Simply Heart Warming

Rating: 10/10 (28 November 2005)

Firstly let me start by saying that Depp was simply amazing in this movie (as usual). I genuinely believe that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory surpassed the 1971 musical staring Gene Wilder as Mr. Willy Wonka, which is saying something because believe me I simply adore the 71 version! However there was a greater depth to Depp's Wonka, with a revealing insight into his troubled childhood, which helped to shape the man he has become today. Depp adds a real insight into the mind of Willy Wonka, who from a characteristic point of view appears much more complex in this film version. We see him for what he truly is, incredibly creative, artistic but essentially he is still portrayed as a human being with human flaws. Willy Wonka is a man of mystery, an unknown, unseen phenomenon, until one day he reopens his factory for one day only and invites a few select lucky children in to freely view the wonders of his creation. However little did he know that by opening up his factory he was setting himself up to open up his heart to one boy in particular... Charlie Bucket. Through Charlie Wonka learns to love and live again. After Charlie leaves Wonka is left empty, finally unable to stand the steady decline of his creative flow, which inhibits his ability to produce the candy he is famous for, Wonka enlists the help of Charlie to regain what was lost by him so many years previous... the love and companionship of his father. As well as being an indisputable example of what makes film making great today Depp really reveals just how vulnerable even the strongest appearing of human beings can be. Highmore's Bucket also highlights the beautiful and regenerating nature of youth. Once Charlie discovers what exactly it is that has made Wonka so resentful of the family unit he sets about to change him with understanding, acceptance, and unbelievable kindness. In this respect the roles are reversed with Charlie (so old in mind for his years) allowing Wonka to revert back to the childhood that he never truly had. Even accompanying him for an emotional reunion with his father where Wonka discovers he had always been a loved child... even if it was from a distance. With this knowledge Wonka is able to move on. He has finally learnt to love and respect and is rewarded with a new extended family, his father and the Bucket's welcome Willy Wonka into a devoted and loving family unit that we can't help but hope will remain undivided. And what happened to poor, hungry Charlie Bucket? Well lets just say that with Wonka's new found compassion for humanity he and his family need never worry about money or food again!!!!