RealSNR
12-25-2007, 10:13 PM
Yes, it IS a musical, but don't take it as a chick flick. In fact, it's not a date movie at all unless she's seen the musical already. Extremely bloody and gory- every opportunity presented to display blood is usually capitalized upon. It even shocked me how much there was.
It's not that different from the stage musical script-wise as far as I could tell. They got rid of a couple of the interludes in between as well as a couple of small songs here and there.
It's quite well-done for a movie. It completely screams Tim Burton (the story is practically a gift for Burton to make this film) but it's also one of the darker Burton films he's made. Any time there's a chance to display blood or gore, he usually does. It's quite shocking at first, but you get used to it as a viewer after awhile. Eventually, however, as the deaths grow more and more important, the shock sets back in.
For music snobs- you'll love the music if this is you are unfamiliar with the story. It takes something sweet and innocent like Andrew Lloyd Webber and shits on it completely. Stephen Sondheim is an absolute genius.
Johnny Depp does well given his role. I understand he's not a real singer and it shows at times when he "artistically" chooses to grumble his part instead of sing it. But it definitely works for the role, too. I can't really complain. Alan Rickman is quite good. He hits some pretty damn low bass notes and does a good job of it.
The young guy who plays Toby as well... holy shit does he have a voice. Very impressive for just a boy.
Overall... I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's depressing as hell, but the comedy relief spots are hilarious. Great cast. Never leaves you bored. If you've seen the musical before, expect this much... the singing isn't what you'd expect but it shouldn't take away that much.
It's not that different from the stage musical script-wise as far as I could tell. They got rid of a couple of the interludes in between as well as a couple of small songs here and there.
It's quite well-done for a movie. It completely screams Tim Burton (the story is practically a gift for Burton to make this film) but it's also one of the darker Burton films he's made. Any time there's a chance to display blood or gore, he usually does. It's quite shocking at first, but you get used to it as a viewer after awhile. Eventually, however, as the deaths grow more and more important, the shock sets back in.
For music snobs- you'll love the music if this is you are unfamiliar with the story. It takes something sweet and innocent like Andrew Lloyd Webber and shits on it completely. Stephen Sondheim is an absolute genius.
Johnny Depp does well given his role. I understand he's not a real singer and it shows at times when he "artistically" chooses to grumble his part instead of sing it. But it definitely works for the role, too. I can't really complain. Alan Rickman is quite good. He hits some pretty damn low bass notes and does a good job of it.
The young guy who plays Toby as well... holy shit does he have a voice. Very impressive for just a boy.
Overall... I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's depressing as hell, but the comedy relief spots are hilarious. Great cast. Never leaves you bored. If you've seen the musical before, expect this much... the singing isn't what you'd expect but it shouldn't take away that much.