"ker-slice"
12 / 29 / 07
pleased
Got back from Sweeney Todd with the mater. I am ordered requested to go on record with her saying that the ending was too abrupt for her liking, leaving some points unresolved. In truth, I have to agree. Also, while it seemed the Todd character was one dimensional, at least compared to Depp's other characters, we both figured it was because of the character constraints themselves. Todd couldn't be anything but what Depp portrayed him as. (I think in anyone else's hands, that would have been a really flat depiction, so IMO Depp did okay given that.)
Mom still gave it a 3.5 of 5 despite her problems with the ending. She was hoping for something more poignant. I reminded her it is a Tim Burton, and neither of us had any knowledge of the play it was based on. I'll say 4 because I'm generally more forgiving, and much of the music was a highlight for me, especially Depp singing 'My Friends'... to his razors.
Low point (and no, I'm not being a gender-nazi), was the girl playing Todd's daughter, Johanna. Rather, the actress. If I'm reading what he said right, the daughter was supposed to only be around 15-16. (She was a babe when he was deported and he said he was gone 15 years. If I'm wrong, someone correct me.) The actress didn't look 15 to me. (The sailor that falls for her looks closer to 15 than she did.) Plus, her singing... sucked. Period.
On the flip, I really did like Mrs. Lovett, both the character and Bonham's singing. She turned out (to me) to be the more devious of the pair. I also feel sorry for her, yet at the same time, well, I'll just say karma and leave it at that.
I will say nothing of the primary antagonist save that I was happy with the consequences he received for his actions. To say more would likely spoil, which I'm trying (hoping) to avoid.
But geez, it certainly earned it's R rating. The sound effects got to me the most. Ick. Though I still enjoyed it. ... just ick.
Sorry, spammers forced my hand. Comments reviewed before being published.
Comments: 1 wind
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Cinema wise, the movie actually stayed very close to the original operetta. And you're right, Depp's "Todd" is very one-dimensional even in the broadway piece. I'm glad you did enjoy it though! (Mr. Burton made it much more gory than you can pull off on stage! XD)
( 6:12 pm )