Film Review by Katarina Vicentijevic

The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Chicago

Latest Tim Burton film “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” could be characterized as one of the best musicals ever made. Based on a hit Broadway musical from 19th century, the story is about Benjamin Barker, a barber sent away by Judge Turpin, who comes back to London under name Sweeney Todd. He opens a barber shop above Mrs. Lovett’s Meat Pie Shop, with whose help he assassinates corrupted aristocracy. His biggest wish is to reunite with his daughter, who is being “imprisoned” by Judge Turpin.
Staring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and Alan Rickman, this film is going to keep you on the edge of your seat and impress you both with special effects, such as blood, costumes, make up, and, above all, the acting. Throughout most of the film, everything is gray, just like the soul of protagonist. Singing is magnificent- Johnny Depp’s vocal abilities are one more detail that makes this film extraordinary.
On the other hand, although “Chicago” won the Oscar for the best film a few years ago, I do not share opinion with those who say that it was the one that deserved it. The story is about two murderers Roxie Hart, who killed her lover when she found out he wouldn’t make her famous, and Velma Kelly, who killed her husband and sister after finding them in bed together. Two of them fight for glory in order to save themselves from dying.
I find plot far less interesting and dynamic than in “Sweeney Todd”, and, though the cast is pretty good, neither Richard Gere nor Rene Zellweger justified my expectations. Singing and choreography are absolutely fine, though not that exceptional as in “Sweeney Todd”. From my point of view, plot in “Chicago” is too common and predictable as there have been many films with similar motives. Some motives from “Sweeney Todd” might also be common, but the ending is far from being common.
I highly recommend watching these two films as in that way you will be able to decide on your own whether I was right.