I have never been a musical person in the traditional sense. I love rock musicals (The Who's "Tommy", "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Pink Floyd's The Wall") big time! I have even forayed into "Porgy and Bess", "Finian's Rainbow", "The Sound Of Music" all of which I was exposed to as a kid, before I put labels on them (feminine, etc). So when I saw a trailer for "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet street" I was less than enthusiastic. Even though it has one of my favorite actor/director teams (I saw "Edward Scissorhands" in the theater and was a very special experience).I waited till the other day when I came across a 5.1 Widescreen DVD of the film. I popped it in just to see the opening sequence, they are usually mind blowing computer animations. It was so killer it sucked me into watching the whole thing. This is a DARK DARK movie (as usual), the musical aspect really flows with the feel and look of the film. The songs were not "sing-songy" and I never once heard a "La La" or the dreaded "Tra-La-La" They just sang the dialog and with a few exceptions really "Broadwaying" it up. Sasha Baron Cohen played a rival barber who provided the little comic relief. He has a surprisingly good voice Johnny Boy was up for best actor this year for his performance, again as usual creating a deep layered character that will endure for ages. He did not win but who cares about that BS anyway.
So I am recommending this film, keep in mind it is not for kids, and If you are looking for a happy-pappy ending avoid it all together.
ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!
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