Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

• I’ve never been a huge fan of Tim Burton and his work, but this is one that I severely enjoy. Now, no Wonka movie will ever, ever come close to being as good as the original. This one has its shining moments, but it’s also very weird in many different ways. Just by looking at it, you can tell it’s very Tim Burton-y. Many times, it’s just downright strange. Eccentric and strange. But, that’s the magic of it. It makes it so bad that it’s good. Well, I wouldn’t say bad. Just odd. But no matter how you feel about it, I’ll always love this movie. As I said, not as good as 1971, but still good. Johnny Depp is just so over the top in his performance, and I’m here for it. I love how quotable he is, especially when it comes to “Good morning, starshine. The earth says hello!” I remember him saying he did an imitation of George W. Bush if he were high. And it somehow worked so well. Depp’s Willy Wonka is such an oddball and almost psychotic. It’s great. Anyways, the story is a good adaptation of the book, and in a better way than 1971 did. It sticks more to the source material. 1971 is still better, but this one is truer to the book. I don’t like the flashbacks of Willy’s childhood, but everything else is fine. The set design and production is decent, though certainly not as delectable as 1971. It feels like cheap imitation in many ways, and way too…Burton-y. That’s the best way to describe it. Overall, this movie lacks some luster in many departments, and I’m knocking several points off because of how weird the whole thing is. But, I still really love it. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!