Burton’s adaption of the eerie musical has more blood than guts, with an unsatisfying ending. Sweeney Todd spends his days slitting the throats of his customers to be baked by his pie-maker neighbour

Sweeney Todd spends his days slitting the throats of his customers to be baked by his pie-maker neighbour Mrs Lovett.

Depp satisfies as brooding Todd and Bonham Carter’s perfectly cast as creepy yet weirdly motherly Mrs Lovett. Rickman, Baron Cohen and Campbell Bower all give strong performances.

The film features Burton’s trademark gothic atmosphere, aided by Ferreti’s excellently gloomy production design. However, Sondheim’s music is too whiny and bemoaning for my taste.

The story flows well enough, however lacks the entertainment of Burton’s other works.

Jo Bradley.