Featured Film Review
Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
Warner Bros. © 2005
Starring: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly & Helena Bonham
Carter
Directed by Tim Burton
Based on the novel by Roald Dahl (screenplay by John August)
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 fantasticly 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 spoilt 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.
Reviewer: Branwynn Annwn
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