Hidden sweets to be found

Rating: 10/10 (4 October 2016)

Sometimes the sweetest things in your life are the things that are not so obvious. This lesson is ever so present in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which takes audiences on this amazingly crazy and dark journey of 5 golden ticket winners through the factory of Mr. Wonka. Through this journey each falls into a trap that was specifically set up for them by Mr. Wonka. While some may think that this journey and direction under Tim Burton is not fitting for a kid's movie, it portrays the story in a much better way than the original by providing stronger performances by actors and creating an emotional backstory that is unique to the movie. Compared to the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Burton overall provides the audience with more elements and layers to this classic story. First off we see him bring his passion for the bizarre, wacky plots, and unique over the top creations that he is known for. Burton sends audiences through a colorful, darker, and more thought provoking journey compared to the original. He takes from the original story we all familiar with and turns it upside down while adding the connection of Wonka's father and harnessing the acting techniques of Johnny Depp. Overall, compared to the original this new emotional connection creates more than a one dimensional Wonka that we see displayed by Wilder and makes him more humanistic and relatable for audiences. As we see throughout the movie we are provided with numerous flashbacks of Wonka's past and his relationship with father that adds to the character of Wonka and the importance of family to him and Charlie. These moments provide the audience with an emotional connection to Wonka as we see a different side of him besides what he displays as he gives the tour to the children. We also see this side of Wonka as he confronts his father and they come to the realization of the success of each and the connection they have been missing all these years. Truly Burton created more depth for not just the character of Wonka, but also the film by making family a central theme to all characters from the 4 other golden ticket winners, to Charlie, and finally Wonka. The most notable character that Burton helped to develop to be a sensation was Mr. Wonka, played none other than the talented and well known Johnny Depp.
Depp brings down the house in this film and embodies Willy Wonka through his minor facial movements, overall actions, and demeanor. Depp takes over Wonka and uses his genius to create a character that is almost like a reality TV host for children as he takes them on this journey through his amazing factory Throughout the movie we see the strong acting choices Depp makes for his character with his varying levels of physicality, precise and on point facial movements, and constant changing of tone in voice. The best glimpses you get of Depp is once each child has fallen into his or her given "trap" that Wonka had planned for them as Depp reacts like he knows something is up, but at the same time hides the fact that he is trying to look for one sole heir of his factory. Not only can Depp do an amazing job playing the foolish chocolate maker, but he has a more emotional side due to the recreation that Burton has conjured up for him. Overall, Depp embodies a person with a strong sense of imagination and compassion for others. Due to the efforts that we see Depp display as well as the new elements by Burton the creation of the movie is a visual spectacle that delivers a hidden journey. The hidden elements are what makes the entire piece better. Just like in life those things that we don't expect and may seem hidden can bring us the most joy.