"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"

I grew up watching the Gene Wilder version of this film, and I remember being pretty apprehensive seeing that they were remaking it.  I had read the book as a kid too, and I remember noticing how different the first movie was.  Although I loved the music and the acting, I was certainly hoping that the new film would be more true to the book.  I was not disappointed.  Comparing the new film to the original is really like comparing apples and oranges.  I love the music of the old film, and of course Gene Wilder.  The new film however, has Johnny Depp, who has mastered the eccentric Willy Wonka.

As I sit here watching this, I am taken back to late nights sitting up reading all of my favorite Roald Dahl books.  From 'The BFG' to 'Witches,' and of course 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' Dahl seemed to always capture the excitement of kids behind things that were scary, secret, or delicious.  This film captures that magic, and adds a Tim Burton flair.

It takes a certain suspension of disbelief to enjoy this film I think.  That is, I suppose true of most Tim Burton films, but if you have ever enjoyed any of his other films, you will probably enjoy this one as well!  

-David

What is it about this movie that makes it so enjoyable? Could it be the sweet and self-sacrificing spirit of Charlie? The singing Umpa Lumpas? The incredible awfulness of the other children? Or Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka? Yes! All this and more make Charlie and the Chocolate Factory a very enjoyable and amusing film.

The acting is superb, from little Charlie to the four grandparents, to the Umpa Lumpas. Charlie shows us a young boy who is rich when it comes to having a caring and loving family, but is a bit less rich when it comes to everything else. His parents and grandparents love him very much and want the best for him, but they can barely get by living on cabbage soup. However, there's an underlying layer of hope, especially with Charlie's grandpa. And that hope is rewarded when he gets the last Golden Ticket!

We're taken on an adventure of edible grass, upbeat songs, and quirky behavior from Johnny Depp's Willy Wonka. It's fun, unique, and quirky, as are the majority if not all of Tim Burton's films. I would definitely recommend this version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

-Bethany