CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Stars ìììì

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—really good take on the remake of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory—presents a more expansive view of Willy Wonka’s life and why he became a chocolatier; but, once again the remake is not as good as the original. Johnny Depp seems nervous, not quite at home in his Willy Wonka character; but, as always, rises to the occasion and still manages to pull off a good rendition of the Willy Wonka personality. The rest of the cast could not compare with the original casting for this film. There’s a certain indefinable ‘heart’, call it innocence if you will, that permeates the original production that has been lost in the remake.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Charlie, an impoverished child, with a large propensity for humility, receives a Willy Wonka bar that contains a coveted Golden Ticket which allows the bearer of the ticket access to a personal tour of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The real competition, as Charlie eventually finds out, has nothing to do with winning the Golden Ticket, but a great deal to do with personal ethics, morality, and codes of conduct that uniquely put humans in places for prospering and doing well.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director Tim Burton. Thank you to Executive Producers Bruce Berman, Graham Burke, Michael Siegel, Patrick McCormick, and Liccy Dahl for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore), Grandpa Joe (David Kelly), Mrs. Bucket (Helena Bonham Carter), Mr. Bucket (Noah Taylor), Mrs. Beauregarde (Missi Pyle), Mr. Salt (James Fox), Oompa Loompa (Deep Roy), Dr. Wonka (Christopher Lee), Mr. Teavee (Adam Godley), Mrs. Gloop (Franziska Troegner), and Violet Beauregarde (AnnaSophia Robb).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The original is better than the remake; but either movie makes a great child/adult share with much opportunity for discussion about the meaning of the movie after the watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers