In voice, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter do justice to Sondheim’s brilliant soundtrack. Is anyone really surprised that Depp can sing? Even though he doesn’t hold a tune as superbly as he acts, he is highly talented and pulls off all the songs without flaw. With songs like “No Place Like London,” “My Friends,” and “Johanna,” Depp belts out the main themes of Sweeney Todd in an emotional yet subdued manner. In “The Contest,” Depp couples with Sascha Baron Cohen for a playful ditty, and later in “Pretty Women” Alan Rickman joins Depp in making viewers float on a cloud and sit on the edge of their seat simultaneously. Where is “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd?”

By means of “The Worst Pies in London,” “By the Sea,” and “Not While I’m Around,” Helena Bonham Carter shows that she can do more than exist as a staple Brit actress. She doesn’t stand out as much as Depp, but she doesn’t disappoint either. On the whole, the pitch-perfect cast aids in establishing the songs as mainstays. What’s more, all involved allow the soundtrack to meld with the storyline — making it hard to detect forced music amid fluid dialogue.

Whether you’ve already seen the musical or haven’t been in the chair before, Sweeney will surprise you with its copious amounts of red liquid and sinister direction. It is a fantastically wicked musical and a fittingly campy horror. Full of twists, memorable songs, and charismatic characters, Sweeney Todd possesses the power to influence all in its presence. And in doing so, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street cuts it close (very close) to being an all-out masterpiece.

Wait! Is that popcorn you’re eating drizzled with blood and shaving cream rather than butter? Better take a closer look before you munch on a handful.