Review: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

'The best kind of prize is a surprise!'

★★★

Tim Burton's remake of Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is a decent remake. Gene Wilder's film is hard to beat, but it does offer a whole lot of new ideas, new jokes, amazing set designs, and good casting. Burton's signature gothic style is evident in the whimsical yet dark atmosphere of the chocolate factory, giving it a unique twist that sets it apart from the original.

The original film was more lighthearted, vibrant, funny, and a bit playful, with bits of darkness sprinkled onto it. Burton's film, on the other hand is a lot more gothic, which fits with his style more. It actually works here, surprisngly, and offers a refreshing feel for the story.

Johnny Depp's portrayal of Willy Wonka is certainly a departure from Wilder's iconic performance, adding an eccentric and childlike quality that feels refreshingly different. The backstory given to Wonka offers insight into his character, transforming him from a quirky enigma into someone with a relatable past. Depp's portrayal, compared to Wilder's is a much darker and sinister apporach, which most people had an issue with, but I found it appropriate to the tone and mood of the film. I'll admit that he made me crack up a few times.

While Johnny Depp's portrayal was seen as the problem of the movie, the kids were perfectly cast. They perfectly captured the characters from the book, making you hate most of them, and liking the rest, specifically, Charlie. Mike Teavee definitely grew up to be a Twitch streamer.

The Oompa Loompas, played by Deep Roy, brings a new level of charm and humor, which I found to be a bit bland. The updated visuals, from the vibrant river of chocolate to the stunning landscape of edible wonders, create a feast for the eyes that immerses viewers in Dahl's fantastical world. Tim Burton is a visionary and his films show that, by featuring impressive model work and visual effects.

I have some issues with the songs in the film. They didn't seem very interesting and felt out of place. However, I did enjoy the film's score; I found the songs to be silly and mismatched. If they had followed the approach of the original film, it would have worked better, as those songs were written like poetry. I'm not blaming Danny Elfman for that, sometimes, things can be misunderstood. That's all. Another issue is Wonka's backstory. I often find this problematic in many Tim Burton films, as he tends to give characters backstories that really aren't necessary. Burton often does this to give context to a subplot.

While some purists may prefer the original film, Burton’s version successfully introduces the story to a new generation, capturing the essence of Dahl's storytelling while providing a fresh take that invites deeper reflection on themes like greed, family, and the consequences of one’s choices. Overall, it stands as an entertaining addition to the beloved story, showcasing Burton's distinctive flair. Also, Burton's film is more accurate to the book, so that's a plus right there.