If only Roald Dahl had been alive to see this

Rating: 9/10 (28 September 2012)

If only Roald Dahl had been alive to see this. One of the greatest children's authors of all time, Roald Dahl, wrote the story of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" in 1964. In 1971, a musical film adaptation was released with the title "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory". Unfortunately, Roald Dahl himself hated the film, so much so that he refused to allow them to adapt his sequel. Tim Burton didn't like the original either and, as he does so well, he put his own familiar spin on it. Johnny Depp was the perfect casting choice as the lonely Willy Wonka, with similarities to his earlier character, Edward Scissorhands. I saw this film in the IMAX theater with its release in 2005 and instantly loved it. I have enjoyed it just as much every time since and I still smile when the Oompa Loompa's sing and when Willy Wonka presents to the children his chocolate room. Although I was one of the many who actually liked the original, I find this one better because with the absence of the unnecessary musical numbers, among other things, this is closer to Roald Dahl's story in tone and in content. I believe if he had been alive he would have enjoyed it, as I did, and I hope you do too.