I don't like musicals

Rating: 6/10 (19 May 2006)

First off, you need to know that I absolutely detest musicals, and I couldn't stand the version with Gene Wilder. However, I love Johnny Depp, so I thought I'd give this film a shot. I must say I was pleasantly surprised though Johnny's impersonation of Michael Jackson was a bit eerie.
Charlie Bucket is poor, yet at the same time he is the richest kid in the world because he has a family who loves him. Though they have no money Charlie is a happy child. His only wish is to visit the chocolate factory where his grandpa Joe used to work, but it has been closed for the public for years. The eccentric owner Willy Wonka, played by Johnny Depp, has not been seen by anyone in the town for years.
Then as if someone granted his wish, Mr. Wonka writes out a contest. Five golden tickets are hidden in the Wonka bars that are sent out all over the world. Charlie has very little hopes of finding one of the golden tickets because he only gets one bar a year - for his birthday. But low and behold, Charlie manages to get two more Wonka bars this year and actually finds the last golden ticket. He takes his grandfather to the factory where they meet Willy Wonka himself. And odd things start to happen.
A lot of effort and energy has been put into this film. It is definitely a signature Burton film, which is a good thing in my book. Johnny Depp is fantastically eccentric and eerie, his performance is up to par as per usual. He is funny, yet at the same time he manages to give you the heebie jeebies, and on the other hand he doesn't have that hysterical thing Gene Wilder had going in the previous version. In this version I felt sorry for Willy Wonka, whereas in the 1971's version he just freaked me out.
The Oompa-Loompas in this version are cute, but started to annoy me when they burst into song and dance. Plus the fact that the Oompas are all played by the same actor is kind of annoying. Miss Julia Winter does an excellent job at portraying the spoiled brat Veruca Salt, and I believe we'll hear a lot from the boy who played Charlie Bucket, Freddie Highmoore, in the future.
Would I watch it again? Perhaps. If someone held a gun to my head. I did really enjoy it, but I just don't understand the concept of musicals. Therefore I think it'd be wise for me not to try and watch it again.