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Amazon.co.uk Review
Director Tim Burton’s take on Roald Dahl’s classic story is undeniably more faithful to the source material than the 1975 musical retelling of the same story. His Charlie & The Chocolate Factory is also a slightly darker, visually inventive film, and is ultimately a tasty treat that the whole family can enjoy.
Filling the coat of Willy Wonka is frequent Burton collaborator Johnny Depp--the pair have previously worked together on the likes of Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood and Sleepy Hollow--and what fun he clearly had. His Wonka is a kooky, isolated figure, extremely distrusting and clearly uncomfortable around the children who win a golden ticket to look round his factory. Burton invests time in his main character, giving him a rounded back story that pays dividends, and while some will inevitably prefer Gene Wilder’s edgier take on the same role all those years ago, Depp nonetheless is on strong form. The cast around him also perform well, particularly Freddie Highmore in the title role.
The story is as you’ll likely remember it, with five children given the chance to visit Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory. And what a visual treat that factory is, bursting with colour and vibrancy. Along the way, they encounter chocolate lakes, industrious squirrels and the infamous oompa loompas, and truthfully, it’s fun to be along for the ride.
Is it better than that aforementioned 1975 version? Actually, it’s just different. Each film will no doubt have its legion of fans, but the bottom line here is that Roald Dahl’s classic has provided the source for an enjoyable, well pitched movie with plenty of rewatch value. Now if only they’d go and film Charlie & The Great Glass Elevator…--Simon Brew
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory was one of my favourite books as a child. I liked the Gene Wilder version but agree with some other posters here it was a little 'nicey-nicey' so I was looking forward to Tim Burton/Johnny Depp's take on the story. The material seemed a perfect fit for them. Some elements of this film I liked very much: the Oompa Loompas (although I could not understand a word they said so the message was kind of lost, perhaps this was down to the cinema's sound system..), the cracking sets, the cinematography and the cast in general. HOWEVER.... as some other posters have pointed out - there was something a little 'off'... My main criticisms are around 1) the 'back story' which seemed very contrived and a bit pointless. Part of Wonka's appeal is his mysterious-ness, as if he were born under a gooseberry bush or something. Depp's catatonia as we go into his mind's eye - well basically it seemed very contrived and stopped the narrative in it's flow. It did not need to be there - or could have been done better. I liked Christopher Lee though. 2) Johnny Depp's Wonka. I liked parts of his performance - but he really did seem like a Michael Jackson clone and his mannerisms didn't seem natural, it was almost as if Johnny was showcasing his acting ability - oh look at mr 'range'! There was just something unappealing about him. Shame because generally I am a big fan.
Gene Wilder's Wonka , though not perfect, is more Wonka to me than Depp. I much preferred Wilder's simpler entrance than Depp's (clowns on fire just doesn't do it for me). Maybe combine the two and you would have the perfect screen Wonka? Still, gripes aside I mostly enjoyed this film, if only for its spectacle and because it's just a cracking story with old-fashioned values that we can all relate to - which is a comforting thought in our modern world.
Gene Wilder's Wonka , though not perfect, is more Wonka to me than Depp. I much preferred Wilder's simpler entrance than Depp's (clowns on fire just doesn't do it for me). Maybe combine the two and you would have the perfect screen Wonka? Still, gripes aside I mostly enjoyed this film, if only for its spectacle and because it's just a cracking story with old-fashioned values that we can all relate to - which is a comforting thought in our modern world.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I'm old enough to remember watching the original adaptation 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' with Gene Wilder, as a wide eyed child, and so I wasn't expecting much from this film as I knew what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised with this film. It's the same story of Charlie and his golden ticket but told in a completely different way. Everything is 're-imagined' (a term familiar to Tim Burton) and Willy Wonka is not the willing showman of old, but instead an eccentric character with a squeaky voice, bobbed hair and a backstory of a stern dentist father.
There are plenty of jokes and funny moments to make you laugh and Johnny Depp is wonderful as Wonka. He's creepy yet innocent and totally watchable. The Oompa Loompas made me laugh and weren't as creepy or terrible as I'd been led to believe.
A nice movie and any child would enjoy it with the same wide eyed wonder that I'd enjoyed with the earlier film.
There are plenty of jokes and funny moments to make you laugh and Johnny Depp is wonderful as Wonka. He's creepy yet innocent and totally watchable. The Oompa Loompas made me laugh and weren't as creepy or terrible as I'd been led to believe.
A nice movie and any child would enjoy it with the same wide eyed wonder that I'd enjoyed with the earlier film.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Based on a Roald Dahl novel, however loosely, the story is still there. I think that if you watch the film as something separate to the book then this film would be vastly enjoyable. I think that it appeals to all ages, children love the bright colours and adults can appreciate the subtlety of Johnny Depp's performance.
Depp and Burton always have the ability to some together and create something wonderful, mesmerising and beautiful and this film is no different.
Throughout the film it is clear that Willy Wonka has some elements of Michael Jackson incorporated into his character, however it is also clear that these references are very much tongue in cheek and not designed to cause offence. I feel that Wonka's character has been interpreted in a very original way, and though it may not be true to the book it is certainly and enjoyable performance to watch.
For Burton fans there are the very Burton-esq qualities that we have come to expect with the massive contrast between the lighter and the darker moments of the film.
I give it 5 stars as a fan of both Johnny Depp and Tim Burton, and I encourage anyone to watch it.
Depp and Burton always have the ability to some together and create something wonderful, mesmerising and beautiful and this film is no different.
Throughout the film it is clear that Willy Wonka has some elements of Michael Jackson incorporated into his character, however it is also clear that these references are very much tongue in cheek and not designed to cause offence. I feel that Wonka's character has been interpreted in a very original way, and though it may not be true to the book it is certainly and enjoyable performance to watch.
For Burton fans there are the very Burton-esq qualities that we have come to expect with the massive contrast between the lighter and the darker moments of the film.
I give it 5 stars as a fan of both Johnny Depp and Tim Burton, and I encourage anyone to watch it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Oompa-Loompas are crazy for Coco-Beans...and Johnny Depp adds a...
(THE FILM)
Acclaimed director Tim Burton brings his vividly imaginative style to the beloved Roald Dahl classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,
about eccentric... Read more
Acclaimed director Tim Burton brings his vividly imaginative style to the beloved Roald Dahl classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,
about eccentric... Read more
Published 19 days ago by S. F. husseiny
Great, despite being a Tim Burton film
I am not a fan of Tim Burton at all, but this film was really good. It is a bit overdone in the scenery as their house is just so over-the-top falling to pieces comparing to the... Read more
Published 21 days ago by C. Pechabadens
Charlie
Fantastic film. Great product. Grandson was riveted throughout. By far the best version of this subject. johnny Depp was fantastic.
Published 1 month ago by Mr. D. T. Johnson
Charlie & the choc factory
It is difficult not to respect Johnny Depp - he approaches every role with cunsummate skill. Freddie Highmore does another of his excellent performances too. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Hoverlloyd
Brilliant!
My son thinks this is a fantastic film and has watched it many times now. I wasn't sure if it would be as good as the original but the cast is great with the child actors stealing... Read more
Published 3 months ago by GillK
great remake
A wonderful remake of a classic film - Depp not really a favourite of mine usually but he is funny and well acted in this film - enjoyed all of it - even the more father and son... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mr. Paul J. Kenney
Chocolatey
I love Mr Depp,anything he does,so I am not very impartial.Any how,the whole family enjoys this movie,we watch it a least once a month. Read more
Published 9 months ago by I. Brenna
Charlie & chocolate Factory
Find myself wanting the kids to put this on as find it fantastic, My Daughter has read the book and knows virtually all of the words now and my younger son thinks its fab. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Augustus
Great fun
Johnny Depp plays a wacky role in this adaptation of the film.
Very enjoyable, the computer graphics are brilliant and the whole thing well acted. Read more
Very enjoyable, the computer graphics are brilliant and the whole thing well acted. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Mr. R. A. Jenkins
AWESOME!
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY is brilliant! Anyone who doesn't like it doesn't know what a good film looks like! Read more
Published 11 months ago by G. Stephenson
Listmania!
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