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SWEENEY TODD: SLICE AND DICE (2025)
3 stars
Kaleidoscope Film Distribution. DVD and Digital. Out Now
We have had many a depiction of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street – ever since his appearance in a penny dreadful in 1846. Numerous film adaptations and theatrical outings, including the famous Broadway musical, plus many movies that have played on its central idea.
Here is the latest exploration – starring Terry Bird as the ‘celebrated’ barber in a British outing. As this was also produced by him, one assumes it was created as a vehicle for him to show off his acting, as he growls and grimaces through the role — giving old time barnstormer Tod Slaughter a run for his money!
London 1846: the film opens with a portentous voiceover and some slightly iffy CGI. Our man Todd observes what is happening outside his shop – the rich ill treating the poor. This doesn’t sit well with him so when a toff comes in for “the sharpest blade in all of London”, he gets rather more than “something for the weekend” when his throat is sliced open.
Trying to then dispose of the body, he wheels it through the back streets, and meets baker Mrs. Lovett (Jo Dyson). We all know where this is heading – she proposes a deal where he delivers “supplies” for her meat pies… which are soon the talk of the town. As the film unfolds we learn about Sweeney’s past and where his disdain for the rich aristocracy stems from.
A low budget entry, with the expected variable acting, the film tries hard with limited resources and is well shot by Robert Horwell. It is directed by Steven M. Smith, who, judging from his credits on IMDb, is a prolific chap. He also penned the script with the equally productive Christopher Jolly. Adding to the production values is the fact it was shot at Flambards – a theme park which has sadly subsequently closed – which had a street of Victorian shops which they can utilise. The make up effects are well done, but the music score is rather OTT. The ending stretches credulity somewhat.
Steve Kirkham
