Nationally syndicated film critics Richard Roeper and Michael Phillips (filling in for an ailing Roger Ebert) gave rave reviews to Tim Burton’s film SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET in an “early review” on their television program this week. Both critics spoke especially enthusiastically of Johnny Depp’s performance as Sweeney Todd, the “gorgeous” production design, and Tim Burton’s direction. “Overall, this is a distinctive and haunting film,” said Phillips, “Burton’s best, certainly, since ED WOOD. Finally, someone has done justice to a Stephen Sondheim musical on screen.”

Roeper agreed with his colleague that the movie is “very well done.” Of Johnny’s performance, Roeper said, “I’m sure he’s going to get an Oscar nomination, and he may well win.” Roeper also saw much to admire in Alan Rickman’s performance as the villainous Judge Turpin, saying, “Alan Rickman does a terrific job in a supporting role.” Concludes Roeper, “SWEENEY TODD is one of the must-see movies of the holiday season.”

The Zone thanks Intodadepps for sharing the review; Zone members can watch it on the Video Clips forum. –Part-Time Poet