The summer's biggest hit...and rightfully so.

Rating: 10/10 (24 August 2005)

Wow. As Danny Elfman's so-sweet-sounding-it's-sinister theme says: "Willy Wonka HERE HE IS!" And here he is, for sure. This is Willy Wonka with a new and thrilling twist, and it's Tim Burton and Johnny Depp in all their celebrated creative glory.
Tim Burton, of course, does not have a perfect track record. A self-proclaimed Burton fan myself, I admit that previous efforts such as Mars Attacks, Batman/Batman Returns, and Planet of the Apes were all lacking in fundamental areas (particularly the abysmal Apes). But when Burton is on, he's on. His triumphs (Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Sleepy Hollow, and the grossly underrated Big Fish) all showcase a special blend of whimsy, carefully crafted visual atmosphere, humor, and dramatic tension that is distinctly Burtonesque. Add Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the list.
Burton's vision is, I believe, faithful to Dahl's. This doesn't mean, of course, that it matches every Dahl fan's visualization of the novel. What it does mean is that if Burton read the book, this is what he would see. How great it is to see his imagination building off of Dahl's. They're a great match.
Johnny Depp plays Wonka in a way that no one could have expected, but his risky portrayal does NOT come across as a pretentious actor trying to impress everyone with his versatility in a role that does not call for it. Here Depp displays real brilliance, because he does something completely unexpected and not only pulls it off, but makes the film. This is even more impressive considering that, prior to his introduction, the film is so enjoyable he almost seems unnecessary.
As usual, Elfman's soundtrack is the perfect complement to Burton's visuals. He even succeeds in making something as benign as chocolate bars appear menacing in the opening credit sequence. The Oompa Loompa songs are also very enjoyable, because both Burton and Elfman know how to present them in a tongue-and-cheek manner that keeps them from being corny.
Not to mention that the simple message of the story is an important one for both young and old. This is a morality play without any subtlety, and that's OK. The kids get what's coming to them, and Charlie gets what's coming to him. Still, it's not preachy or sickeningly sweet. As Wonka would demand, it mixes the ingredients just right to create something truly delicious.
This is Burton, Depp, and Elfman at the top of their game. I'm glad it has been recognized as the summer's biggest hit, an honor it truly deserves. With "The Corpse Bride" less than a month away, 2005 really looks to be an outstanding year for Burton. 10/10!