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A movie directed by Tim Burton
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Rating:
Pros: Johnny Depp! Tim Burton wry take on classic.
+3
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: An enjoyable, fun romp through the Wonka Chocolate Factory!
What a visual treat this film was. The only thing I can really compare it to is the Wizard of Oz, the technicolor part. Visually, the costumes, make up, lighting, and set designs were really outstanding. The added special effects and production were nice too. I would imagine that many of the scenes are filmed with a Blue Screen as they are so brillant and involved.
OK - there are many who are slamming this film because it is not "faithful to the Gene Wilder version". Yes, they are correct it is not that film and not just another remake. Director Tim Burton should have been the big tip off that this film would have a darker and more cynical twist.
The basic story line is the same, 5 selected children visit the mysterious Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory. The gist is
this version of Willy is a little odd, part Michael Jackson (freakish) part Carol Channing (mannerisims), part Andy Warhol (expressions) part child, part dark overlord, this Willy Wonka is special.
Johnny Depp of course is Willy and it is amazing what make up and fake teeth can do to transform a person's apperance. His pallor is whiteish green and his hair is a perfect page boy with a reddish tint. As I mentioned earlier, the colors in this are vivid, his blue gloves, red hair, red velvet jacket, bright goggle glasses are all bright!
Other changes include the Oompa Loompas - they are now all one person who is morphed into many. Very cute dancing and they act as the Greek chorus and explain why each child has been culled. The kids have been updated a little as well, one ultra violent little boy is from Colorado (inside nod to Columbine?) and the sugary sweet Southerner who is simply over the top (Atlanta Georgia) were funny.
Some have criticized the sound track - mainly performed by Danny Elfman, but again, I disagree. Very funky futuristic and just plain fun. Wizard of Oz comes to mind once again and the Lollipop Kids.
The basic message is that good triumphs over evil, sweet over sour and snotty brats do not win. A very enjoyable movie for kids over 5. There are a few scenes that may be scary for our younger viewers.
The overall impact is a fun 1 hour and 15 minute PG romp through the updated Wonka Chocolate Factory. The characters are well developed and quirky but lovable. The charater of "Charlie" is played by the same little boy who carried "Finding NeverLand" Freddie Highmore.
New addition to the film is the written in character of Dr. Wonka - Willy's overbearing dentist Dad. This explains some of the reason for Willy's aversion to parents, and love of sweets. A nice touch.
The folks in the theater loved this movie and cheered at the end. The movie location was Burbank California.
Recommended:
Yes
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More Charlie and the Chocolate Fact... reviews
*** out of **** Advertised to audiences both young and old alike, the universe that Roald Dahl created in his 1964 novel "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" has always been one of dark but affectionate humor. So far, there have been two noteworthy adaptations; one in 1971 starring a memorably apathetic Gene Wilder, and another in 2005 directed by Tim Burton. And guess who plays the leading role in the latter. You know the story, you know the characters, you know the music … more
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It's no secret that the 1971 film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory became a cult classic hit after it's strange flop in theaters. What people don't know right off hand, is that Roald Dahl absolutely hated it because it deviated from his book a little too much. In fact, Dahl hated it so much he refused to sell the rights to any of his books for years. When he finally did sell the rights to another book, it would be just before he died (and from that you received the movie: James … more
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Compliments (60)
The first third of this movie, where you meet poor little Charlie Bucket and his family in their dilipidated home, where they are so poor that his grandparents sleep in one bed by the fire, head to toe, is so nearly perfect and straight from the novel by Roald Dahl that I actually got tense as Charlie opens each candy bar and still does not find that golden ticket. The disgusting children around the world finding those tickets were spot-on as well, including the best update whatsover in the movie, … more
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Compliments (12)
Tim Burton is a master at constructing brilliant and unique films that boggle the mind and defy all beliefs there films that deliver a bold new twist each time but what makes Burton a master is his attention and devotion to his story. The detail and meticulous design of the sets, the costumes, the atmosphere of his films and how they all in some strange way impart a certain message of sorts that has a bizarre connection to real life. Tim Burton's 2005 adaptation … more
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Compliments (12)
Definitely a die-hard fan of the original; Johnny Depp played a failing Wonka. Not my cup of tea.
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a twisted tim burton take on a classic story...i will say i liked it better than the origional.
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This movie was ok I was hoping it to be as good as the orginal I think it could have been better!
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Quick Tip by Laur32.
June 15, 2010
I like the story, but Johnny Depp creeped me out and so did the same actor who played the umpa lumpa- just down right disturbing.
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Quick Tip by stacie12.
June 10, 2010
Definitely better than Alice. I thought this was good, but nothing compares to the original.
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review by arichards.
November 17, 2008
Chorus: Willy Wonka, Willy Wonka The song sticks in my brain Willy Wonka, Willy Wonka, This chocolatier's insane A magician and a chocolate wiz His creations are incredible He's the best darn guy that ever lived Too bad that he's inedible When they stole his secret brews He sealed the factory tight He lost another dozen screws But … more
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About the reviewer
Fudge23
A working professional, partner and mother. I am a tech gadget loving person who enjoys saving time and money in my daily life. I review computer products, … more
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About this movie
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a 2005 film adaptation of the 1964 book of the same name by Roald Dahl. Directed by Tim Burton, the film stars Freddie Highmore as Charlie Bucket and Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka. The storyline concerns a young boy (Highmore) winning a tour through the most magnificent chocolate factory in the world, led by an eccentric candy maker (Depp).
Development for another adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory began in 1991, which resulted in Warner Bros. providing the Dahl estate with total artistic control. Prior to Burton's involvement, directors such as Gary Ross, Rob Minkoff, Martin Scorsese and Tom Shadyac had been involved, while Warner Bros. either considered or discussed the role of Willy Wonka with Nicolas Cage and Jim Carrey.
Burton immediately brought regular collaborators Johnny Depp and Danny Elfman aboard. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory represents the first time since The Nightmare Before Christmas that Elfman contributed to the film score using written songs and his vocals. Filming lasted from June to December 2004 at Pinewood Studios in England, where Burton avoided using digital effects as much as possible. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was released to critical praise and was a box office success, grossing approximately $475 million worldwide.
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Development for another adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory began in 1991, which resulted in Warner Bros. providing the Dahl estate with total artistic control. Prior to Burton's involvement, directors such as Gary Ross, Rob Minkoff, Martin Scorsese and Tom Shadyac had been involved, while Warner Bros. either considered or discussed the role of Willy Wonka with Nicolas Cage and Jim Carrey.
Burton immediately brought regular collaborators Johnny Depp and Danny Elfman aboard. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory represents the first time since The Nightmare Before Christmas that Elfman contributed to the film score using written songs and his vocals. Filming lasted from June to December 2004 at Pinewood Studios in England, where Burton avoided using digital effects as much as possible. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was released to critical praise and was a box office success, grossing approximately $475 million worldwide.
Movies, Comedy Movies, Family Movies, Kids Movies, Tim Burton Movies, Johnny Depp Movies, Book Adaptation, Roald Dahl Movies, Willy Wonka, Helena Bonham Carter Movies
Cast:
Helena Bonham Carter,
Johnny Depp,
Liz Smith,
James Fox,
Christopher Lee,
Nitin Ganatra,
Nitin Chandra Ganatra,
David Kelly,
Missi Pyle,
Noah Taylor,
AnnaSophia Robb,
Jordan Fry,
Debora Weston,
Garick Hagon,
Geoffrey Holder,
Annette Badland,
David Morris,
Freddie Highmore,
Deep Roy,
Adam Godley,
Franziska Troegner,
Julia Winter,
Philip Wiegratz,
Blair Dunlop,
Shelley Conn,
Chris Cresswell,
Phil Philmar,
Nayef Rashed,
Menis Yousry,
Hubertus Geller,
Colette Appleby,
Stephen Hope-Wynne,
Harry Taylor,
Mark Heap,
Roger Frost,
Francesca Hunt,
Tony Kirwood,
Kevin Eldon,
Eileen Essell,
Oscar James,
Todd Boyce
Director:
Tim Burton
Genre:
Family
Release Date:
July 15, 2005
MPAA Rating:
PG
Screen Writer:
John August
Runtime:
1hr 55min
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