At times more satisfying then the endless amounts of chocolate displayed on screen

Rating: 9/10 (3 May 2007)

Tim Burton does it again in this clever and visually stunning adaptation to Roald Dahls' classic children book. Using his regular actor Johnny Depp as the misunderstood Willy Wonka, and re-teaming him with child star Freddie Highmore (following the touching bio-drama Finding Neverland), this new version receives that unique quirky feeling Burton creates again and again in his marvelous films. Being a man of vision and style, Burton paints the screen with surreal visions, showing us devilish squirrels and dangerous chocolate streams inside the spectacular Wonka mansion. As always, all this would never work without the pounding heart of the film  the story of two lonely soles finding friendship in the least expected place.
Not to spoil the plot for anyone, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tells the story of a little boy (Highmore) who along with several stereotypic kids wins a golden ticket which will grant him a tour in the mysterious chocolate factory run by the eccentric Willy Wonka (Depp). The tour quickly takes on a sinister turn, as the various children get punished for their sins (think of a children version for Saw or Se7en). If you want to know what happens next, put your hands on a rental quick  this entertaining ride feels like a lucid dream and is at times more satisfying then the endless amounts of chocolate displayed on screen.