Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory- Synopsis
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is based
on Roald Dahl's classic book about a boy who wins a visit to a sweets factory,
run by the quirky Willy Wonka [played by Depp]. The boy encounters many
amazing scenes and adventures while touring the enchanted factory.
Actually, most of us adults already know pretty much the entire story behind
this tale thanks to the original Gene Wilder version of Wonka. The fact
that Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a re-telling
of this same story is really the only weakness this film has. The Tim Burton
version of Charlie takes us through the exact same steps, or should
I say rooms, where we encounter each child falling to their demise. In the
end, we know who will win the prize and how things work out; well sort of.
This new re-telling of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory does do
a few things different that the original. First, we take a much deeper look
at Wonka, played by Johnny Depp, and the events that made the character
become the most eccentric chocolate factory owner on the planet. Second,
the ending is much different than the Wilder version, but I would have to
give away some spoilers to be able to discuss it. Third, there are tons
of small differences between the two films that will require you to pay
attention to details to notice. One such major difference is the use of
squirrels cracking nuts instead of giant geese dropping golden eggs [squirrels
were the original idea laid down by Dahl].
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory- Review
Depp's Wonka is creepy and lovable
Mike hates chocolate, but figured a way to win by buying only one bar.
During the first twenty minutes of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
I sat back and thought 'wow', this is definitely going to be better than
the original Wilder version. The cinematography was excellent, the intro
was astounding, and the introductions to the children were classic. But
as we entered the amazing chocolate factory the film quickly found its groove
and ran the film with a story that everybody already knew. Is this a bad
thing? Not necessarily. But a remake that follows an acknowledged tale can
definitely turn a 'great film' into a 'very good film'.
If you were planning on seeing a wonderful family film this summer, Charlie
and the Chocolate Factory is easily your number one choice.
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