Tim Burton takes one of the most beloved stories of all time and turns it on it's heels....

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 of Roald Dahl's   beloved children book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" has a method to its madness and a meaning to its story. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is one of Burton's best films since Big Fish and Sleepy Hollow.

Tim Burton's take on the legendary tale of  eccentric chocolate maker  Willy Wonka and  young dreamer Charlie Bucket  is a  film of meticulous   design, it is meant to be a children movie but  "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" plays out better as a quirky adult  fantasy adventure  with a PG rating. Burton doesn't spare any detail  he uses all his style  and energy  to create the bleak world of Charlie Bucket  and all his imagination and  light hearted enthusiasm to make the  beautiful chocolate factory of Willy Wonka,  it's astounding how it works, how it moves along flawlessly  telling it's story and just wowing the audience in each and every scene. It is not a cheap exploitation flick with a famous name slapped on it it is a story about a person, a place and a situation that comes to be fall that person (Freddie Highmore). Burton has not only updated a classic story for a modern generation he has effectively made a film that is both true to his quirky style and   mainstream enough for modern audiences, It's one of the best films of the last decade and also one of Burton's very best.

The film only works   whether you believe in what you are seeing; it succeeds on   how you look at it if you look at it with a cynical point of view than this film will be a terrible time and a complete waste of money to you. However, if you keep your eyes open and your mind clear of any doubt than this film will work wonders on your soul, your imagination and your imagination.  Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is a one of kind film that only he [Burton] could have come up with and executed to the peak of perfection. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is as quirky as a Burton film can be, but, in it's defense it is also  a poignant story of love, family, doing the right thing, not being spoiled or overly competitive and most of all, chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. This film is a must see for Burton/Depp fans and for fans how like their chocolate visually stunning and dark.

Johnny Depp has always been know for his dark, strange and engrossing performances  there is only one film that comes to mind that Depp has taken a light hearted turn and that was in Marc Fosters biopic of famed Peter Pan author  J.M. Barrie, "Finding Neverland". Here Depp once again displays his skills as an actor, he gives audiences a performance that does not come off as eerie but eccentric, quirky and strange which for a Burton movie that is not too had to grasp. Depp delivers every step of the way and he never falters for one minute in his audacious role as Willy Wonka. Freddie Highmore is fantastic in this he is so honest, earnest and cheerful that he lifts this film out of its dark style and brings some light into the picture. Highmore is very skilled and if he was taken seriously as an actor he would truly  be great, and he  is Highmore has all the makings of a fantastic actor and alongside Depp(For the second time)  he  holds his own quite nicely  and silences the doubters(me being one) that he is worthy of being called an actor. The rest of the cast including Christopher Lee, David Kelly, Noah Taylor and Helena Bonham Carter all deliver fine supporting performances in this fantastic fantasy adventure.

"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is fun, wild, zany, outrageously enjoyable and delightful; it is a film that so hugely entertaining it does not feel like you are watching a movie more as if you are living it Burton has done wonders here and this film does not get as much praise as it should. It is a richly layered and well thought out film that exceeds all expectations it definitely exceeded my expectations.  It shows how sometimes    the thing you want the most is not always, what is best for you   and how sometimes just because you’re down and out doesn't mean you’re any less fortunate than the next.