"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" Review

Here at long last is my promised "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" review!

Where do I begin? I thoroughly enjoyed this film. As always, Tim Burton, the director, creates a unique world for the audience. The beautiful set design of this movie gives a magical touch to the story. The combined talents of the production team allow the audience to be swept away by Burton's imagination, while doing so in a way that does not show the work behind the beauty. This design referred to the feeling of another Burton film, "Edward Scissorhands," with texture and color used next to unique-looking structural elements (I noticed similarities between Edward's castle and Wonka's factory).

Altough this film may be compared to previous films, including the original telling of Roald Dahl's children's tale, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," it is as original as any Burton film. Johnny Depp joins the cast for his fourth role in a Burton film as the childish chocolateer, Willy Wonka. Depp brings to this performance what he brings to any; a deep understanding of the character's motivation. His actions, facial expressions, pattern of speech - everything is unusal and special to the individual he is playing. If you do not like over-the-top performances, this is not a movie to see. Depp's overbearing presence when he is on screen can not be ignored. However, it is pleasurable to watch a man working at the height of his ability in a craft that seems to have been designed for him. A particular favorite part of mine is a line that Depp delivers: "Everything here is eatable. I'm eatable, but that my children is called cannibalism and it is frowned upon in most societies."

Five children were cast to play the lucky kids who get to venture into Wonka's factory. Each child did a great job, although some kids were overshadowed by the performances of their parents. Despite an eerie resemblance, Annasophia Robb, who played Violet Beauregarde, was, in my opinion, outshadowed by Missi Pyle, who played her mother. Charlie was portrayed by the innocent looking Freddie Highmore, who worked previously with Depp in "Finding Neverland." While Highmore did not have all of the spunk that the original Charlie, he possessed sweetness that rivaled that of Wonka's chocolate.

This version of Charlie's adventure in the factory includes information that was not included in the first film version or Dahl's book. Background is given on Wonka's childhood that audiences will find explanatory for the behavior of the candyman. The audience is also allowed to find out the history of the oompa loompas, which are all portrayed by the same man, Deep Roy. The oompa loompa songs are much improved, with each number a different type of music. Roy wears many costumes and does all the dancing in the fantastical numbers, written and sang by Danny Elfman, a favorite of Burton. Although the broadway-style productions are less creepy than the original film, they still offer moral lessons about each child's vice.

I thouroughly enjoyed the experience of watching this film. At points I was moved to tears, and at other points I laughed ridiculously loud. My brother sat next to me, and we, being the big film snobs that we are, both agreed that it was done exceptionally well and is well worth the time and money spent. I recommend this film to candylovers, children and adults that are young-at-heart.