Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.

A look at SWEENEY TODD from the Theatre Crowd... Did he hate it?

it was awesome by palewook	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:29:35 AM

SECOND! by chewyou812	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:31:26 AM
Damn it, I knew I wouldn't be first. Probably not even 2nd at this point.
Wow. A review from someone who can actually WRITE! by Nosferatu Jones	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:38:25 AM
AICN has been bombarded with so many inane and/or downright braincell-depleting "reviews," that it's always refrshing when someone like Tophertilson comes along and offers a well-thought-out, succinct and above all, well-written review, completely absent of embarrassing typos, references to male organs and/or ejaculation, and internet shorthand. And it was more than 12 words long (CLOVERFIELD, anyone?)! Let's try to get more reviews like this in the future.
I hope it's not a plant... by HootDad	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:40:10 AM
As a theater guy (I love ST and I saw the most recent Bway revival) I really hope this is good. I have strong reservations with non-singers doing stuff like this - especially when so much depends on the performances. Finger are crossed...
That;s quite a relief by konar	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:44:47 AM
of course I'll wait until I see it myself, but as a theater geek I am glad to hear that the film was well-received by other theater people -- and that the man himself is happy enough with it to host a screening! I saw ST first in 1979 with the original cast and was obsessed with it. In fact, in college, I used to bring the LP to non-theater-type dorm rooms while we were partying, and convince the guys to take a break from Pink Floyd and put it on. I can't tell you the number of times people who normally would never have listened to a "musical" would sit, absolutely riveted, through the entire four sides. I'm sure the drugs helped, but still...
Good review by Turd Furgeson	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:46:12 AM
I believe it. A review from a tough, smart, critical person that is positive.... Another good movie from Burton...
sounds great by harold_maude	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:47:23 AM
but i hate musicals and that snippet already on the net doesn't look great at all. hoping for the best.
CLOVERFIELD by brucecampbell	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:51:28 AM
THIS WILL BE GOOD BUT LETS SEE SOME MORE CLOVERFIELD REVIEWS!!! SPOILER FREE PLZ
Wow! Another Burton film with Depp in it by Abominable Snowcone	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:59:53 AM
And Helena Bonham Carter. Depp's good, but I think Burton is really running the risk of "sameness" when he uses the same people over and over. I mean, his films look like Burton films even when the actors aren't the same. I think Depp and Bonham Carter starred together in Corpse Bride, and both were in Willy Wonka. And the preview I saw for Sweeney Todd made it look like Edward Scissorhands, but with singing.
Wow! An AICN review I read all the way through. by IAmMrMonkey!	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:05:00 AM
Hey Harry, perhaps you should get more theatre people to write reviews on this site. Not only do they seem to be able to punctuate and spell properly but they also understand the concept of "reviewing a movie" rather than "relaying it scene by scene"!
who gives a shit what "theatre" people think by Jugdish	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:06:39 AM
If I cared- I'd go and watch them "perform" for $100 a seat-
I thought No Country was just ok, kinda 'meh' by BMacSmith	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:07:01 AM
kinda great for awhile, and the "death" scene or lack thereof didn't bug me that much, but everything after that was just a long meaningless slog to the finish. It just went nowhere, which I guess was the point, but its certainly not entertaining...
Wow! I Wowed! and so did Snowcone! by IAmMrMonkey!	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:09:38 AM
That wasn't planned in any way. Unless Abominable Snowcone knew what I was writing. But I don't think he did.
wait...i don't understand... by repligin	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:12:05 AM
did he like it? he didn't say if it was awesome. not to mention i have no fucking idea what kurt russels' reaction to it was. terrible review, just terrible.
i am one of those who hate all things musical.. by BMacSmith	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:12:48 AM
and i cant seem to stop myself. I've just never felt the urge to express myself through song. Heh I even thought South Park would have been better sans music. As far as Burton, I havent liked anything of his in a loooong time. damn, I'm quite the hater today! oh well, I'll try to be more positive next time.
furthermore... by repligin	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:16:46 AM
where was the lengthy preamble about how he got hold of the ticket through his disabled auntie's lover who has been a fan of ray harryhausen pics, and any way he just happened to be passing the old duke cinema when he was offered a secret screening, but now he doesn't usually do these sorts of things and figured it was just die hard 5, so he passed on the tickets to me, and ofcourse i was amazed to see tim burton cause i got my first erection to ed wood. notice only one full stop was used. thats how your right a damned AICN into you theatre dwelling cretin.
Agreed, a WELL-written review for once by D.Vader	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:24:11 AM
This is the first time in a long while I didn't just scan the review for highlights but actually read every single word. How refreshing to hear from someone who didn't waste their education.
Team America 2 by Abominable Snowcone	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:32:24 AM
Please tell me the South Park guys are gonna make TA2 someday soon. FUCK YEAH!!
s'okay, bmac. by occula	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:38:57 AM
you don't have to like musicals. myself: i don't like babies. and everybody always gets so MAD, like i'm SUPPOSED to like babies. just like i'm sure people are always like 'what?! how can you not like musicals?! that's unamerican!!' and honestly most screen musicals are so over-the-top that i would believe somebody would hate them even more than stage musicals. you get too many people in there mucking stuff up and it just turns into lunacy.
But it wasn't awesome! by JackPumpkinhead	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:39:16 AM
He never said it was awesome! What the hell? Does it mean the film is bad? Where's that Kurt Russell when you need him...
I'm not one who generally enjoys musicals, either... by Nosferatu Jones	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:39:30 AM
...but I saw the original 1979 SWEENEY TODD on cable back in the early '80s and recently saw a (surprisingly good) community theater production about 2-3 years back. TODD is a great show, and the material should be right up the alley of most geeks here who would generally ignore it because it's a musical. And as far as movie musicals go, yeah, I can't stand most of them, but I'll swear by WEST SIDE STORY and CHICAGO.
Seriously, though, I wonder if Ben Kingsley will be annoyed. by JackPumpkinhead	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:41:15 AM
After all, he has done the most recent movie Todd - even if it was a TV movie. And what a strange and filthy-looking movie it was, now that I recall it...
Plant phrases: "chill-inducing" & "sumptuous." by Lance Rock	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:45:41 AM
Oh yeah, and "deliciously low-key." P.S. Anyone who uses "Meh" to describe a movie should be barred from ever uttering another opinion on this site! Death to perpetuators of hackneyed clichés!
Sondheim tells audience to forget stage show? by newc0253	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:54:15 AM
that musta been weird. like the ghost of Charles Dickens turning up before a tv adaptation of A Christmas Carol and saying, 'look, just forget about the book'. well, okay, maybe not that weird. but still pretty strange.
No, no, no, BAD Plant! BAD! by ricarleite	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:08:30 AM
Haven't you guys learn ANYTHING yet on how NOT to do guerilla marketing?! NO ONE WRITES REVIEWS LIKE THAT! One of the most obvious plants so far, and thank God for AICN for spreading this shit around.
How do you quantify "most revered status?" by Diagnostic	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:09:27 AM
Does this qualify as a review? It was well written. The summary of this: Depp and Burton can't be the man cause that would mean that Sondheim is not the man. Oh, BTW all three are awesome. I have reservations about Carter's voice.
Burton Shmurton! by FILMFUNK	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:15:22 AM
The guys got a style... But I don't like it! And the Depp/Bonham Carter thing is non good. Musical movies make my skin crawl Only things I kind of liked of Burtons were Ed Wood and The Planet of the Apes re-imajinationing mess was kind of interesting but both looked or felt fuck all like Tim Burton. Batmanic, Marsbar Attack, Johnnie scissor hands, Charlie and the Chocbox were all shit! how does he keep doing it!?
This review is "sumptuous." by 3 Bag Enema	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:16:45 AM
So, gay plants like the movie. PLANTY PLANT PLANT!
Apparently "intelligent and well-written" means PLANT now? by D.Vader	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:21:47 AM
Well I guess you're proving then that Hollywood IS smarter than you.
A LOOK AT SWEENY TODD FROM THE ALAMO by bythehairofsanjaya	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:24:14 AM
A look at Sweeny Todd from the Alamo Draft House Crowd: The screening was hosted by Stephen Sondheim. Tim Burton and Johnny Depp were also in attendance. This being an Alamo Draft House crowd, they applauded and stood when it was announced the nacho machine was fixed , but remained seated for SondheimBurton and Depp.
It wasn't well-written, actually by Mister Man	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:32:29 AM

Helena Bonham Carter's... by VadersCrotchDoor	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:42:32 AM
giant expanse of a forehead. Is it in this movie? If so, what role? I found it amusing that while Rick Baker's masterful make-up could conceal Tim Roth's throbbing shnozz in Planet of the Apes, he could no nothing to de-emphasize Ms. Bonham Carter's billboard-like pate, only cover it with Davey Jones-like bangs.
What if Sweeny Todd is better than Star Wars? Hyperbole? But.. by leobloom	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:44:46 AM
what if?
Burton and Depp by leobloom	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:48:31 AM
Snowcone, so if Burton and Depp working together bothers you, then you must really hate when Scorsese works with De Niro. All that sameness! I didn't think Willy Wonka was great, but Burton and Depp have otherwise had a spotless record. And Ed Wood might be their best collaboration...
You did not stand for Depp and Tim Burton... by SK229	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:49:00 AM
GO... FUCK... YOURSELF. Sorry Mori, but I'm gonna have to drop the word - PRETENTIOUS. Imagining that you're more important than you really are by showing a lack of respect for people who have really done something for acting and film. Maybe I could understand Burton, but Depp? Oh, you're the theatre crowd... last time I checked, Sondheim wasn't a good friend of Marlon Brando - THE MAN WHO REVOLUTIONIZED BOTH THEATRE ACTING AND FILM ACTING. In my opinion, stage is a dead form... everything that could be done with it was done by Kazan and then it turned into a hole for self-absorbed, immature, and downright snotty high school theater nerds to crawl into and wind up slogging through such highly respected artistic works as 'Movin Out' (I guess you wouldn't stand for Billy Joel either, using your logic) and the Grinch and then act like they're anything other than Disney Parade entertainers that happen to be a little higher up the food chain.
Bonham-Carter has a beer... by jimmy rabbitte	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:52:27 AM
...and cheats on Burton...
Plays or Thee-ay-ter is okay and all... by BGDAWES	Dec 3rd, 2007 11:59:47 AM
...I guess. Always thought it was kind of boring and lame, except for Mamemt's stuff and even that is better on the screen. Same with bug. Plus, anytime I think of people in theatre I always think of Waiting for Guffman, which I always thought was basically spot on to all of the theatre types I knew that were 'into theatre' in my bum-fuck hometown growing up. I'm sure it's different on broadway or whatever. ...just sayin'.
D.Vader - There's a DIFFERENCE by ricarleite	Dec 3rd, 2007 12:04:48 PM
Between well written reviews, and blind stupid praising of a film without any real content or deep criticism. Massa writes well written REAL reviews, even though I disagree with his opinion every now and then. This, my friend, IS a plant, and a bad one I must say.
People who are unable to distinguish... by J.B.M.A.	Dec 3rd, 2007 12:07:20 PM
...between 'quotation' marks and "speech" marks shouldn't be allowed to criticize well written reviews. Morons.
Ben Kingsley just called... by Sledge Hammer	Dec 3rd, 2007 12:08:23 PM
He said "Shut up, cunt. You louse. You got some fuckin' neck ain't you. Remake? Fuck off, you're revolting. Look at Burton's hair, it's ragged, it's like raggedy-fucking-ann man, that hair . We could make a fucking string bag out of him. Like a bag of worms, fat bag of fucking worms, goth bastard. Looks like fucking Marilyn Manson, you know what I mean? Stage musical? You should be ashamed of yourself. Who do you think you are? King of the castle? Cock of the walk? What you think this is the wheel of fortune? You think you can make your dough and fuck off? Leave the table? Thanks Ben, see you Ben, off to sunny Spain now Ben, fuck off Ben. Lying in your pool like a fucking squid laughing at me, you think I'm gonna have that? You really think I'm gonna have that, ya ponce. All right, I'll make it easy for you. God knows you're fucking trying. Are you gonna do the remake? It's not a difficult question, are you gonna do the remake, yes or no? Well you've done it, haven't you? You've already fucking done it. "Based on a stage musical" my arse. quite frankly your attitude appalls me. It's not what you're saying. It's all this stuff you're not saying. Insinnuendos. Gonna remake a film I done, with that fancy pants Depp twat to boot, not this time, no fuck. Not this time. Not this fucking time. No. No no no no no no no no no! No! No no no no no no no no no no no no no! No! Not this fucking time! No fucking way! No fucking way, no fucking way, no fucking way! You've made me look a right cunt!" He was still going, but I hung up at that point...
What's with the obssessiveness for "Awesome" by WickedMonster	Dec 3rd, 2007 12:09:57 PM
I don't get it. Do you guys know what the true significance is for the word Awesome? My English professor once told me that she hated people used the word so offhandedly. Awesome describes something unthinkable, supreme, BIG. For believers, GOD, for non-believers, THE UNIVERSE. Now, that's AWESOME.
Interesting species of PLANT! by BGDAWES	Dec 3rd, 2007 12:09:59 PM
Aechmea fasciata theatreus - found commonly at movie premiers for films based on broadway plays.
FROM HELL by OttopartS	Dec 3rd, 2007 12:11:58 PM
was more or less enjoyable. This will be camp and annoying. Musicals are for fags and women with a poor history of relationships.
WickedMonster by leobloom	Dec 3rd, 2007 12:12:30 PM
You forgot to mention the most AWESOME thing of all: CLOVERFIELD.
here is my review. it is a list of everything that happened. by PrettyNursePoppy	Dec 3rd, 2007 12:13:08 PM
I honestly can't fathom those who are shouting "Plant!" merely because AICN finally receives its first submission from an articulate, informed, and succinct reviewer. Personally, I agonize over most of these "spy" reviews, because they try to out-Harry Harry by including the minutiae of their miserable day and relaying the plot scene-by-scene, without the application of any sort of critical faculties. Most of the reviewers here aren't anything of the sort; they're spoilers. They want to spoil the movie for everyone by recounting the entire plot to PROVE that they had the wherewithal and Hollywood clout to get randomly chosen to see a sneak preview of a film in Dubuque.
WickedMonster, thanks for clearing that up by BobPalpatine	Dec 3rd, 2007 12:14:06 PM
Your definition of 'awesome' was AWESOME!!!!
Even under all that ape makeup by Abominable Snowcone	Dec 3rd, 2007 12:24:02 PM
Kim Hunter's sexiness as Zera came through, whereas the Burton / Bonham Carter version was mostly annoying. When I first saw the original "Apes" on late night TV as a child, I developed a crush on Hunter because of her performance--a freakin'chimp! No, I did not buff my bishop over it. I wasn't quite that old.
I just saw Sweeney Todd 2... by PirateEmery	Dec 3rd, 2007 12:36:40 PM
...it was awesome!
But... by PirateEmery	Dec 3rd, 2007 12:37:06 PM
...it wasn't as good as the first one.
Ricarleite by D.Vader	Dec 3rd, 2007 12:49:01 PM
I wasn't talking about regular contributors to the site (who can be well-written); I was referring to the countless reviews that read like they were written by 12 yr olds, so yes, its nice to read someone who knows his grammar and can write intelligently and get his point across without resulting to stupid hyperbole. "Blind stupid praising without real criticism"? HELLO, have you ever read any of the other reviews on this site that are either "This is AWESOME" or "This fucking SUCKS" without offering any other real reason? This guy enjoyed it, he praises the actors, criticizes Helena, compares it to other movie musicals and he did it eloquently. He enjoyed the film- that makes him a plant? Please, you're pathetic.
I doubt it is better than Hedwig and the Angry Inch by s0nicdeathmonkey	Dec 3rd, 2007 12:52:45 PM
which I count as one of the best musicals ever and one of the 3 best films of this decade (Eternal Sunshine and The Fountain taking the other spots).
ohhh another Burton film by disfigurehead	Dec 3rd, 2007 01:08:21 PM
That means pale skin, dark shadows around the eyes and hair sticking up. Same thing just place a different name on the movie.
Disfigurehead by leobloom	Dec 3rd, 2007 01:13:32 PM
Yeah, most artists have their own styles. That's his. So what's your point?
BMacSmith by skimn	Dec 3rd, 2007 01:14:25 PM
South Park just wouldn't be South Park without "Uncle Fucka" or "Blame Canada"..and if this is indeed the best filmed musical since Little Shop Of Horrors, I may have to check it out.
"Chicago wasn't a director's film?"....WTF? by Spandau Belly	Dec 3rd, 2007 01:18:08 PM
You might not like that movie but it felt like a movie, not just a filmed stage show.
The anti-theater rhetoric says a lot. by Barry Egan	Dec 3rd, 2007 01:19:44 PM
I am kind of stunned by it actually. I am an avid film fan and I also love live theater. In my mind the go hand in hand with film being a technological extension of the theater. Our best actors usually have extensive theater training and will tell you stage acting is far more challenging than film or TV. Many of our best screenwriters and directors have theater backgrounds as well. When I first started reading this site I assumed most of the others on here were into the arts. The people who write the site are definitely into promoting more than just genre films. Over time I have come to realize the average person on here must be a totally disenfranchized teenager, and not even the cool smart ones.
and yeah, Tim Burton movies have no soul by Spandau Belly	Dec 3rd, 2007 01:20:33 PM
There's all great on the atmosphere front, but never compelling stories and all the characters are one dimensional and rely too much on Johnny Depp's wackiness.
"His best movie since Ed Wood"? by LoneGun	Dec 3rd, 2007 01:21:09 PM
I really do hope that's true because I haven't cared for a single movie of Burton's since ED WOOD. The best things about his films are usually the opening credit sequences; then it's all downhill from there. Don't get me wrong, I think the man is enormously talented and I'm rooting for him and everyone else involved in SWEENEY TODD. It's just that 90% of the time, I find that his films look better than they actually are. ED WOOD was a wonderful exception. I have a feeling that Burton will do wonders with a live-action musical. Looking forward to this one.
I agree, Ed Wood is his best. by Barry Egan	Dec 3rd, 2007 01:31:07 PM
Interestingly, his best film is also the one without Danny Elfman. Sweeney is also minus Elfman. Maybe working with different artists brings the best out in Burton.
TalkBackers you diss live theater have never seen live theater. by Nosferatu Jones	Dec 3rd, 2007 01:42:23 PM
And if they have, it's probably bargain-basement community theater productions of the umpteenth versions of My Fair Lady or Oklahoma. If you've EVER seen ANYTHING on Broadway, or a touring roadshow of a popular musical, then yes indeed, you are a complete tool if you think for one moement that live theater is "dead." Most of you probably suffer from the delusion that "theater" and "musical" automatically means "gay," therefore your 12-year old selves instinctively lash out. Again, I don't generally like musicals, either, but when they're done right, they're, yes, awesome.
Leobloom... by WickedMonster	Dec 3rd, 2007 01:42:42 PM
CLOVERFIELD...Are you kiddin? Well, you could be right. But that's like saying GODZILLA was awesome. I don't think you want to be in that category. ;)
WickedMonster by leobloom	Dec 3rd, 2007 01:51:51 PM
Remember, Cloverfield could be bigger than Star Wars. Hyperbole? Maybe. But what if we're in that magic time right before the world is awoken to a new genius: the Jew-hating Marine monster of Cloverfield. Oops. That was a spoiler.
Thanks BobPalpatine by WickedMonster	Dec 3rd, 2007 01:51:56 PM
But I don't know if you were being genuine or sarcastic. Either way, you know as well as I do that I don't deserve that. I am a worm compared to the AWESOMENESS of Awe-inspiring phenomena. I could go on a string of self-deprecation but you know what I mean.
I did have issues with my father who passed by skimn	Dec 3rd, 2007 01:58:44 PM
away from cancer, so Big Fish, got to me.
I to think big fish by erichaislar	Dec 3rd, 2007 02:03:36 PM
is his best film in years.
Imagine it now: SINGING GOTHS! by DOGSOUP	Dec 3rd, 2007 02:04:27 PM
Whatever town you live in, the goths will see this on opening night. They will memorize the songs and put on mini productions in malls everywhere. Way to go Tim Burton!
Big Fish by Barry Egan	Dec 3rd, 2007 02:06:59 PM
I thought the real world stuff in Big Fish was much more effective than all the fantasy parts. With Burton I would have expected the opposite to be true.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS????!!! by Gunslinger1919	Dec 3rd, 2007 02:13:05 PM
You know...I want to like this movie...I want to love it...I'm a total Sweeney Geek. And I was loving this review until the writer said it was the best movie musical since LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. IMHFO (that's in my humble fucking opinion for the uninitiated) that movie, while it had its moments, was far from a decent movie musical adaptation, basically butchering the ending of the original musical, and, on top of that, killing the source materials true love of 50s horror/sci fi films. So, WTF???? --G
D.Vader - There's a clear pattern by ricarleite	Dec 3rd, 2007 02:18:05 PM
Shown by biased reviews which clearly show off their intentions. Take this one, take the one for Bee Movie, and take most of the reviews posted by third parties. It's quite easy to pinpoint characteristics that show off a plant (Bee Movie was the most clear and perfect example of a plant I've seen on this website). First, it's always set up at an advance screening with almost no work needed to the movie - it's not a test audience screening, it's a "let's show this cool movie" thing. Second, a person who likes a movie never sides with it. You didn't make it, you enjoyed it. You explain why you liked it as a regular person would. Using abstract adjectives (my favorite being "mind blowing") to the movie while keeping away from actually explaining why is a good technique as well. Some plants usually offer some negative marks, usually something small or ridiculous, but this is rare. Okay, try to do a review of a movie you've enjoyed. Write a review about Star Wars, and compare to this one.
Oh wait here's the criticism to give credibility: by ricarleite	Dec 3rd, 2007 02:19:27 PM
"Her acting is deliciously low-key, but her unsupported singing voice doesn't really match her speaking voice."
I always root for Burton's films... by DoctorWho?	Dec 3rd, 2007 02:34:11 PM
...and I'm always dissapointed. And Depp is the most overated actor EVER. No range whatsoever.
Skywalkerfamily, what diversity? by leobloom	Dec 3rd, 2007 02:54:47 PM

Full scene on youtube in shit quality....... by Grandaddy	Dec 3rd, 2007 03:29:34 PM
Has anyone checked this out? Great death scene from Sweeney. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =vDMN9Qdgl5A
Willy Wonka was a piece of dog shit by Pipple	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:08:21 PM
I'm remaining cautiously optimistic.
have AICN writers noticed... by smackfu	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:35:39 PM
...how well-received this review is for it's distinct lack of mention of anything related to ass-fucking and face-cumming?
Did they cut "Johanna"? by Larry of Arabia	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:43:14 PM
That song was chill educing when it was sung by the three male principals. Same with "Not While I'm Around," which was even more evil when staged well. If they did cut them, did it at least make sense to cut them?
Hmmm... by Tourist	Dec 3rd, 2007 04:50:34 PM
...I fucking love little shop of horrors...so...
Not Standing Makes Sense to Me by Larry of Arabia	Dec 3rd, 2007 05:13:02 PM
Stand for Sondheim because before the performance because he made one of the best shows ever to grace the stage and has proven himself with this material. Respectfully applaud Depp and Burton for a great body of work but don't stand until they have done something with this material, or in this case after the movie if it is worthy. If they were showing Ed Wood you would stand and cheer them because that's proven. In a performance situation I would not cheer anyone just for showing up, which, at that point, was all the two did. Sondheim is, by the way, THE man in the theater world. Think of him as your favorite experimental inde director somehow slipping brilliant groundbreaking films into 3,000 theaters on the July 4th weekend and ending up with blockbuster cult hits. Sweeny Todd, West Side Story (yes that's him), Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, Company, and Assassins. That's what he is to musical theater. (to push the analogy Andrew Lloyd Webber is Michael Bay.)
Plant, huh? by Cugel79	Dec 3rd, 2007 05:29:20 PM
I had several friends who went to this screening. They were all just as floored as this review. So, you know. It's not a plant you pathetic wannabe bitter little shitfuckers. I guess sums it up.
You movie geeks need to do some work on your Inner-Child by Scorecard	Dec 3rd, 2007 06:14:13 PM
...Because it's a 100% guarantee that there's always a gay slur or complaint in any musical-movie review that appears on this site... What happened to you guys? Did your uncle touch you in the pants while you were watching Star-Wars with your sippy cup? Did you constantly find yourselves in awkward situations with your mates in sleep-over situations?... What on earth happened in your childhoods? Nosferatu Jones nailed it in his comment when he mentioned your "inner 12 year olds lashing out" - No kidding... This place is thick with Freud... It's unbelievable... And of course, a well-written review HAS to be a plant - You can't ever imagine a theatre critic actually being a better word-smith than a movie reviewer, right? That would just be gay, after all...
Soundtrack listing off Amazon by TotoroSan	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:14:40 PM
http://www.amazon.com/Sweeney- Demon-Barber-Street-Deluxe/dp/ B000X4OVLM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie= UTF8&s=music&qid=1196730768&sr =1-1 Looks like Johanna is still in there. Unless it's an instrumental arrangement. I hope not. I am a huge ST fan and really have high hopes for this.
i love Ed Wood! by Prossor	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:20:32 PM
heck i'm a fan of Ed Wood himself! his masterpiece Plan 9 From Outer Space is one of the greatest experiences ever. my favorite 1959 film. eat it North by Northwest!!!!!
I wonder if people gave Kurowasa shit.. by Alfred_Packer	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:26:21 PM
"That bastard is making ANOTHER movie with Toshiro Mifune??!! How dare he?"
Jimmy Stewart's in ANOTHER Hitchcock film? by Alfred_Packer	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:28:28 PM

Fuck that Werner Herzog to for using Klaus Kinski over and over. by Alfred_Packer	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:29:26 PM

Auteur Theory - Screen Studies 101 by Scorecard	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:46:47 PM
Look it up and get a clue...
Edward Scissorhands 2: He's back and he's pissed (electric booga by Det. John Kimble	Dec 3rd, 2007 07:58:00 PM
Do plants grow well under stage lighting?
My point exactly Alfred and Scorecard... by leobloom	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:35:52 PM
Some of these rubes just don't get it. What do they expect, for Burton to do a remake of STAGECOACH starring Matt Damon?
Saw a screening in LA by bunkyboo	Dec 3rd, 2007 08:58:26 PM
Musical arrangements-beautiful Depp's singing- passable, but transposed for his untrained tenor voice. I'm sure Sondheim thought that his performance would make up for his lack of vocal ability Carter's singing- the worst of the lot, but she played the role adequately, if not a bit too cool. Borat- perfect for the role, also somewhat lacking in vocal ability. Rickman- very good, but not sleazy enough or old enough. I might be to used to earlier performances of this character Toby- OK, but not sympathetic. Cold eyed, distant, especially during 'Not While I'm Around'. It pulled me out of the film. Spall- perfect. Bower- Pretty good, not great. He has his moments. Again, not a strong voice, and his role needs one. Wisener- A wide eyed orphan from those cheap paintings, but a strong soprano voice and great breasts. Kelly- Really strong vocal performance. Made the most of a fairly small role. She is an up-and-commer. THE FILM- Mostly a grand, worthy reimagining of Sondheim's musical, but VERY graphic during the slashing scenes. The final scene was brutal and indulgantly bloody. A nihilistic bent that brought me down. The omission of Toby's final mental collapse and the ballad Prologue and Epilogue was flawed; they helped reinforce our view of the finale as a cautionary tale rather than a pointless bloodbath.
Johanna by bunkyboo	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:04:59 PM
Yes, it is still in there, with all its reprises. No strong tenor to bolster the melody, however. Oh well, you can't have everything.
Did I mention that... by bunkyboo	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:10:17 PM
... the ending is depressing? The ending is D-E-P-R-E-S-S-I-N-G. Needs the ghosts of the victims as our Greek chorus, closing the tale.
Cheers Bunkyboo by Scorecard	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:11:15 PM
Thats good feedback with the individual breakdown of performances... The transposed Todd for Depps voice? I didn't know that... I have to admit, his delivery of the line "At last, my right hand is complete again" seems so lack-luster and disappointing to how I've always heard it and directed it in the past... Im looking forward to it hitting the screens here in Oz.
meh by ironic_name	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:32:11 PM
meh
The stage Sweeney was a baritone by bunkyboo	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:43:21 PM
which gave the character balls when he angrily sunk deeper into psychosis. A deep, growling voice enhanced the creepiness. Arguably the most challenging baritone role of modern musical history, for range, accuracy and endurance.
Well-written review indeed by kidicarus	Dec 3rd, 2007 09:58:08 PM
Why must everyone else write in this stream of consciousness type writing that contains baffling grammatical errors and nerdy penis references? This review was brief, to the point, and comprehensible. Good job guy. Now show Harry and the other guys how to author a readable review for once.
Indeed, not by Mister Man	Dec 3rd, 2007 10:31:14 PM

Saw it last week... by Sidius	Dec 4th, 2007 12:10:15 AM
Had exactly the same response. I turned to a friend I saw it with and said exactly the same thing this reviewer said: "This is Burton's best film since Ed Wood" The cinematography is gorgeous. The costumes designed by Colleen Atwood are amazing and the score and pacing are perfect. The only concern I have about the film is the hige level of gore and blood throughout. I had no problem with it - it is after all a film about a serial killer barber - but it will turn off a lot of the general public. But I don't think that's one of Burton's main concerns.
People Still Go to the Theatre? by robzass	Dec 4th, 2007 12:23:24 AM
I thought that went extinct years ago with the likes of 8 tracks and vhs.
Alfred_Packer by ricarleite	Dec 4th, 2007 05:17:30 AM
Klaus Kinski at least screamed in German all the time, destroyed everything in sight on a furious rage, punched actors and directors - specially Herzog - and constantly shot at his crew. With a gun. A real loaded gun. Just because they were being noisy. I wanna see Depp doing that.
Where is Beetlejuice 2?? by GibsonUSA	Dec 4th, 2007 02:14:23 PM
I am out of college now and it STILL isnt out!!!!
Very relieved and heartened by this review. by AnnoyYou	Dec 5th, 2007 12:52:56 AM
I've already had arguments with other musical comedy geeks over Burton's decision to delete the opening ballad, and I'm glad my position has been supported by this reviewer: A film version does not need a static opening song (look what that did to the deadly film version of "Rent"). The other fear I had was that everyone would complain about Depp and Bonham-Carter's voices -- of course a movie version would not need the stentorian/broad comic Broadway voices of a George Hearn or an Angela Lansbury. From what I've heard on several clips of the film Depp does an amazing job (Sondheim's songs are terribly hard to sing) and Bonham-Carter sounds fine. Now I'm really looking forward to this movie.

Talkbacks

A look at SWEENEY TODD from the Theatre Crowd... Did he hate it?

User login

Quick Talkback

Talkbacks