Huge disappointment

Rating: 5/10 (2 December 2005)

In 2004 I nearly got the chance to visit the set of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" at Pinewood Studios (outside of London). Two people I knew worked there (one with access to all sets) and I had planned on sitting in the trailer where the stars go to eat. I was pretty excited at the idea of meeting Johnny Depp, Tim Burton and others but alas my friend's position on the film ended up being switched around and I couldn't get in.
Then again later that year in Black Forest next to Pinewood I saw them filming the movie (outside of Charlie's house in the film) with many odd sets. The film looked fabulous in terms of production design and knowing Burton was directing I thought there was good potential for a Gothic, revisionist Charlie.
Unfortunately I've just bought the DVD and found myself utterly disappointed. Worst of all was Depp's performance. One of my favorite actors, I looked forward to him playing Wonka - and he's just not that good. Impersonating Michael Jackson or Not, Wonka just comes across as unmemorable. It's like he isn't developed to the point where you leave the theater remembering all his best lines and character traits.
I also felt somewhat cheated by the ending. The Oompah-Loompa segment(s) of the film aren't as inspired as the original and in fact I didn't like the Oompah-Loompah look in this film - a bit too...Mexican? Maybe that was the point, though.
The film is okay but I think a lot more could have been done with it. Even Burton's familiar visual styling is lacking as he uses a good amount of CGI which just makes it appear to be another average CGI-crammed blockbuster.
I hate to say this, but "Charlie" is a disappointment. At least for me.