Sweet flick, but Depp is a little tangy

Rating: 7/10 (1 August 2005)

Firstly I would like to point out that I have not read Roald Dahl's novel from which this movie is based off, but I have still been a huge fan of Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket since first watching Gene Wilder's "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory"...and then in every repeated viewing since. I was eagerly anticipating this movie for quite some time, especially since "Big Fish" has made Tim Burton one of my favorite directors. And, despite my high expectations, I liked it! The basic plot line of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is pretty well-known. Charlie Bucket is a exceedingly likable kid who loves his family and dreams of touring the mysterious candy factory headed by Willy Wonka. And when Wonka creates a contest to let five children into his factory by hiding five golden tickets underneath five Wonka Bars, his dream is finally realized. The story in itself gives the feel that the aura of the movie should be one of magic and mysticism, and Burton does a pretty good job at giving us that. While I generally favored the 1971 film's version of generating the mystery behind Willy Wonka, his contest, and his factory, the quirkiness of this trip cannot be denied.
The highlight of the film is Freddie Highmore's portrayal of Charlie Bucket. Every time he gave a line, you just fell for his naturally good-natured attitude towards life, despite the challenges his family faces. I only wish he was given a bit more air-time, because the movie is worth seeing just to see Highmore act. The other four children (Veruca Salt, Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregarde, and Mike Teavee) are all very lovable in their own respects, and are easily as good in the roles as those in the other Willy Wonka film. Sometimes they have a bit too much edge in their step, but it's all part of the nuttiness of the movie. Their parents don't have the impact they had in the original movie (all of them were hilarious in that), but their positions here are not completely compromised. The Oompa Loompas were right on point, and their classic songs have been pretty well updated for some good laughs from the audience. More back story to the Bucket family is very much appreciated as well.
The only major qualm I have with this film is Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka. I absolutely adored Gene Wilder as this character, with his quick wit, memorable one-liners, and general attitude towards his factory, the children, and the magic surrounding them all. While Depp does an incredibly good job as the character he develops (a nervous, neurotic Wonka), it just seems off somehow. While his character was written to be one a bit mental from his isolation, he appears to be engulfed in trying to be too weird. It is rather easy (while unfounded) to see where the Michael Jackson comparisons come in. He can be pretty funny at times, however, and it is also wonderful to see how Willy Wonka came to be with some "increasingly" common flashbacks with the splendid (but rather scary for this movie) Christopher Lee as Willy's father.
But this is a pretty good film. While not as candy-coated as the 1971 classic, it's perfect for today's audiences. It is definitely worth seeing by old and young...but make sure to see "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" first.
My Grade: B+