A good read to a great movie *Minor Spoiler Ahead*

Rating: 9/10 (8 August 2005)

Tim Burton's Charlie & The Chocolate Factory is a superb rendition of Roald Dahl's classic... both Burton & Depp deliver with a film that entertains all ages and remains faithful to both the words and the spirit of a story about a poor, wonderful little boy. I've heard a lot of comments concerning the comparisons between Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and the new film; many critics have expressed some disparaging comments (i.e. IT WAS TRASH!!!) about the new film, saying it was not true to the earlier movie... my suggestion would be this: READ THE BOOK! These two movies, while both excellent, are similar in only the inspiration of their plot lines. While the older film starring Gene Wilder follows the basic plot, Charlie, Uncle Joe, and Wonka's characters have been greatly changed. There are additional dramatic themes and enemies (Slugworth is only mentioned in the book; he does not take an active role; there is no contract to sign either). The Tim Burton film, while straying from the story line with flashbacks and a new ending, is much more representative of Roald Dahl's book. If you are considering seeing C&TCF, just take a look below:
DO NOT SEE THIS MOVIE IF:
You are only interested in trippy '70 movies (don't get me wrong... there's nothing wrong with trippy '70 movies... every now and then)
You consider Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka as the "One and Only"
If you believe completely good children do not exist (Charlie does not drink the Fizzy Lifting Drink in the book or the new movie, and one critic mentioned that Charlie not giving in to temptation was "unrealistic")
If the thought of hundreds of tiny people on the screen at once frightens you
GO SEE THIS MOVIE IF:
You are a fan of great acting/great direction/beautiful sets & scenery/wonderfully delivered comedy/incredible special effects/Johnny Depp/Tim Burton/Freddie Highmore
You enjoy being transported to a wonderful world filled with imagination & beauty
You have children that would like to see something a little more substantial than Shark Boy & Lava Girl
You enjoy watching good movies.
9 out of 10... Enjoy Everyone!