Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

Reviewed by Mary Ann Quidem
July 2005

Director: Tim Burton Studio: Warner Brothers MPAA: PG

This is a movie that can stand on it’s own. It is not a remake of the original Charlie and the Chocolate movie, but an in-depth representation of the novel by Roald Dahl. The plot is based on a chocolatier’s, named Willy Wonka (Johnny Depp), search for an heir. He creates a contest in which five lucky children will be allowed into his chocolate factory, if they find a golden ticket tucked into a Wonka bar. The lucky children are Augustus Gloop (Philip Wiegratz), Veruca Salt (Anasophia Robb), Violet Beauregarde (Julia Winter), Mike Teavee (Jordan Fry), and Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore). The rest of the movie goes on to tell about their exciting look into the world of Willy Wonka.

At first I was very reserved in watching the movie, afraid it would disrupt the well-loved classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I was very surprised on how much I enjoyed the film. After seeing Johnny Depp in movies such as Pirates of the Carribean, I didn’t think he could fill the shoes of the great Willa Wonka, but he did it with style. He just creates a better atmosphere in the movie, with many jokes along the way. Also, Freddie Highmore lights up the screen with his innocence and kindness, taking the role of Charlie to a new level.

This movie had comedy, drama, and oompa loompas dancing around. What more can you ask for?