As the most correct human being in existence, I’m constantly looking for new ways to share my genius with all of my Earthy cousins. To that end, I am starting a new feature on this blog, entitled, “Erik’s Incredible Movie Reviews.” But please be aware, gentle reader, that way out here, I never know what movie I’ll be watching next. So don’t necessarily expect only new releases.
With that in mind, let us start the festivities with Tim Burton’s “Sweeney Todd.” You will, of course, recall Mr. Burton as the man responsible for such towering cinema as the Pirates of the Caribbean films and Fight Club. And his latest work, happily, brings those same sensibilities to bear.
Sweeney Todd is a romantic comedy about a struggling restaurant owner (Helena Bonham-Carter) in old-timey London, and the artist (Johnny Depp) who rents an upstairs room from her. Soon, the artist’s upscale clientele is spilling down to the restaurant, bringing newfound success to the both of them. But will Depp’s intensely-focused Todd look up from his work long enough to notice that she exists, or will the secret she harbors ruin their relationship before it even starts?
Sweeney Todd also stars Sacha Baron Cohen as a snake-oil salesman, and Alan Rickman as a colorful local judge. Oddly enough, the film contains very little spoken dialog, choosing instead to have its characters express their innermost feeling through song! It’s a bold strategy that works surprisingly well, much of the time. And, if this movie is ultimately successful, it’ll be interesting to see if more “singing pictures” get made in the future.
Spoilers: Everyone dies at the end.
Erik’s Rating: 4
Who It Works Best For: Men trying to convince their girlfriends that they’re watching something she wants to see.
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I haven't seen the movie yet. I thought there was something about a barber and murder?
ReplyDeleteNice. I think we saw different movies. But I like your colorful version.
ReplyDelete"You will, of course, recall Mr. Burton as the man responsible for such towering cinema as the Pirates of the Caribbean films and Fight Club."
ReplyDeleteHuh? Erik, you just confused Tim Burton with Gore Verbinski AND David Fincher.
^ Apologies. This was, of course, a typo. I meant to say, "You will recall Mr. Burton as the man responsible for such towering cinema as the Harry Potter films and Herbie Goes Bananas." I regret the error.
ReplyDelete