Masand's Verdict: Sweeney Todd

BLOOD SHED: Sweeney Todd is gory yet entertaining, a must watch for all Depp fans.

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Cast: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Alan Rickman

Director: Tim Burton

Tim Burton's film adaptation of the all-song-and-dance Broadway musical Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is a gory yet highly entertaining piece set in 19th century London, Burton's film features old favourite Johnny Depp as Benjamin Barker who returns to London after escaping from a false imprisonment in Australia.

Back to seek revenge on the evil judge who falsely implicated him so he could steal his wife and bad daughter, Barker rechristens himself Sweeney Todd and sets up a barber's shop with murder on his mind. "They all deserve to die," he sings, wielding those silver razors that he uses to slash the throats of just about everyone who turns up for a shave.

Downstairs, landlady Mrs Lovett grinds up his dead customers and serves them up in meat pies.

If you're a Burton fan, this is exactly what you've come to expect from him — a dark and almost terrifying production with enough blood splashed around to make you think you're watching the latest Saw installment.

But in typical Burton fashion, it's all done so stylishly you find yourself instantly transported to the Victorian city, complete with slick sets and smoky ambience. And let's not forget the laughs, because Burton seldom does — yes amidst all the blood and gore, there's plenty dark humour to make you feel entirely at home.

Straining their vocal chords to meet the film's musical requirements Johnny Depp and leading lady Helena Bonham Carter do a pretty decent job considering neither have sung before professionally. It's a riot this film and you wouldn't want to miss it.

I'm going with three out of five for Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, a must-watch especially for Depp fans who have reason once again to cheer for the actor's remarkable versatility.

Rating: 3 / 5 (Good)