• CSM Reviews <--
• Adult Reviews
• Kid Reviews

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know the story of Sweeney Todd is one of revenge, jealousy, and murder -- and those dark undertones play out in every song. Although it's not explicit (such as the movie which is for older teens), it can be scary for little ones.

Families can talk about actors singing in movies. Do you think they should also be trained singers before they sing on the soundtrack? Or, is does the lack of training make it sound more realistic -- and in return, more interesting? Families can also talk about forgiveness. Benjamin Barker (Sweeney Todd) doesn't forgive his past imprisonment and exacts revenge on a whole town. Why is it important to forgive? What happens when we carry around anger? Is it easy to forgive?

Rate It!

Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Maria Dinoia

This CD, adopted from the movie of the same name, is enjoyable, if not dark. The showtime style music generally tells the movie's entire sad and heartbreaking story of revenge, but it's probably more exciting to see Tim Burton's movie first to get the full effect of the plot's cinematic beauty. The songs are performed by the movie's actors who essentially had no formal musical training which adds an interesting element in bringing the characters to life -- and making the music more realistic. Johnny Depp's alto voice fits the role of the demonic barber to a tee, and the voices of Helena Bonham Carter (although she sounds like she hasn't done much singing before) and Alan Rickman add to the appeal of the dark, moody, sweeping orchestral sounds of the music.

Kids looking for a less dark, but just as intense movie soundtrack might want to check out music from Into the Wild.

Rate It Now

OR