This week I went to see The Golden Compass and Sweeney Todd at the dollar theater. I think the trailers for The Golden Compass really failed this movie. I really didn't have any interest in going to see it after seeng the trailers but for a buck I figured what the heck! The Golden Compass was far better than many fantasy movies I've seen recently. The children did a fine job acting, the CGI for once was not very annoying and the storyline was fairly interesting. I think what I enjoyed most was the motif that free thought and individualism were to be praised over the herd mentality we see so much of.
Sweeney Todd traumatized my wife. She liked it a lot, but the blood and gore near the end were a bit much for her. I am not a big fan of over the top graphic violence either but this movie was deliciously sick. The combination of musical and horror blended with Tim Burton imagery was worth the dollar I invested in it. I would recommend both of these movies for DVD rental if you haven't seen them yet.
Cheers! -Dean