Roald Dahl would be proud!

Rating: 6/10 (17 July 2005)

Children's author Roald Dahl has written some of the most enjoyable and most memorable books of all time. Many of which have been made into motion pictures. Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, and currently in progress, under the direction of Wes Anderson, The Fantastic Mr. Fox. Probably one of his most famous stories is that of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This novel was made into Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory back in 1971. Now comes Tim Burton's attempt at recreating the classic story of how a poor little boy becomes one of the luckiest children in the whole world.
In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Tim Burton has his friend Johnny Depp to play the role of Willy Wonka, played by Gene Wilder in the original, a man of mystery and imagination who operates one of the most successful candy companies in the world. After many long years of seclusion, Wonka has decided to open his gates once more. He has put five golden tickets into five chocolate bars to be sent around the globe. The five lucky winners will be given a grand tour of the enormous factory. One of the five will be given a prize that is unbelievable.
A boy that lives near the factory by the name of Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore) wishes so much to find a golden ticket. He and his family can barely afford to put food on the table. They too want Charlie to win a trip to meet Mr. Wonka. When all but one of the tickets have been discovered, Charlie's chances are looking grim. By chance he finds money on the street and buys a Wonka chocolate bar. All out of luck and his previous two attempts looming over him, he opens the bar to find the last golden ticket!
The next day is the day of the tour. There he meets the other four winners: the portly Augustus Gloop, the spoiled Veruca Salt, the must-win Violet Beauregarde, and the malicious Mike Teavee. These five all seem self absorbed compared to the humble Charlie Bucket. These five are taken on a whimsical journey into imagination, adventure, and of course...chocolate.
What this movie has that its predecessor didn't was more comparison to the story. The movie doesn't focus on the outside world's craving for the golden tickets. It focuses mainly on Charlie's view from the bottom trying to scrape his way to the top. Their is more of an in depth look into the past of Wonka and how his life is impacted by his father (Christopher Lee). But what this movie lacks is a little sanity! Depp is at times a little too zany, and the Oompa Loompa's song and dances get out of control. Although they might seem childish, these parts to the movie are actually good. The compliment the crazy atmosphere of the factory. The songs are quite well done. The score of the movie and music to the songs is done by none other than Tim Burton's music man, Danny Elfman. A magnificent display of wacky music with a combination of heartwarming melodies.
Tim Burton's wacky style is ever present and his over the top display of color and direction are a plus. His creative way of telling a story is what keeps him at the top directors around. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was much better than anticipated. It's just like a chocolate bar; it is sweet, gets better with every bite, and leaves you satisfied...