The Chocolate Factory Delivers

Rating: 8/10 (27 November 2005)

The remakes just keep on coming and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is no exception. But as is usually the case with Tim Burton at the helm, viewers are in for a treat.
The production values on this flick must have been sky-high and the breath taking visuals are nothing less than what you would expect from Burton. They almost go so far as to steal the show, and kids will love marveling at the imaginary factory on screen and getting lost in the fantasy.
For older viewers there doesn't seem to be a lot to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but glimpses of Willy Wonka's childhood lend some depth to the proceedings, culminating at the end with his confrontation of some childhood issues.
My other gripes with the film were the musical numbers which came across as somewhat contrived, cheesy and unnecessary, if anything they could have been shortened to a minute at most. The new Oompa Loompas look very creepy indeed but that could just be me..!
But regardless of any little story and musical gripes, you're simply going to be sucked into the fantasy of this film and it's a great ride.
I've never been a huge fan of Johnny Depp but this film did it for me and he does an amazing job with Willy Wonka with a lot of subtle nuances and quirks and some great lines. I was also skeptical about newcomer Freddie Highcomer in the titular role but all my fears were blown away by this kid. He shows a lot of promise. Praise also has to go to Helena Bonham-Carter and Noah Taylor in supporting roles, they were great in the short time they were on screen.
Highly recommended for kids and and the kids in all of us older folk.