What you'd expect from Tim Burton and Johnny Depp

Rating: 9/10 (14 January 2006)

Instantly when this film was released everyone was comparing it to the musical "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" released in 1971. Well to tell the truth, this version really ISN'T a remake. After all, it was based solely on the book, and the screen writer never even saw the 1971 musical. That being said, "Charlie" sticks much closer to its source material and, in the end, is a better movie. Yes, "Willy Wonka" has a tremendous amount of sentimental value for me, and Gene Wilder gave a twisted performance, but "Charlie" has much more heart and is visually amazing.
The new title of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" instead of "Willy Wonka" really makes it evident of who this movie really is about: Charlie. Freddie Highmore plays Charlie with such honesty, he is a really endearing character and a truly selfless person. Much of the film's charm really comes from the heart that Freddie Highmore puts in to his performance. He really has quite a career ahead oh him.
I know that a lot of people had a complaint about the Oompa Loompas, like how they "didn't sing the Oompa-Loompa songs like in the old one!" Well actually the songs in the movie contain actual lyrics in the book, and the songs are pretty catchy in a weird and kind of annoying way. And it's really great to get a look at the Oompa Loompa's origins and Wonka's childhood and background.
Johnny Depp is energetic and he simply demands to be seen, as always. He gives a hilarious and wild performance as Wonka, although a far cry from Gene Wilder's psycho maniac Wonka. He is really convincing in the way that he really has no social skills and can't interact with people. And another thing I liked about this film over "Willy Wonka" was the connection between Charlie and Wonka. In the "Willy Wonka", they really show no connection until the end, which by itself is pretty abrupt. However, you can tell that there's real bond that forms between these two from the start, and it works out much better.
Visually the movie is a miracle. It steps up from the 1971 musical in terms of color and style, and it has a very vibrant and imaginative look to it. Granted, some of the visual effects look like crap, but the overall experience is a wonder.
"Charlie" ranks right up there with some of Tim Burton's best films, such as Edward Scissorhands or Big Fish. It's visual flair and big, big heart is irresistible and hugely entertaining. I would recommend this for anyone who even liked "Willy Wonka", or anyone who likes Roald Dahl and his twisted imagination. This is a movie with tons of laughs and a lot of charm, so it really stands out as one of the best family movies in recent memory. Absolutely superb.