i liked...! :D
Did you enjoy the novel? It sounds like it would be fun to read!
Ha ha--too funny. I took my hubby to see Phantom of the Opera a few years ago--with great seats and he fell asleep also! :)
I really want to see this one, but I am having a difficult time picturing it as a musical. Love Depp, Burton, and Carter, though.
You should read SHANTARAM which will be the next Depp movie.
i haven't finished it yet, but am quite enjoying it. it takes a bit to get into the 19th century cheap periodical style.
its distinctly different from the sondheim musical, so its really interesting to read and interesting to realise how its evolved.
todd is wonderfully realised, though and quite hilariously written. in the original book he has no redeeming features. there is no revenge, no-one has done him wrong, he's just a deliciously horrid man!!
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