Honestly, it almost makes me wonder why I have a blog at all, sometimes. But, anyway…

So it is officially summer, here in Florida. I hate summer. It’s hot. Hot as hell, man. I’m talking instant sweat the moment one walks outside. Sweaty, damp clothing, hair clinging to one’s face; the uncomfortable temperature makes me sluggish, gives me headaches, and evokes grumpy and murderous feelings in me because it is so unbearable outside.

Speaking of murderous feelings… I would like to now talk (read: ramble incessantly) about something that’s captured my interest lately. This would be the horror musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. I realize I am late in finally watching this movie, and being the rather obsessed Johnny Depp/Tim Burton fan that I admittedly am, I’m somewhat ashamed that I watched it for the first time only last week. Sorry, Johnny! <3

Sweeney Todd is a movie adaptation of the Sondheim stage musical from the seventies. All I can say is, Tim Burton’s dark, depressing visual style finally reached a new height of excellence in this film, because this movie is a masterpiece. Tim Burton utilized his usual choice actors, including Johnny Depp and Tim’s lover Helena Bonham Carter, but added another favorite actor of mine, Alan Rickman. Another interesting actor in this film is Sacha Baron Cohen, whom everyone knows best as Borat (gag); he plays a short but entertaining role as a swindler named Pirelli.

I will try not to give any spoiling details away, but this is the basic storyline:

Benjamin Barker (Depp) is a young man who is married to a beautiful woman, and together they have a baby daughter. He’s the most talented barber in London, but due to an unfortunate mishap, he is sent away to an Australian prison for 15 years, accused of a crime he didn’t commit.

He arrives back to London a completely changed man, adopting the name of Sweeney Todd as his new identity. He returns to his old barber shop on Fleet Street, and begins business once again…but this time, with an ulterior motive: he is extremely obsessed with exacting revenge on the hateful people who ruined his life, those 15 years ago. Below his barber shop is Mrs. Lovett’s Meat Pies shop; Mrs. Lovett (Carter) deeply cares for Todd, and in her blind affection for him, she helps him carry out his evil, horrendous plans. Despite all the mysterious disappearances of Sweeney’s customers, business is still booming for both Todd and Mrs. Lovett. As for how they cover up the murders… the cost of meat is high and it’s low in supply, and let’s just say the way that they take care of the bodies ensures that nothing goes to waste.

Despite some of the disgusting concepts in this film, I was still mesmerized by the story. The dark, diluted visual artistry that is definitely Tim Burton’s signature style, lend an eerie atmosphere that is perfect for the infamous tale of Sweeney Todd. And yes, this is indeed a musical, so I would say about 70% or more of the movie is purely singing. I happen to like musicals, and of course I’m a hardcore Depp fan, so I loved this movie. Johnny Depp not only sings in this movie, but he sings awesomely well! His deep, sexy growl give his character the mania that is needed to portray the obsessed psychopath that Sweeney Todd is. He also does a great job of using an English accent, and his acting is excellent as always. I seriously love Helena Bonham Carter as the quirky Mrs. Lovett, and I have to admit that she steals the show many times in this film! Even though she is clearly as insane as Todd, she is very entertaining and charming. She makes you smile at her unusual personality, and also makes you cringe at how disgusting her meat pie making skills are.

And did I mention the music? Ah, it’s amazing. My two favorite songs are ones that Mrs. Lovett sings, called “The Worst Pies in London” (in which she tells us how rare it is to find suitable meat to make her pies, and she openly admits how terrible her pies taste), and “By The Sea” (where she expresses to Sweeney how much she’d love to spend the rest of her life with him, although he is much too obsessed with his vengeful plans to give her the time of day). “Johanna” is another beautiful song that is repeatedly sung throughout the movie.. oh, heck, I love the whole soundtrack.

I would NOT recommend this movie to anyone who hates musicals, or cannot tolerate singing for extended periods of time; also, this movie is not good for people with a weak stomach, or people who can’t handle bloody and violent scenes (it’s rated R for a reason).

I would, however, definitely recommend this movie to people who enjoy Johnny Depp and Tim Burton collaboration films, musicals, horror stories, beautiful music, and heart-wrenching tragedies.

I will admit that the first time I watched the movie I was a little freaked out, my stomach felt queasy and I didn’t feel like eating anything with meat in it for about two days. LOL!

Overall, this movie is brilliant and a new favorite movie of mine. It’s easily my new favorite Johnny Depp film, right along with Edward Scissorhands and Secret Window. I loved it! Very rarely does a movie come along that compels me to watch it numerous times (I watched it twice in two consecutive days).

Now… How about a shave?