A deliciously dark fantasy with plenty of personality, although it doesn't match the book

Rating: 7/10 (12 January 2015)

Roald Dahl is a very good children's author, and his books are definitely recommended. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of his best, centring on a boy who's one of 5 children allowed a special tour of an amazing chocolate factory owned by an eccentric chocolate making genius. The original was not a film I particularly liked although I haven't seen it for many years. This is, overall, a good, solid adaptation which has plenty of flavour and personality. Tim Burton may not be the right choice to direct, but his amazing visuals, use of quirky surrealism and interesting colour palette make the film unique and fascinating, if overly dark at times. To sum up, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the cinematic representation of a visually appealing piece of dark chocolate. The child actors, especially Freddie Highmore, are actually good for once and it's an entertaining, unique screenplay as well. There's a mild emotional centre and the ending is reasonably uplifting. In general, the film brings the book to life is visually stunning and quirky fashion, and Roald Dahl would probably like this version more as it's closer to the book.
There are flaws though. While the visuals are great, the film can feel fairly artificial and Burton avoids using too much CGI, but a lot of the film just doesn't look real. It brings Roald Dahl's dark humour to the screen, but at times it just feels a bit mean spirited. It's a bit too long as well, with an unnecessary epilogue which deviates from the source material as well as a dull flashback subplot which not even the great Christopher Lee can make interesting. The main let down is Johnny Depp's repulsive portrayal of Willy Wonka, which is creepy, off putting and completely over the top. The Oompa Loompas are quite entertaining, but Johnny Depp gives what might be his worst and most misguided performance. With the emphasis on visuals and dark humour, at times a sense of charm is lost. Also, it's possible Tim Burton, although a strong director overall, with his quirky visuals and darkness, just isn't quite the right choice to adapt the book. Still, this is a good film; not the best thing Burton has done but it's an entertaining family film with a dark and unique flavour of its own.
7/10