Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Review Thread

[{OF}MadD!]

I was pleasantly surprised by this film, and 20 minutes into it, I was really into it, laughing at all the silly gags, and taking in the bizarre set design that enhanced the look and feel of the film. Johnny Depp's Willy Wonka is very strange, in an odd way, you never quite know what depths lie his mischievious streak, perhaps that's the idea, but a little off-putting, nonetheless. Using one guy for all the oompa loompa's was a push for me, some of it was good, but such uniformity in a race sort of dulls my interest in them, even if they have different voices. The children are pretty good in their roles, Freddie Highmore continues to impress with his wisdom beyond his year, and his earnest portrayal of a boy with a good set of values, in spite of temptation that awaits him. The film seldom drags, lots of funny little quips, and big sight gags were a treat, plus I almost fell out of my seat towards the end of the film as Mike TeeVee's segment came to bear. That was good stuff.

Tim Burton's directorial flavor certainly enhanced this film, and this is the sort of material that suits his odd cinematic eye, and he does a fine job transporting the audience to another place while maintaining that fine line between humorous winks to the audience and out and out strangeness for such an environment that is the Wonka Chocolate Factory.

I give it 3.75 stars, or a grade of A- (deducting for Johnny Depp's choices while portraying Willy Wonka as he did.)

[ilikemittens]

Saw it yesterday with Laura. I thought it had some pretty funny moments but overall I was a little bit disappointed with the movie. I actually really enjoyed Depp's portrayal of Willy Wonka, though it is nothing at all like the original, I thought he was funny and I enjoyed watching him.

As always, I simply love the style Tim Burton brings to a movie. He does an amazing job of creating a truly different yet familar world.

I'd give it a B. Still a great movie, but just a lot different than the original.

[ilikemittens]

Ehhhh... I thought it was all right. Maybe I'm just too stuck on how great the original was. Every time the Oompa Loompa songs started I rolled my eyes - they were damn near close to ruining the movie for me. It really wasn't them, I kinda liked their new look and story (and height) but their songs. Just really corny to me. BUT I liked the new Willy Wonka character and the added history to him. And of course I liked the new ending

I was anxious to see how the tunnel scene would go and while it didn't build as much suspense (or scare me) as the first I thought it was still pretty well done.

Charlie was soooo cute. They did a really good job picking the children for the parts. Did anyone else notice the eyes on these kids? Freakin' insane! Especially Augustus and Violet lol. Violet's face during the blueberry scene (after she had blown up) reminded me a little bit of the Exorcist...

I know that wasn't much of a review but I just wanted to talk about it lol. I give it a B- though, and I think I'm being nice doing that.

[Arctic_Fox]

For me it was an excellent example of what a remake should be. Along with War of the Worlds that makes 2 great ones for this summer. Willy Wonka as portrayed by Depp was interesting, as he made Wonka seem like a kid who had never really grown up, yet somehow created the greatist chocolate factory on earth, unlike Wilder's which was a more adult Wonka. I thought the Oompa Loompa songs were a nice touch as well. The jhighlight of the move was the 5 kids. Each one portrayed their character almost perfectly. They were each as annoying and at the same time fun to watch as their characters should have been. They all put the perfect amount of exaggerated character and normal kid into their characters to make them believeable. Adding a backstory for Wonka was also a nice touch.

Without spoiling anything, I can say muy only dissapointments were the lack of a certan key scene (bubbles) and that the boat scene wasnt the rollercoaster I seemed to remember from the first one.

My grades an A, specifically because of the excellent direction, sets, cinamatography and acting.

[{OF}Malicious Assault]

I didn't like the first one much and will probably wait until this one comes out in video. Might change my mind though if I can go for free.

[{OF}MadD!]

The Oompa Loompas were never my favorite part of the original and continue to be the least favorite part in this version. The songs were pretty catchy, and I'm still humming the Willy Wonka song from the trailer and the beginning.