Review of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) by Jackson W — 25 Sep 2013
Well, I guess I cant talk about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory without talking more about the original. Fans of the original version typically are disgusted at this version, they ridicule it for being a terrible representation of their childhood, and overall decide they dont like it.
That, my dear friends, is the effect of rose colored glasses. I honestly dont care what others say, I really like this version too. From where I'm sitting, this version works in ways just as good, and dare I say, even better in other ways then the first one.
This film has undeniably the better visuals along with more clever songs from the Oompa Loompas. Rather than wise words from the "oompa loompa doopity doo", there are more clever lyrics along with successfully tackling a decade of music by each kid.
50's mambo for Augustus, 60's disco for Violet, 70's soft rock for Veruca, and 80's hard rock for Mike Teavee. The kids themselves are mostly better in this version too. While no one can top the hilarious Veruca of old, I got more into this Augustus, Mike, and Anna Sophia Robb's Violet Beauregarde.
Johnny Depp, admittedly, is not such an iconic image of Wonka that Gene Wilder was, but it works for what they were trying to do. I did much enjoy the backstory they gave him along with the plot twists to add to a very simple story.
To summarize, it was more modern, which may be why I enjoyed it. Really these are two different movies: the first is a family musical film, this one is more of a full length novel story. Of course, the latter is credited to Tim Burton who really does tell good stories.
And like many of his others, I like this one.
This review of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) was written by Jackson W on 25 Sep 2013.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has generally received positive reviews.
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