HOLLYWOOD, CA  --  Tim Burton's big-screen adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's award-winning musical thriller "Sweeney Todd," "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" with Johnny Depp in the starring role, is receiving rave reviews.

Variety writes:
"Both sharp and fleet, "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" proves a satisfying screen version of Stephen Sondheim's landmark 1979 theatrical musical. Where much could have gone wrong, things have turned out uniformly right thanks to highly focused direction by Tim Burton, expert screw-tightening by scenarist John Logan, and haunted and musically adept lead performances from Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter."

Hollywood Reporter writes:
"The musical numbers ooze with Sondheim's audacious wit and scathing lyrics. A lullaby conveys menace. A waltz celebrates conspiracy. Cynicism runs through all the songs' social critique... Burton makes Sweeney a smoldering dark pit of fury and hate that consumes itself. With his sturdy acting and surprisingly good voice, Depp is a Sweeney Todd for the ages."

In the movie, Depp plays the title role of a man unjustly sent to prison who vows revenge - not only for cruel punishment by the judge, but for the devastating consequences of what happened to his wife and daughter. When he returns to reopen his barber shop, Sweeney Todd becomes the Demon Barber of Fleet Street - who's clients begin to disappear.

Helena Bonham Carter plays the strange Mrs. Lovett - Sweeney's amorous accomplice. The cast also includes Sacha Baron Cohen - who plays the role of the flamboyant rival barber. Alan Rickman (from the Harry Potter films) portrays the evil Judge, who sends Sweeney to prison.

Sweeney Todd opens everywhere on December 21st.

Last update: 12-07-2007 01:19

Posted by Kelly Smith, on 12-11-2007 22:11, 1. sweeney todd I am really going to see this movie now   » Report this comment to administrator Posted by Rachel, on 12-13-2007 20:10, 2. :) this is great! now im even more excited to see it!   » Report this comment to administrator Posted by Dani, on 12-24-2007 02:06, 3. Not true It still isn't open everywhere. A lot of cities in the portland area don't have it out yet.   » Report this comment to administrator Posted by becca, on 01-11-2008 03:25, 4. see it if you haven't omg it was great! i loved it and i've seen it twice already   » Report this comment to administrator Posted by becca, on 01-11-2008 03:31, 5. see it if you haven't omg it was great! i loved it and i've seen it twice already   » Report this comment to administrator