User reviews

Yesterday I had the pleasure of watching "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" at the Wilkinson American Movie Day. And, oh boy, I was in delight! Don't expect a bleak remake of the amusing (and rather psychedelic) 1971-version. It is in every way a genuine Tim Burton-movie, stacked with beautiful imagery, wacky humor and bizarre characters, but at the same time faithful enough to the spirit of the novel. Roald Dahl would've been proud. It also features outstanding performances by the entire cast. Johnny Depp gives us a strange, almost creepy Willy Wonka, Freddie Highmore is a perfect Charlie, the Grandparents are lovable and wacky, and the five other children and their parents are amusingly irritating. And last but not least, an excellent soundtrack by Mr. Danny Elfman, reminiscent of both Edward Scissorhands and his early Oingo Boingo-days. Go see this with your parents, children, grandparents, movie buff-friends, nephews and nieces ... they will be equally delighted!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Based on Roald Dahl's book, Directed by Tim Burton and written by John August. A young boy wins a tour through the most magnificent chocolate factory in the world, led by the world's most unusual candy maker. This movie has a special place in my heart because when I was little this movie was shown in every school vacation. I haven't read or saw the original book or movie. So there will be no comparison between source materials. I'm not sure the character Willy Wonka is the same in the source materials because I heard bad reviews about this version of Willy Wonka. We know every time Tim Burton doing a movie with Johnny Depp he creates his character kinda weird. Once again I'm not familiar with books or the original movie so I am going to tell how I feel about this version of Willy Wonka. Johnny Depp has done a marvelous job in this movie I loved how he acts around children and parents we know he has childhood problems so he is not comfortable with especially with invited children's parents. Freddie Highmore is ok but other child actors are better than him. Charlie Bucket's character is so flat to me. He is not doing anything at all after he entered the factory so not enough character development for his character. The visuals are magnificent the factory is a dreamland. When I first saw the scene of the chocolate river and land it's WoW. The Color combination in the factory is gorgeous. In the factory, the movie mainly focused on punishing children other than that nothing. I liked to see more details about the factory and the process of the factory. Now we are going to get a prequel movie about Willy Wonka and planning to watch the first film also. Finally, I need to say I had a good time with this movie.

Depending on what it is you like about Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, you may not like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as much. I personally think that it is the strangest role for Johnny Depp. Gene Wilder Willy Wonka as Having a very colorful and creative character the in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Willy Wonka seems like he has a bit of mental issues.

I should hate this, being such a fan of the original, but to be honest I really like it. The story has been realised in a lot more of an appropriate way for the modern world. Tim Burton has yet again done a tremendous job of bringing this fantasy world to life. It's eccentric, wonderfully mad, funny and just lovable. It does a better job of bringing the original material to the screen than the original, the only problem I have is with Johnny Depp. I don't have I problem with his acting, I think it's great, I just feel he's been directed to play the role too weirdly. The "tragic madness" of his character doesn't sit too well with me, and I don't think all of the back-story was necessary. Aside from that it is a great film that does stand up to the original.

I'm admittedly a sucker for Tim Burton's aesthetic, his visual and narrative style is very captivating and unique. Despite Charlie and the Chocolate Factory not being one of his best films, there's still a lot to go for in this darker and more faithful adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic novel. I haven't watched the 1971 version in a long time, i think i saw it back when i was a kid, and never bothered to watched again. From what i understand, the 71 version is considered better, yet less faithful than this version, i can't make this evaluation, since i also haven't read the novel. What i can say for sure is that i enjoyed this version a lot, if not even more than the classic Gene Wilder one. Tim Burton, while being very faithful to the source material, brought a lot of his own identity to the movie, there's a little bit of every past Burton movie in here. The main cast was great, especially the little Freddie Highmore, whose talent was tangible from a very young age. Deep Roy was another standout as the Oompa-Loompas, his musical numbers were both hilarious and creative, the lyrics and choreography were very catchy. The most controversial thing about this movie is Johnny Depp's performance as Willy Wonka, many people didn't liked, some even stated it was an offense to Gene Wilder's iconic portrayal of the character. In my opinion, although Wilder's performance is undeniably iconic, Depp was also pretty decent in the role, despite not having the same dramatic gravitas and natural comic wit. This movie was generally a bit of a mix bag, with Freddie Highmore and the Oompa-Loompas being very high points, and Depp's performance and the CGI being more hit-and-miss. Despite some clear flaws, i'll still give the movie a positive rating since i enjoyed Highmore and Roy so much.

An feel good movie.. Worth watching, Johnny depp carries the whole movie his reactions Marcel... definitely worth watching with kids..

I watch again again and beatiful movie for me special,epic:)

I grew up reading the book, and of course with the original film, both of which I love. This remake is exactly what you'd expect from Tim Burton, it's somewhat dark, trippy, surreal and somewhat garish. Fans of his will love it, appreciate his style, and enjoy his stamp. The special effects are terrific, it's a visual feast, very colourful, so much going on. The supporting cast are super, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly and even Liz Smith are delightful. The original has such a warmth, the music, songs, but mainly Gene Wilder, and whilst I love Johnny Depp, it's the character's lack of warmth that stops it being a movie I revisit often. The music just isn't good, you could watch it twenty times and not remember a song. Way too much Deep Roy. It has its faults but it's still imaginative, bright and very entertaining.

Johnny Depp does a good job of playing a weirdo, but he's too Michael Jackson-like for my liking. I thought this was cute and not bad at all. Filled with charm, innocence and drama. The colors are amazing and seem to follow the mood of the story. It's fun watching it. Its complexity begins within its characters. It's an amazing work and everything I had hoped for. From an artistic standpoint, there were some plot elements and character developments I didn't think were totally needed. They do however drive the story, which seemed to be their purpose, so I can accept them. It's an important film, as well as very entertaining Unfairly dismissed by some as confusing.

To quote one of the sublime lines from the original, this movie is like "Cabbage water! It's not enough!" A slick and shiny shell of the original. It lacked the soul and wonder of the original.

The dialogue,uninspired.

It wasn't all bad, just a disappointment. Especially, Wonka - who seemed more dazed and confused than mysterious and strange.

Roald Dahl may hard to capture but the original is nearly perfect and this one aspires to little more than colorful weirdness.

Burton and Depp? They should have done "Return of Edward" (either one) instead.

Hello Wisconsin!

The brilliant Tim Burton impresses me once again, this time with his dark remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (I will be the first to admit that I was expecting a corny family film…it proved me wrong). Young and charming Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore) has only one wish, and that is to visit the legendary chocolate factory of Willy Wonka. Johnny Depp stars as the upbeat, yet bitter candy man (his version portrays Wonka as a wannabe crack addict…and it works very well in this "family" film). Charlie gets his wish after several attempts and finds a golden ticket, giving him and his Grandpa Joe (David Kelly) a free tour of the factory led by Wonka himself. Along with four other snot-nosed brats and their parents, the group finds mischief and adventure around every corner.

Burton's bright and colorful world for the film contradicts his usual darker style (like Batman and Edward Scissorhands), but it works as for one day the young boy goes from a life of poverty to riches in what many children would depict to be there own version of heaven…candy everywhere and very bright lights.

The choice of Depp to play Wonka could not have been any better of a fit. He's irritable, cranky, careless, and dumb. Not to say Johnny is any of those things in real life (wink wink), but if you want an actor to pull it off and still have all of America love you for it…then Johnny is your man. This is a funny good time for kids and adults (I actually saw more people my age than kids at the theater).

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has something for everyone: -great children's story; i loved the original when i was a kid, and was looking forward for this for a while -baked teenager's paradise; trippy oompah loompahs.... -12 year old girl's heaven; seeing Johnny Depp on the poster is enough. -those old enough to remember the original; i loved it, as i'm sure every other human being did. -PG rating; parents can take their kids. -spooky kids; remember, Tim Burton is directing

Great movie. Even if you're seeing it for any reason i failed to mention above, you'll love it. Johnny Depp is a great actor; his ability to avoid typecast and play any part is intimidating. His role as Willy Wonka is (dare i say) quite possibly better than Gene Wilder's. And I'm a Gene Wilder fan. Enjoy!

When I was going up in the 70s, I really enjoyed watching the original movie. Now that I have young kids myself, I was very excited to take my kids to this new version. I did not realize how well the original film was—that is how the film was put together—until sitting down and watching this new one with my kids. To make a long story short, there is no way this second film can compare to the original; but, Tim Burton does a good job.

This newer version has a lot of fun-nothing to serious-lots of laughs and cool special effects look to it. Tim and his chosen actors do not drop the ball at all in this very well-made remake. Johnny Depp was great as Willy Wonka and Freddie Highmore was good as Charlie. All others in the film follow-suit.

For those parents who remember the original film (if you're like me) you'll walk away with a better appreciation for the magic the original film created and that same magic Tim Burton creates his this newer version.

Yesterday we saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - it was a beautiful production and had us crying multiple times throughout, some very very funny moments - the only problem is Johnny Depp as Willie Wonka, he never establishes a character and is weak. I think Gene Wilder will always have that role nailed in our minds, and Johnny can't crack it.

The oompa-loompas are particularly well produced, especially considering it is all just one actor.

The problem with Johnny is we keep expecting him to express a viewpoint or have an attitude other than blasé. He has a lot of clever one liners and his deadpan "factoids" were funny.

The movie never takes itself too seriously, which is a major selling point. The characters all seem to know they are in a movie and are winking at the audience.

Of course this is closer to the book. And the great partnership between Burton and Depp puts their magnificent weirdness to perfect use here. I love that they didn't try to be the same film as the original.(Couldn't be done, of course.) This is still one you can enjoy on your own or with the kiddos of every age.

This film was released when I was 8 and I remember being really excited to see it at the cinema. The film didn't disappoint and after I got the DVD, I couldn't stop watching it. Fast forward almost 10 years after it's release, it is still one of my favourite films. The plot revolves around Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who has luckily won a ticket to visit Willy Wonka's factory along with four other children and the chaos that happens during the tour. I have seen many of Tim Burton's films so I knew this wasn't going to be a subtle adaptation and of course Johnny Depp would be in it. So if you've never liked any of Burton's films or aren't a fan of Depp, then I can guarantee you will not like this film. Burton and Depp fans though will most likely love this film. I think Depp is great as the main character, Willy Wonka, who is a chocolate tier and has recently reopened his factory to 5 lucky winners after closing it when workers stole his recipes and sold them. Is Depp better than Gene Wilder's Wonka? I'm not going to compare the two as they're both very different and great films, which happen to be an adaptation of the same book. But Depp does bring a lot of energy and comedy to the character, which I love. Freddie Highmore brings a really good performance as Charlie despite being only 12/13 at the time of filming but then again if you watch his other performances, especially Finding Neverland which he was in with Depp, you can see why Burton chose him for his character. I love the humour in this film, I don't think I've ever laughed so much at a film. The music in this film, created by the talented Danny Elfman, is brilliant and so catchy and make me love the film even more. All in all, a fantastic film. 8/10

This isn't just one of my favourite remakes, when I was a kid, this was one of my favourite films period. Not only do I think that this is closer to the book than the original, I think that the scenes that were also in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory are actually even better in this remake, but the film does have its problems. Is Johnny Depp's take on Willy Wonka as annoying as everyone says? Honestly I don't think so, but I can see where people who think it is are coming from. Is Charlie's character as overly perfect as everyone says? I guess but when you get down to it, he was written to be a sort of role model to kids, to show them the right values and morals to have.

One good point to note is that the only scene removed from the original in this remake that is noticeable is Willy Wonka's Death Tunnel (as I like to call it) which, lets be honest, was definitely removed for good reason. Take it from someone who was not that phased by films such as The Shining and Alien that the Death Tunnel scene from the original is scary enough to scar kids for life, and if that was remade in this remake... *shudders at the thought of a new Death Tunnel scene*

I think one reason this film gets quite a lot of hate is because the hate is coming from fans of the original film, but I think that what they don't realise is that this film was not so much a remake of the old film, but more a new film adaption from the book by Roald Dahl drawing little inspiration from the original movie and more from the original source, the book. And considering Roald Dahl actually didn't like the original movie for not being close enough to the book, it was probably for the best.

Overall I'd see this film is definitely a great watch for Roald Dahl fans, but maybe not for die hard fans of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and all with less insanely frighting tunnels from hell, meaning no therapy needed after watching this remake!

7/10.