Sweeney Todd

[Luanne]

So, did anyone see "Sweeney Todd"? We decided not to. The mom of a friend of older dd's went and said it was extremely gory and she wanted the two hours of her life spent watching the movie back. A friend of mine who saw it said that both Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter were wonderful, but she didn't see much of the movie as she kept putting her hands in front of her face. We went to see "The Great Debaters" instead. Very good.

[Ginaki]

I saw "Sweeney Todd" many many moons ago on stage here in New York with the wonderful Angela Lansbury. I could not wait until the play was over. The story was awful and the music was really bad in my opinion. I was hoping each song would be the end of the play but it went on and on and on - yuck.

[HeidiB]

Luanne - thanks for the heads up. My DF wants to see it but he knows I don't like the sight of blood. I think I'll let him take his daughter.

[Luanne]

I saw "Sweeney Todd" many many moons ago on stage here in New York with the wonderful Angela Lansbury. I could not wait until the play was over. The story was awful and the music was really bad in my opinion. I was hoping each song would be the end of the play but it went on and on and on - yuck.

My mom saw it in Los Angeles with Angela Lansbury. She loved it. She was interested in seeing the movie until she heard how bloody it was. She kept insisting "But I've seen it, and it's not bloody". I had to remind her that what is done on the stage and in a movie is quite different. :bcb_grin

[shihtzuX2]

My dh and I saw it. If you're into Tim Burton and/or Johnny Depp, you will probably like it. If you're not, skip it.

The sets and cinematography are excellent. Yes, there's a lot of blood; Sweeney's a serial killer after all. I love Johnny Depp (one of the most gifted but underrated actors currently working), and he is mesmerizing. I like Helena Bonham Carter, too, but not in this role. I saw the stage production and the actress who played Mrs. Lovett in the theatrical production was an incredible actress and singer, so Helena was a disappointment. Not much of a singer.

Was also disappointed that Burton elected to leave out the opening song ... "Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd..." And Helena doesn't have the voice to carry the one other memorable tune, "The Worst Pies in London."

Parts of the movie kind of drag... Overall, it was okay, nothing spectacular. Probably should have waited for it to migrate to HBO or Showtime instead of paying to see it at the theater...

[Luanne]

Dh and the two dds went to see it this afternoon. Younger dd said it was "good" and not too bloody until the final 25 minutes. Older dd said it was "bloody, very, very bloody". Dh said "It was okay, but you know I don't care for musicals." :bcb_grin Think I'm glad I stayed home and stayed warm and dry.

[Ginaki]

I'm not fond of Stephen Sondheim's music (except for Send In The Clowns) and I think this was the main reason I really disliked the play when I saw it so long ago. Angela Lansbury was charming as Mrs. Lovett and a very young Victor Garber was the male ingenue lead. I think he played a sailor. But it went on and on and on. I get the shivers just thinking of it.

[williang]

I love Johnny Depp... but I think I'll skip this one!

I thought it was hilarious though, in the Movie "Jersey Girl" when Ben Affleck and his "daughter" did a scene from Sweeney Todd for a school talent show. What a hoot!

~Ang

[SusieKew]

If you're into Tim Burton and/or Johnny Depp, you will probably like it. If you're not, skip it.

The sets and cinematography are excellent. Yes, there's a lot of blood; Sweeney's a serial killer after all. I love Johnny Depp (one of the most gifted but underrated actors currently working), and he is mesmerizing.

I saw this yesterday with DH and DD and we liked it. I thought it started out a little slow, but then I got wrapped up in it. I was pleased to see that Johnny actually sang because I was afraid he was going to sort of "talk" his way through the songs. He actually has a very nice singing voice.

Yes, there is blood, but maybe it didn't bother me because it didn't look particularly realistic. There was a certain campy look to the movie. And just enough humor. I find other movies depicting real life violence to be much more upsetting.

Anyway, shihtzuX2 had it right. Her assessment is exactly why I enjoyed the movie so much.

[Medb48]

Loved it! I saw the play at the Royal Alex in Toronto many decades ago and was thrilled with the cast.

I thought the make-up on Depp and Carter was so camp! I was also pleased that Depp did his own songs. He is so talented.

[Elisabet]

I saw the original Broadway production with Lansbury, and the revival a few years ago with Patti LuPone (the revival was bloodier). Love the show -- it's one of my favorite Sondheim scores.

I'm looking forward to the movie, abridged score and all. However, if you don't like Sondheim, I don't think I'd bother with it. And a lot of people really, really don't like Sondheim :bcb_wink3.

And I'm not sure I would take a kid to see it. It's such a dark story. At age 10 and 6, mine are way too young, so it's all theoretical at this point -- although they've heard the Broadway soundtrack and like some of the songs!

[SusieKew]

Medb48, I had to chuckle at your mention of the Royal Alex. Talk about decades ago.....Decades ago DH and I saw "Hair" at the Royal Alexandra. We ate first at the restaurant next door, Ed's Warehouse.

The last show I saw in Toronto was Lion King, I believe at the Princess of Wales Theater nearby.