Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) User Reviews

The Fabulous Return of Willy Wonka

[rspoelders · 7/10 · 5 July 2005]

Yesterday I had the pleasure of watching "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" at the Wilkinson American Movie Day. And, oh boy, I was in delight! Don't expect a bleak remake of the amusing (and rather psychedelic) 1971-version. It is in every way a genuine Tim Burton-movie, stacked with beautiful imagery, wacky humor and bizarre characters, but at the same time faithful enough to the spirit of the novel. Roald Dahl would've been proud. It also features outstanding performances by the entire cast. Johnny Depp gives us a strange, almost creepy Willy Wonka, Freddie Highmore is a perfect Charlie, the Grandparents are lovable and wacky, and the five other children and their parents are amusingly irritating. And last but not least, an excellent soundtrack by Mr. Danny Elfman, reminiscent of both Edward Scissorhands and his early Oingo Boingo-days. Go see this with your parents, children, grandparents, movie buff-friends, nephews and nieces ... they will be equally delighted!

Burton Studied the Book's Original Illustrations

[thurberdrawing · 8/10 · 18 July 2005]

If Tim Burton's out there I just want to thank him for bringing the spirit of the book's original illustrations to the screen. He even matched the facial expressions to the drawings, especially in the case of Charlie's family. Charlie himself looks like one of the drawings, and the Bucket house is so much like the illustrations it caused me to realize that Burton is as visual as any movie director can be. (Recent editions feature the work of a different illustrator. I'm talking about the illustrations from the 1960s. The difference between the older illustrations and the newer ones is the older ones feature a lot of cross-hatching. I imagine the older illustrations are still available, especially in a hardcover, but you'll need to search the net.) I don't know how he did it, but he got the facial expressions of Charlie's family and of Mike Teavea's father down perfectly. He also absorbed Dahl's sense of humor. The opening fifteen minutes or so, in which the winners of the golden tickets are announced one by one, really get Roald Dahl's sense of the ridiculous. I think Burton's addition of Wonka's childhood story fits well, although I'll agree that the way this is resolved is not completely in Dahl's spirit. Even in the resolution, however, Burton maintains sly humor. It is well-acted by everybody. I'd like to say that Julia Winter, who plays Veruca Salt, has turned in a truly well-observed comedic performance. Depp converts the novel's jaunty, precise Wonka into a quirky one, but it works well, because, as in the novel, Wonka's endearing traits contrast with the fact that he's a tyrant. Roald Dahl gets a rap for his cynicism, and this movie softens his message a bit. Dahl is a bit like Orwell. Both of them point out that man, given power, will exploit his fellow human beings. CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY the movie is not quite as dark as the book. But it comes very, very close.

Little girl? Don't touch that squirrel's nuts! It'll make him crazy!

[lastliberal · 8/10 · 11 August 2009]

I never cease to be amazed by the versatility of Johnny Depp. Whether he is a pirate or writing Peter Pan or an adventurer or a criminal, he never fails to entertain. There is nothing he hasn't done in his 45 films, or will not have done in the five films currently in production or the 15 films in pre-production. Even as the creepy Willy Wonka (Think Michael Jackson for comparison.), he was magnificent. Maybe we have to blame his father (Christopher Lee) for some of that creepiness. After all, depriving your child of Halloween candy is just mean.

But, the real star of this film was Charlie (Freddie Highmore), who was the only sane child that arrived at the factory. He was surrounded by four of the most obnoxious children (and their obnoxious parents) that I have ever seen. They got what they deserved.

The color, imagination, costumes, and sets were magnificent. It was such a pleasure to watch.

Depp comes through again. I am not surprised.

Nothing could be sweeter...

[griffin84 · 12 July 2005]

Growing up, my favorite book was, easily, "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory". Roald Dahl's magical tale of a young boy's adventure in the strange factory was spell-binding. Though I never had a problem with the original "Willy Wonka" move with Gene Wilder (despite how unfaithful it was, it was still a cute and heart-warming movie), I was doing back-flips when I heard Tim Burton, quite possibly my all-time favorite director, would helm a new version of the movie.

First and foremost, Johnny Depp is perfect as Willy Wonka. What people don't really pick up from the first movie is that Wonka was intended to be, well, crazy. He was eccentric and freaky, the way he allowed the rotten children to get what they deserved and protected his factory like it was his child. Gene Wilder portrayed Wonka more like a fatherly-figure, and really was just too nice. Depp pulls out all of the stops as a new Willy Wonka, though there are times that any audience member will get just a bit freaked out.

What I loved most about the movie was how faithful it was to the book. Everything that was mentioned, from the chocolate palace to the hair toffee, was taken directly from the book. I was incredibly impressed.

This is definitely a movie for everyone, especially those of us who hold the original tale in our hearts. Wonka chocolate bars for all!

A mixed bag

[Jithindurden · 6/10 · 7 December 2023]

In a lot of ways, this is way better than the 1971 version and in a lot of other ways, this is way worse. It seems that this is supposed to be closer to the original story but those seem to be a few things and the biggest differences are completely new ideas written for this movie. The film is so, so great with Burton's storytelling finesse up until they enter the Chocolate Factory. The grandpa's connection to the factory was great. Depp's Wonka is a whole different character than Wilder's but just the change wasn't the problem. Wilder made that whole movie great while Depp just like his character made the movie awkward. It was just awkward and not funny to see him trying to be too weird and awkward all the time. Willy Wonka is not particularly likeable with most of his actions, so Wilder's version was a charming guy who ultimately does the right thing, so it worked. Here, not only he's weird and unlikeable throughout the movie, but even at the point where the previous movie ended, he doesn't do the right thing. Now, the backstory given to him just didn't feel right until the end when it is used for further change in character. Even though that part was nice, it didn't feel rightly placed. Burton doubling down on the problematic aspects doesn't help too much either. The Oompa Loompas were a bit too much and all those songs were annoying as hell. However, it also had incredible visuals throughout the movie using both practical effects and CGI, the film looks beautiful in a unique way only Burton can do.

Rather disappointing effort from Tim Burton...

[TheLittleSongbird · 6/10 · 15 June 2009]

I know that the 1971 musical was unfaithful to the book, but I did much prefer that version to this well-intentioned but somewhat disappointing effort from Tim Burton, the director of Batman and Edward Scissorhands, and this adaptation was in some way more unfaithful in spirit than the 1971 film. The film does have some lovely sets and inventive visuals, the boat scene is fun if not as much as in the Wilder version, a great job is done with the Veruca Salt/squirrel scene and I liked the performances of Helena Bonham Carter, David Kelly and Freddie Highmore. But I was disappointed with Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka. He just lacked the charm and grace Gene Wilder brought to the character, and I don't think Roald Dahl intended a characterisation that was more Michael Jackson than Willy Wonka. Some of the cast overact, especially the girl who plays Veruca Salt, even for the character the spiteful spoilt brat act was way overdone. I liked the music score by Danny Elfman which is filled with whimsy and appealing oddballness(I much prefer his Edward Scissorhands and Nightmare Before Christmas scores however), but the Oompa Loompa songs were rather annoying with none of the noisy melodies memorable and were shot like a music video. Tim Burton evidently tried to make the story darker, and in some respects to the book, it didn't quite work. A good example was the case of the additional character of Dr Wonka, as much as I like Christopher Lee, and he did perform well, but his character was unnecessary, and the script with some over-explanatory narration lacked the sparkle of the 1971 film consequently. The grandparents did bring some comedy, and the movie does start off well. But the unfaithfulness of the last half, meant that the whole film felt rushed and lacking in charm and magic which the Wilder had aplenty. 6/10 Bethany Cox.

Legendary to any kid from the 2000's

[freidenbergdavid · 9/10 · 6 February 2021]

Every bit of it hits you with amazing childhood memories. Watching it as an adult, you get to notice many dirty puns between Willy Wonka and Violet's mother almost explicit lol. The songs by the oompa lumpas are still pretty dull and useless though

Burton does it again !

[EdBloom · 9/10 · 5 July 2005]

I have seen Charlie & The Chocolate Factory last night and though I usually don't care very much in giving my opinion, the journey M. Burton and his team made me cross deserves an homage. Especially with all that criticism rising around the film before it has been released.

I have been a Tim Burton fan for more than a decade now; I grew up with his films. But what I have been through yesterday his really unique. I actually never thought he would offer us such a film one day. Fans of his first period, with all the lonely and desperate characters won't like it for sure. Since Mars Attacks !, and more specifically since Big Fish, Burton decided to tell things differently. His vision of the world slightly changed in every of his films : now, the rejected freak comes down to the world and stays. A world that remains frightening and weird even thought we call it "reality" but a world worth living in. And that's what Charlie & The Chocolate Factory is all about… It all begins with a main title sequence that may be one of the main weaknesses of the film. The sequence is very entertaining and visually ambitious but they decided to go with CGI and it looks like it was a decision they made in last minute. Since the film was proudly made with "real" sets, "real" Oompas Loompas, "real" squirrels, the main title looks inappropriate. It's not that important but it's a Tim Burton film and we know how much he usually works on his main title. Hopefully, Danny Elfman is there with a crazy mix of the Edward Scissorhands and Spider-Man (the music when the title of the film appears gave me shivers), a true musical roller-coaster that gives a hint on what his score will sound like through the film.

After that, it's just emotions. All kinds of them: laughs (many – the audience laughed almost every thirty seconds), tears of joy (we all know Charlie's gonna find that ticket but when he does, you just can't refrain your heart to beat faster), mercy (the way Burton depicts the social misery of the Bucket's family is really touching), amazement (the Wonka Factory and its many rooms is true wonder, one the most achieved design Burton ever offered us) and many mores. Very much like the book, even though it seems simple and childish, you would like to stop for a second to collect those feelings and try to analyze them but you don't have the time. It just never stops (I realize it might be a flaw for some people in fact). Burton never has been so generous in terms of human warmness.

Johnny Depp proposes another inventive and completely wacky interpretation here. I won't compare with Gene Wilder since I don't know the first film very well (pretty unknown flick here in Europe) and those comparisons should stop anyway. Depp makes of Wonka a tormented and unadapted character who doesn't know much about common courtesy and doesn't really care anyway. He built up his own universe in response to his authoritarian father and he's pretty proud of it. He just doesn't want those "weird" (a word he likes – you've all seen the TV spots) and boring parents with their despicable children to ruin what is life is based on. Yet… So Depp's Wonka is actually very moving and pathetic in his attempts to entertain his visitors. As Burton does everything he can to make you hate Augustus, Vercua, Violet and Mike at the moment you first see them, you get instantly closer to Wonka when you noticed he feels the same. In addition to that, John August's vision of Wonka's past (including an always perfect cameo by Christopher Lee) offers the character a real depth you didn't expect.

Danny Elfman is also one of the main attractions of the film. While his score is already classic Burton/Elfman work with some interesting experiments (the main themes are splendid), the songs he wrote for the Oompas Loompas are just so funny. Hugh laughs in the audience for some musical choices. Those songs don't intend to stay with you for months (it would have been hard as they're based on Dahl's lyrics that doesn't allow Broadway impulses), they're just off-beat numbers playing with many references in so many styles. Oingo Boingo fans have to buy the soundtrack when it'll come out, it'll bring them back 15 years ago.

What can I tell you more ? McDowell's sets are amazing, Pescucci's work is impressive as well as Rousselot's beautiful cinematography. Some Oscar Nominations should fall here.

As for the ending, without revealing it, August's additions are really touching and fit perfectly to Burton's new approach. Even though the final shot tempers the "family" theme that he developed through the film (it's still Burton, not Disney), Burton makes you feel good because he feels good (and what I'm writing here will ring a bell when you'll see the movie). I don't know for you but after so many distressed and pessimistic films, it really moved to see that he found a certain peace. Charlie and The Chocolate Factory is a step forward in the direction he gave to his career with Big Fish. He lost his father, he became one, he's getting older and all those questions and doubts are expressed in many important and very complex images and scenes he imagined for the film. That's why I could call this film the "Edward Scissorhands" of his new period. Those films are very different but gave me both some very essential emotions.

Thank you, M.Burton. Thank you very much

I can't shake longings for Wilder and tangerine faces...

[Two_Pieces_of_Christina · 6/10 · 17 July 2007]

Director Tim Burton has come a long way since his first job as an animator for Disney in the early 1980's. He made several animated shorts, none of which were deemed suitable for children - an early indication of Burton's dark outlook. However, his hard work and talent did not go unnoticed. His subsequent directorial work on Beetlejuice (1988), Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992) cemented his role as an experimental and visionary director/producer. Nobody else, therefore, was surely more suitable to adapt Dahl's much-loved novel, and nobody else was surely daring enough to attempt a re-make of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971, directed by Mel Stuart), that enduring classic starring Gene Wilder as Wonka.

Burton's repeated use of Depp in previous films (Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, and Sleepy Hollow to name just three) indicated him to be an obvious and, it could be argued, perfect choice to cast as Wonka. Depp is by far the best thing about this film. His character's whole persona - the costume and body language, the tone of his voice, his pithy lines delivered in a contemptuous and yet charming manner, are all presented in such a way to add up to a well deserved challenge to Wilder's crown. But does he steal it? I'd say he doesn't. For someone that grew up with Roald Dahl's novels and film adaptations, Wilder IS Wonka. Trying to ignore my obvious bias, I believe Depp does put up a good fight, and perhaps if the parents of the four terrible children had shown more spark, or been actors of a higher calibre, his comic moments would have had much more impact.

Burton's other muse, Helena Bonham Carter, is mis-cast as Charlie's mother. Her lines are delivered distractedly and with the air of someone very aware of her status in the film industry. Thankfully her role is quite minor and doesn't impact negatively upon the film. Freddie Highmore is fairly insipid, yet not offensive in his role of Charlie. The same description can be applied to David Kelley, who plays his Grandpa Joe. With the exception of Augustus Gloop, whose role is comparatively minor, the four ticket-winning children do not live up to expectations or standards set in the '71 Mel Stuart version. They simply serve to mildly irritate and disappoint, particularly Veruca and Violet. But I doubt anyone could match Julie Dawn Cole, the original Veruca.

A certain amount of furore has surrounded Deep Roy, the 4ft 4" tall actor who plays every single one of Wonka's all-singing, all-dancing Oompa Loompas. He also plays Wonka's therapist and, in a tongue-in-cheek moment, appears briefly on the closing sequence where he is revealed to be the narrator. The effects used to re-produce Roy as every single Oompa-Loompa I believe detract from the film. When viewing scenes, surely it's preferable to be absorbed and involved than to be distracted by special effects and wondering 'how/why did they do that?' Additionally, Roy's scenes are the only ones to feature music - there is no Wonka or Grandpa Joe breaking into song and dance in this adaptation. All we get here are the Oompa-Loompa's didactic lyrics, which unfortunately are drowned out by below-par sound editing.

In an unprecedented move, Burton and screenwriter James August have given Wonka a history. Christopher Lee, who is sadly under-used in this film, plays his father, and we get to find out exactly why Wonka is such an enigma. I won't reveal the outcome, short of saying it's pretty unsatisfying and takes away Wonka's mystery - the very thing that makes him appealing. Claims have been made that this adaptation follows Dahl's novel much more closely than the 1971 version, of which it does - everything is followed almost to the letter. Unfortunately, the Wonka/father storyline clearly undermines any attempt the film has made to stay true to Dahl's novel - should Dahl had wished there to be a father figure, he would have included that in his book. However, certain artistic license is always taken when adapting books and plays to the big screen, and this creativity is needed to keep images and story lines fresh and to prevent any static grounding.

As regards the imagery of the film, well, it's a Burton film and true to form we aren't disappointed. Typically, we enter and leave the film during gentle snow-fall. The poor Buckets' house leans pitifully to one side and almost makes you shiver when Charlie climbs into bed underneath a gaping whole in the roof. Colour is suitably hued down apart from certain scenes in the factory where the vibrant colours bring the songs and sets to life - the Chocolate Room and the Boat Ride come alive, and the Television Room almost blinds. The only fault I could find, and it is minor, is that at certain points of the Chocolate Room scene, the chocolate river where Augustus Gloop meets his untimely suction looks more like brown water than creamy chocolate. Apart from the afore-mentioned poor sound editing of the featured songs, audio here is of a top standard. Sound effects are clear, no dialogue is gone unheard and the musical score is in keeping with the tone of the film.

Verdict - It's easy to be over-picky when comparing a film not only to a novel, but also to an earlier, much loved and highly-established film adaptation. However, faults notwithstanding, this is watchable fare that should appeal to all ages. Is it a classic? No.

Epic for All of time

[jzmpyxkrr · 7/10 · 6 December 2020]

I watch again again and beatiful movie for me special,epic:)

An interesting remake that actually does stand alone

[tomb_92 · 7/10 · 13 April 2010]

I should hate this, being such a fan of the original, but to be honest I really like it. The story has been realised in a lot more of an appropriate way for the modern world. Tim Burton has yet again done a tremendous job of bringing this fantasy world to life. It's eccentric, wonderfully mad, funny and just lovable. It does a better job of bringing the original material to the screen than the original, the only problem I have is with Johnny Depp. I don't have I problem with his acting, I think it's great, I just feel he's been directed to play the role too weirdly. The "tragic madness" of his character doesn't sit too well with me, and I don't think all of the back-story was necessary. Aside from that it is a great film that does stand up to the original.

Ignore the negative reviews

[duncannoella · 8/10 · 1 January 2024]

I've watched this film when I was a child and since I literally forgot the whole plot I decided to watch it again and I'm actually suprised by how much I liked it like in my memories it wasn't that good. I would say ignore the negative reviews reagrdless if the film is truely accurate to the book or not. I mean maybe it doesn't respect certain aspects of the book but that doesn't invalidate the film. I really enjoyed it actually and I found it genuine, heartwarming and funny. I also love Johnny Depp's comedic portrayal of Willy Wonka. He definetly carried the film. And a big shoutout to the kids in the film too. Overall a great film that I would recommend.

As Good As I Hoped It Would Be

[ccthemovieman-1 · 9/10 · 15 January 2006]

I was pleased to have this "Willy Wonka" re-make meet my expectations. Those expectations were high, at least in the visuals department. I expected a wild, colorful ride with brilliant hues and good special effects...and I was not disappointed.

It was inventively fun with those great visuals and another wonderful kid playing "Charlie." I doubted they could ever come up with another child as appealing and nice/wholesome as one in "Willy Wonka" but they found one in Freddie Highmore. He filled the bill magnificently, as did the "brat" kids.

A different feature of this version, as opposed to the 1970 original, was that here the Oompa-Loompas were all played by just one person, a very small Indian man named Deep Roy. One of the interesting "features" on the DVD details how difficult that was to do and how much time Roy had to put in to do all the things he did.

Johnny Depp, meanwhile, "did" what he always does - do a good job of playing a weird person. I get the feeling he relates easily to strange characters. He seems to play enough of them. This was the only part of the movie, frankly, where I preferred the 1970 version: the role of Willy Wonka. Yes, Depp was interesting as always but a little too weird, too Michael Jackson-like, for my tastes. I'll take Gene Wilder's take on the character.

Otherwise, this re-make has it all over the original, simply because it has 35 years of technology and computer work that the original wasn't able to have. It made this re-make a real "hoot" to watch. Since entertainment is what the business is called, and this movie is extremely entertaining, then I have no complaints. A fun two hours!

Should Have Been Better

[ReelCheese · 6/10 · 18 July 2006]

The wonderfully whimsical Tim Burton was the perfect choice to bring a contemporary twist to the familiar tale of Willy Wonka. Unfortunately, it never really works as well as it should. Perhaps it's because we already know the story, or because Burton just doesn't translate as well when he's trying to be cute rather than weird. In particular, the musical numbers from the Oompa-Loompas, the strange little people who work in the chocolate factory, seem so out of place. Still, there is a lot that clicks, from the colorful scenery and characters to the apt performances from the child actors and Johnny Depp, who was well cast as the eccentric candy man. Children are bound to love it, but those expecting vintage Burton or a tongue-in-cheek nod to the original 1971 version will be disappointed.

Mmmmmm.....Chocolate.

[kirk-246 · 10/10 · 20 July 2009]

This movie surprisingly has many comparisons to candy.It's sweet, delightful, and rich in taste.Johnny Depp also does a marvelous job as Willy Wonka himself.There's nothing that parents will have to worry about this movie.It'll make a fine and delicious treat that the whole family will devour over and over again.It's also better than the original, in my opinion.But Johnny Depp isn't the only big star in the movie.The movie itself wouldn't be as candy-coated as it is today without the performance of Freddie Highmore( August Rush), who plays Charlie Bucket.Trust me when I say that you will be in for 115 minutes of pure and delightful fun.This is one movie that even chocolate can't top.

Willy VS Charlie

[strsavd · 7/10 · 4 February 2021]

Depending on what it is you like about Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, you may not like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as much. I personally think that it is the strangest role for Johnny Depp. Gene Wilder Willy Wonka as Having a very colorful and creative character the in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Willy Wonka seems like he has a bit of mental issues.

Fans of the original film and book avoid at all costs

[crvand0 · 11 August 2011]

Spoilers below:

I bought the DVD today as my family and I all love the original film and book. I was hopeful when I saw that it was meant to be truer to the book, but frankly this is not accurate. The book was quirky and fun, this film is dark and dull and even the storyline varies from the original source.

One of the worst parts, is the normally excellent Johnny Depp. He was truly terrible in this role and came across as a retarded, antisocial creep. The children's personalities are not explored well and the parent's even less. They hardly show any emotion when the various children fall foul of their own actions. The music is dire and the vocals are unintelligible.

Tim Burton introduced a totally unnecessary back-story that attempted to explain the weird personality of Willy Wonka. It seems having a dentist for a dad, who doesn't allow you to eat sweets, turns you into a Peter Pan/ Michael Jackson undead sweet factory owner.

The only redeeming feature of this film are the sets. However, with 35 years of CGI advancements, they are not as good as I expected and are not much better than in the first film.

Overall, if you are a fan of the original, do NOT watch this film as it will only disappoint. Only a die hard Tim Burton fan would think this is better than the original and Gene Wilder is infinitely better than Johnny Depp who despite his considerable talent, cannot save this garbage.

Good

[manitobaman81 · 7/10 · 20 August 2014]

Johnny Depp does a good job of playing a weirdo, but he's too Michael Jackson-like for my liking. I thought this was cute and not bad at all. Filled with charm, innocence and drama. The colors are amazing and seem to follow the mood of the story. It's fun watching it. Its complexity begins within its characters. It's an amazing work and everything I had hoped for. From an artistic standpoint, there were some plot elements and character developments I didn't think were totally needed. They do however drive the story, which seemed to be their purpose, so I can accept them. It's an important film, as well as very entertaining Unfairly dismissed by some as confusing.

Brilliant!

[MadMax-6 · 8/10 · 11 July 2005]

I saw this movie in Antwerp at a sponsored movie event on the 4th of July.... I was a bit reluctant to go and watch this movie but I'm glad I did! Johnny Depp is a great Willy Wonka! I never thought that there would be a version that could match or even beat the original, but this one certainly has exceeded my expectations.... The film is hilarious, speaking as an adult, I wonder how the youth responds to this, but I rate this movie 8 out of 10 stars!

For those of you expecting a copy of the original with new actors, you'll be surprised how original this version is, go and bring your entire family with you! I'm sorry for the fact that this comment looks a bit like a commercial, but I'm really enthusiastic about this flick!

Great Childhood Memories

[denuwan-27382 · 7/10 · 25 January 2021]

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Based on Roald Dahl's book, Directed by Tim Burton and written by John August. A young boy wins a tour through the most magnificent chocolate factory in the world, led by the world's most unusual candy maker. This movie has a special place in my heart because when I was little this movie was shown in every school vacation. I haven't read or saw the original book or movie. So there will be no comparison between source materials. I'm not sure the character Willy Wonka is the same in the source materials because I heard bad reviews about this version of Willy Wonka. We know every time Tim Burton doing a movie with Johnny Depp he creates his character kinda weird. Once again I'm not familiar with books or the original movie so I am going to tell how I feel about this version of Willy Wonka. Johnny Depp has done a marvelous job in this movie I loved how he acts around children and parents we know he has childhood problems so he is not comfortable with especially with invited children's parents. Freddie Highmore is ok but other child actors are better than him. Charlie Bucket's character is so flat to me. He is not doing anything at all after he entered the factory so not enough character development for his character. The visuals are magnificent the factory is a dreamland. When I first saw the scene of the chocolate river and land it's WoW. The Color combination in the factory is gorgeous. In the factory, the movie mainly focused on punishing children other than that nothing. I liked to see more details about the factory and the process of the factory. Now we are going to get a prequel movie about Willy Wonka and planning to watch the first film also. Finally, I need to say I had a good time with this movie.

Excellent

[boecksimone · 10/10 · 10 November 2020]

Excellent performance from Johnny Depp. It is a great movie to watch!

A really funny film, a great adaption of Roald Dahl's classic book

[KatieB181997 · 7/10 · 5 October 2014]

This film was released when I was 8 and I remember being really excited to see it at the cinema. The film didn't disappoint and after I got the DVD, I couldn't stop watching it. Fast forward almost 10 years after it's release, it is still one of my favourite films. The plot revolves around Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who has luckily won a ticket to visit Willy Wonka's factory along with four other children and the chaos that happens during the tour. I have seen many of Tim Burton's films so I knew this wasn't going to be a subtle adaptation and of course Johnny Depp would be in it. So if you've never liked any of Burton's films or aren't a fan of Depp, then I can guarantee you will not like this film. Burton and Depp fans though will most likely love this film. I think Depp is great as the main character, Willy Wonka, who is a chocolate tier and has recently reopened his factory to 5 lucky winners after closing it when workers stole his recipes and sold them. Is Depp better than Gene Wilder's Wonka? I'm not going to compare the two as they're both very different and great films, which happen to be an adaptation of the same book. But Depp does bring a lot of energy and comedy to the character, which I love. Freddie Highmore brings a really good performance as Charlie despite being only 12/13 at the time of filming but then again if you watch his other performances, especially Finding Neverland which he was in with Depp, you can see why Burton chose him for his character. I love the humour in this film, I don't think I've ever laughed so much at a film. The music in this film, created by the talented Danny Elfman, is brilliant and so catchy and make me love the film even more. All in all, a fantastic film. 8/10

ENTERTAINER FOR KIDS

[sunilaas · 7/10 · 28 September 2020]

An feel good movie.. Worth watching, Johnny depp carries the whole movie his reactions Marcel... definitely worth watching with kids..

A world that remains frightening and weird ...........

[anna-101-422772 · 11 July 2011]

I have been a Tim Burton fan for more than a decade now; I grew up with his films. But what I have been through yesterday his really unique. I actually never thought he would offer us such a film one day. Fans of his first period, with all the lonely and desperate characters won't like it for sure. Since Mars Attacks !, and more specifically since Big Fish, Burton decided to tell things differently. His vision of the world slightly changed in every of his films : now, the rejected freak comes down to the world and stays. A world that remains frightening and weird even thought we call it "reality" but a world worth living in. And that's what Charlie & The Chocolate Factory is all about… It all begins with a main title sequence that may be one of the main weaknesses of the film. The sequence is very entertaining and visually ambitious but they decided to go with CGI and it looks like it was a decision they made in last minute. Since the film was proudly made with "real" sets, "real" Oompas Loompas, "real" squirrels, the main title looks inappropriate. It's not that important but it's a Tim Burton film and we know how much he usually works on his main title. Hopefully, Danny Elfman is there with a crazy mix of the Edward Scissorhands and Spider-Man (the music when the title of the film appears gave me shivers), a true musical roller-coaster that gives a hint on what his score will sound like through the film.

A wonderful "trip"

[mansonbabi · 10/10 · 10 July 2005]

So I have read an awful lot of negative comments about the new "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". I myself have actually had the amazing chance to see a sneak preview of this movie in a contest and would like to put MY two cents worth in.

This is most definitely not a movie for young children with its hidden jokes and bizarre jumping about. A magical menagerie of color and wit with some very dark and eerie elements, this is a refreshing change from the very happy go lucky type movie that made up the original. While no one will ever be able to replace the truly amazing Gene Wilder as quirky chocolatier Willy Wonka, Johnny Depp adds new life and oddity to the character. The character of Charlie was wonderfully cast, using young Freddie Highmore to play him. The necessary chemistry required to make a movie actually work was extremely noticeable between Depp and Highmore because of their work together in the drama "Finding Neverland".

All in all I thought "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was a wonderful movie but definitely not for the children.