Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a fun film for the whole family!

Rating: 10/10 (30 July 2005)

If you have read the book and/or seen the Gene Wilder film then the premise of this film is familiar to you. It is the story of an eccentric candy maker who gives a tour of his factory to five lucky children. Four of the children are brats and then there's Charlie. Charlie Bucket is portrayed in this film by Finding Neverland's Freddie Highmore, who delivers a solid performance. If this young performer continues at this rate he could end up a respected actor like his fellow Finding Neverland co-star, Johnny Depp. Depp, of course, plays Willy Wonka in this film. It is his fourth collaboration with director Tim Burton. Similar to the previous collaborations, Depp and Burton try their best to do something different. And, like their previous collaborations the final product is a success.
The film I felt was very well done. It was fun and I think the whole family will enjoy. The songs by Danny Elfman were very funny and I think could earn Mr. Elfman another Oscar-Nomination. And, like every Tim Burton film it features amazing production designs and solid cinematography.
The big question, however, is if it's better than the 1971 adaptation of the Dahl's classic children's book. While this film remained closer to the book and improved in certain areas, I felt the original is superior. Most of it has to do because of Gene Wilder's interpretation of Willy Wonka. Depp does a very well job, but he can't compete with Wilder's Wonka. That was the magic of the original film.
RATING: 4 (****) out of (****)