'Sweeney Todd' Strikes a Chord

In general, it takes a certain audience to really enjoy a musical that has been ported to film. Many people shy away from musicals altogether, regardless of the quality or cultural value. But, when musical theatre is actually able to achieve mainstream success in Hollywood, this is quite the accomplishment. Johnny Depp takes 'Sweeney Todd' to that level of mainstream likability.

Though Depp is well into his forties, he has become increasingly popular among the younger set by starring in films such as the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' series for Disney. As such, he has earned a spot as one of the top grossing male actors working in films today.

But Depp doesn't carry this film adaptation of the stage classic on his name alone. His role is well-acted and-gasp! Well sung. That is to say that Depp has a hidden talent as a singer. Though we all knew that he was in a rock band in his younger days back in the nineties, I don't think anyone was expecting this level of vocal prowess. His voice makes the soundtrack to this film extremely marketable and likeable.

Like his costar, Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Depp is no stranger to macabre roles. The duo even worked together on the animated screen together once before-in another Tim Burton film: 'The Corpse Bride'. But here, Burton directs the stars in live-action with ease and grace, producing a film that is even greater than the sum of its parts.

For those who are not aware of the premise behind 'Sweeny Todd', it is a particularly bloody story about a young barber with a beautiful wife and daughter. When he is sent away to prison for many years because a judge in London wishes to possess his wife, she is subsequently raped in public at a high society party, and becomes an apparent victim of suicide. His de makes his way back to his old barber shop, above the meat pie shop owned by Ms. Lovett (Carter), a somewhat creepy restaurateur who he enlists to help him do away with all of the members of high society who let his wife suffer. Together, they have a successful business. He gives them the closest shave of their short lives and she bakes their remains into her increasingly-popular meat pies.

Certainly, Depp and Carter shine in their respective roles-Tim Burton barely stopped short of typecasting the parts here. But supporting cast, led by Alan Rickman ('Dogma') and Sacha Baron Cohen ('Borat') shine as well. For lovers of horror, musicals, or just movies in general, this is really a must-see film, and earns and 'A+'