If you're a concerned parent, shocked and appalled by the amounts of gratuitous gushing, gurgling, spurting and spraying blood into today’s popular media, and wish to protect your little weemlings from said hematological spectacles then please never ever allow them to watch Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
This is the latest offering of 90’s film genius Tim Burton, who brought us such classic as Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, Batman, Batman Returns, The Nightmare before Christmas and Mars Attacks in the late 80’s and 90’s.
However this 90’s genius somehow managed to pupate into a new millennium flopper. In fact since Mars Attacks (1996) you’ll have no trouble fitting good Tim Burton films on DVD into your back pants pocket. Sleepy Hollow, Planet of the Apes, Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Corpse Bride all fall into what I like to call Burton’s: Rubbish Phase. I’m a huge fan of his but simply have been underwhelmed by all of his new films.
So I didn’t even bother to go see Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street when it was on circuit. But the other night it was on TV, and being the huge, all-be-it recently disappointed, fan that I am I gave it a gander.
And bloody loved it. It’s witty and dark, as all Mr Burton’s film should be. It’s quirky and beautifully styled as all Mr Burton’s film should be. It’s costumes and sets are vintage Burton, all greys and blues. The performances are great and the story is brilliant. Even the singing, I am very dubious of sung movies, is awesome. Burton and his cast have perfectly pitched (excuse the pun) the musical aspects of the film as a story telling medium, as opposed to a gimmicky exploit.
If you’re like me and have been wishing Tim Burton would find his way back onto the dark and twisted path he set for himself long ago, then this movie may signal the beginning of his return.
Bottom Line Verdict: Welcome back Mr Burton!
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