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 Factoryâ€� 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.… Expand

Johnny Depp realises Tim Burton's strange adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic in one of his finest acting performances. He brings the bizarre to a character who was originally enigmatic, a bold and successful move. Not to mention the funky Umpa Lumpa songs, much better than 'Doo pa dee doo'. I don't care what the parents say, I prefer this version!

I loved the film as soon as i watched it the umpa lumpas are my fav because i loved thier song chewing chewing they should make a cd from thier songs. johnny depp was really great for the part of willy wonka.

Superb!

Wonderful movie. Great acting (Depp plays an intriguing Wonka, Highmore is a truly expressive Charlie), stunning visuals, usual great music by Elfman, great humour, the Oompa-Loompas... Highly recommended.

Delightfully creepy.

It was a decent movie, but if your like me, and have watched the original, this comes nowhere even close. The oompa loompas were horrible, Johnny Depp, didnt do a bad job, but his character (willy wonka) was annoying, silly, and sometimes boring. The one cool thing about this movie, was that we got to see into Wonka's past and how he became a chocolate maker. The young kid, playing Charlie, did an excellent job, but overall, this movie was a huge letdown. Alot of the humor fell short, and Gene Wilder is a much better fit for Willy Wonka, both as an actor and in the script. This was definately a remake of sorts, mainly aimed towards the younger audience. I was hoping it was like the original, but with Tim Burton's amazing talent. But it wasnt.… Expand

Anyone who says this movie sucks is just a hater because this movie is fierce!

It was alright I thought, except for the singing part that were bugging me.

Is great.

I think it awsome. JONNY YOU ROCK and yer i want the golden ticket =p

Enjoyable film. the problem is that the americans have ran out of ideas for films and have now gone back to remake anyfilm they can get a licence to. personally im waiting for the remake of men in black, im sure the yanks will remake that in a couple of years

A shocking and unnecessary remake. What a complete and utter piece of tripe. Tim Burton and Johnny Depp should be ashamed of themselves.

If you love Tim Burton flicks and haven't read the book or seen the Wilder movie, you will probably like or even love this movie. If you've read the Dahl book, seen the original movie with Wilder, and or dislike Burton flicks (as I do), you will probably be disappointed or outright disgusted. Burton's perverse rendition is a disjointed freak show that relies on quirkiness and cinematography over character development and plot. The movie does nothing to distinguish itself and pales in comparison to the original. It also assininely changes important storylines from the book and the Wilder flick to it's detriment. The movie left me thinking, "Hmmmm... some of the lines were funny, the sets were neat, and some of the acting was okay, but overall this really sucks". I gave a 2 rating only because of the quirkiness and cinematography (both Burton staples). If you dislike Burton, love Wilder, and/or Dahl, this movie will piss you off and leave you puzzled and empty. Otherwise, rent it and it may amuse you.… Expand

A true family film, technically masterfull, brilliantly directed, and Depp once more prooves himself an excellent actor. The art direction, fantastic. The score, superb...and the fun never stops.

I loved this movie. Tim Burton is the best no matter whta people think. The movie was NOT a remake or a sequel..It was what tim thought it should be so he expressed it how he saw it, U go tim burton. Work ur magic!!!

Depp aint no Gene Wilder. What a pile of tripe.

This movie is still horrendous. I would call it "scum," but I'm too nice of a person. In my earlier review, I pointed out positive aspects of the movie. Well, really, I pointed out aspects of the movie that weren't as devastatingly horrible as Depp's performance. The Oompa Loompas are bad, the writing is bad, the acting is bad, and the aesthetic elements are only enough to entertain those who aren't yet old enough to understand that movies aren't all about pretty pictures and sing alongs. The only reason I give it a 2 now is to appease Nick R. And I do **think about [my] score**.… Expand

Pros: The script is closer to the book, which was nice The acting of the children was surprisingly good. The flaming puppet introduction. The store designs. They were amazing, breathtaking set designs, but the only ones of their kind in the movie. The other set designs I found were suprisingly uninspired, especially for Burton. Cons: So many sets were direct copies of the original movie, why even bother with the remake? Johnny Depp's performance made Wonka creepy (and not in a good, Gene Wilder way) and vaguely revolting and the over-stylized delivery made even his humorous lines fall flat The Wonka backstory was formulaic, sappy, useless, and not true to even the sentiment of the book. Why were all the Oompa-loompas played by one actor? Tim Burton, if anything, is gifted at making beautiful things look rather sinister and sinister things beautiful, but this movie was so flawless and bright that it looked sterile and boring. Also, this movie provided so many great opportunities to insert visual gags regarding other, fantastical candies in development at the Wonka factory and to feature twisted and complicated machines (that I know Burton can design) to make the candies, but he totally dropped the ball.… Expand

Special efffects were good...we all know the story , so basically we watch jhonny depp do a creepy micheal jackson.

This is fantastic. Even better than the original. It has more vision and is true to the book. SEE IT IN IMAX, It is even beter.

Nice and overwhelming experience trough candymaster Burton and cripi actor Depp.

I think Prudence K. may, in fact be schizo. ("Worst film of the year...or the best...I HATED IT" um..what?!?) It's people like that who give user reviews a bad rep. This is neither the worst film of the year (we still have 5 months left, Prude! Unless perhaps you're clairvoyant) nor the best, but it is a marked improvement over Burtons last few films (though Big Fish is highly underrated) and Depp's performance is SUPPOSED to be creepy. That's kind of the point.… Expand

i think people like Seth A should let big people review movies- and maybe so some homework. The movie is based off on a book.

The best movie in quite some time.

Warning Will Robinson do not go see it. Bad - Bad - Bad.

this movie was...interesting. in my opinion the original is better because of its more 'magical' qualities. wilder's willy wonka is superior to depp's because depp becomes annoying as the film progresses (there is only so much weird one can take). also the imagery, though more consistent with the book, looks processed at times. i will say that the children are overall better cast here than in the original (with the exception of veruca salt - "i want it now" will always be a favorite) and it is an enjoyable watch. i recommend it for the casual movie-goer, it's great fun but not cult-classic good.… Expand

Honestly, the best move I've seen all summer, and one of the most entertaining movies I've seen in quite some time. Johnny Depp's performance is hysterically quirky and still loveable despite what all the critics say.

Johnny Dep is BRILLIANT! Can I just say that? He created the hilarious and memorable "Jack Sparrow" in Pirates of the Carribean, and now he's made a whole new, whackier, weirder, and BETTER Willy Wonka! There's a darker side to be seen in this Wonka but a darker side w/a story to tell. Which is another reason I enjoyed this version just as much (if not more) as the original: there was more "meat on the bones". There's still a lot of the same mishaps and eye candy as before, but we get a new ending which is far superior to the original in my eyes. The kids are hilarious and annoying at the same time, the visuals are superb, but again, Johnny Depp is absolutely wonderful, proving he's the best Hollywood's got to offer right now. You'll find yourself smiling and laughing the entire time!… Expand

Good remake. Same concept as the first movie, with a few twists and turns to keep you guessing.

Disgusting movie compared to the original. They completely ruined it. The music was horrible and lost the classic Oompa Loompa song. The cheap director also reuses ONE character for every oompa loompa. The modernized oompa song is dispicable. The so called "comedy" was not funny, and the acting was very poor on behalf of Charlie. The grandfather also has very poor acting. The reason behind Willy's "fear" b/c of his father is just plain stupid. This movie was horrible and I would pay $6.50 to you just NOT to see it. Ever lasting gobstopper? It's the size of a baseball. Lame.… Expand

Almost too good. Burton, Depp, and a fantastic chocolate factory. seriously, what more do you want?

This is the worst movie ever I hate it an i like The O.C Better.

good movie heavily dragged down by depp.No longer riffing on Richards,Burton appars to be feeding wonka chunks of austin powers/dr. evil and depp only shines during the moments he is riffing on Myers.

Mr. Depp's acting talents seem to have disappeared in this movie, lending no charm or depth to the role of Willie Wonka. What should have been a high point of the film, was barely tolerable. After the first half hour I was looking at my watch hoping it was a short film. And keep in mind that I am a great fan of Tim Burton, Johnny Depp and the story of Willa Wonka! So the disappointment was triple!… Expand

Aweful in so many ways. If I ever see the guy who plays the Oompa Loompas I'm gonna kick him in the nuts.

Suprisingly warm with a picture perfect ending. I have to admit that I was a bit worried about this film prior to seeing it due in part to the lukewarm reviews I had read. Especially considering most of these reviews focused on a poor performance from Johnny Depp. Well, you can always count on the critics to muddy things up, most predictably regarding any film that is a "remake." They don't like'em, period. I, however, found Depp to be quite good. Very funny and creatively unique. Both of which are becoming trademark characteristics. Charlie was likeable and warm and all the other characters are well cast and non-distracting. If you are going to see a newer version of the original, don't go. Remember, this is not a musical and is defintely recognizeable as a Tim Burton film. I particularly enjoyed the flashback scenes of Wonka as a child as well as discovering the umpa-lumpas. A visually interesting piece, laced with a quirky style of cerebral humor, and slightly altered to stand on it's own as a film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a keeper.… Expand

Wow, what a dissapointment. I was really looking forward to Tim Burtons take on Dahl's twisted story and Johnny Deep's take on the sugar mogel himself but this film in no way met my expectations. Firstly the settings although fantastically Burton like held no charm or appeal. The factory itself was not the magical world of wonder a child like Charlie would want to make his own more like a sterile house of horror. Charlie himself was likeable and Dave Kelly was a loveable rogue as Granpa Joe but the rest of the children and parents were just not so unlikable that you looked forward to their demise, unlike the kids of the book who made the reader want to tear out pages. In fact on the contrary it was like Wonka was running some sick torture factory for his hapless guests. Now to Wonka, I love Johnny Depp but this was far and away his worst performance. Instead of portraying Wonka as a charismatic madman we were presented with none other that Michael Jackson, sure he was creepy and odd but like Jackson had no redeemable characteristics. As a huge fan of the original it was always going to be hard to watch a remake but I really thought Burton would nail it, unfortunetly I came out feeling like a nasty child who had just met his demise in the evil factory.… Expand

This movie i think was one of the best remakes (out at this time). It went into more detail about willy than the origianal movie which was nice. Being a 13 year old it was nice to see that it had funny parts about Willy's "daddy" issues. The acting by jonny depp was incredible! (no doubt i am a jonny fan) but i think he gave an excellent effort. The childrens acting i thought wasn�39;t perfect but good , the casting was PERFECT! i loved the opma lumpa's they/he were/was excellent. The best part in that movie to me was @ the end when charlie was shining Mr.Wonka's show and commented on willy's hair!! THAT WAS FUNNY! :D… Expand

The vacuous performance by Depp is like a black hole in the film.

Great entertainment. A movie which succeeds in doing what all entertainment should be doing with more regularity.

Depp is uncomfortably creepy, far cry from the orignal.

Unbelievably bad. I can't even scratch the surface of this movie's failings in this short review. I love the original, but this version is truly horrible. Awful, awful, awful.

Perhaps I am easily impressed, but I found Depp's faces to be absolutely hilarious. And, can you believe the nerve of the people that suggest that the Oompa-Loompa songs (song) were better in the original?! Watching the original at my house, and then seeing this, I found I enjoyed Charlie much more.

I was looking forward to this movie, as the original was one of my favourite childhood films. I took my daughter to see it, and her reaction was not too dissimilar from my own: fairly subdued. When compared to the original there was very little that was better. Johnny Depp's performance was a brave attempt to be somewhat different, but the effete character he portrayed never seemed to have genuine enthusiasm to be Willy Wonka (I could not help but think in parts he resembled the 'misunderstood' Michael Jackson), as opposed to Gene Wilder's zaniness and great humour. The songs of the Oompa-loompas were difficult to understand given the music, which overpowered the lyrics, although there were a few good scenes involving them. Charlie's grandfather had no real independent character, unlike the original, and the subplots in the original were lacking. Altogether, it confirms my view of most re-makes -a far cry from the original.… Expand

I thought this movie was very good. Johnny Depp did excellent in this movie, his portrayal of Willy Wonka was great. I prefer this movie to the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

This movie was disgusting!!! A shameful attempt of a remake! This movie has nothing catchy about and no interesting songs. The old movie is a million times better. This movie was just plain stupid. Don't waste your money.

Has much of the fun-house entertaining quality of "Beetlejuice". Depp's edgy, ambiguous, emotionally alienated character is well done, and the awful children are very well played. Is it for children or adults? The reviewers' manifold disagreements are amusing. Certainly it won't be played over and over on the VCR, as the Wilder version is. But it's more dramatically satisfying.… Expand

I really loved this movie. In the original Charlie and the Chocolate factory, the producers captured all of Roald Dahl's goofiness but did not reallly have a point or a plot. To be frank, the book was one of my least favorites of Dahl's for these exact reasons. However, in this new movie, Tim Burton gave life to a formerly dull and uninspiring movie. Also, he did something that I have onlly ever seen before in I, Robot. I liked this movie in spite of all its flaws because the director, instead of following the lead of countless other book-inspired producers, took the general spirit of the book, and then built the sory around this, leaving much of the original story behind. Though Burton stuck more to the original plot, he changed it just enough to make it better. This truly is a masterpiece of a movie.… Expand

It's no secret that Roald Dahl despised the original book-to-film adaptation of his classic children's novel of the same name, but this rehash of that popular classic would surely make him turn in his grave. Johnny Depp certainly makes the character of Wonka his own, which turns out to be a bizarre and often irritating abomination lacking any of Gene Wilder's aimiable charm. Helena Bonham Carter, however, plays a very lovely mum, and the majority of the film's laughs are gained from Violet Beauregarde's mum's face - every expression is comedy gold! The film's plot seems stunted and wayward, with classic scenes from the original (the bubble room) omitted in favour of visiting a room full of killer CGI squirrels. The film is also littered with unnecessary insights into Wonka's childhood, all of which failing to draw the wacky chocolateer out of being 1-dimensional. On top of all this, the conclusion is extremely poor and overly sugar-sweet. See it if you love Mr Depp; otherwise buy a box of Milk Tray and stay at home.… Expand

Nothing against Gene Wilder, but this is light years ahead of the treacly original in terms of visuals, overall acting, and sticking to the original intent of Roald Dahl's book. It's also worth noting that this version is officially sanctioned by the Dahl family. And why do some critics bash Depp's portrayal? Perhaps they were expecting the second coming of Gene Wilder... I think he did a great job.… Expand

The plot is entirely linear with no sub-plots at all. The ending comes about abruptly and is excessivly 'happy ever after'. --New Paragraph-- Johnny Depp was superb and to my mind his performance was inspired/influenced by a combinaton of Mike Myers in Austin Powers, Jim Carrey, and Depp's own originality. --New Paragraph-- However, the character himself is another matter. Wonka's flashbacks were unnecessary and intrusive, taking up time in the movie that could've been better spent developing other characters or spent on wondrous scenes inside the chocolate factory (the Bubble Room would've been nice). --New Paragraph-- And despite the fact 'there is so much to see' inside the factory, we didn't see very much at all. --New Paragraph-- It was slightly jarring to hear English characters referring to chocolate as 'candy' and to their currency as 'dollars' (don't Americans know what sweets and pounds are?). --New Paragraph-- All in all quite an enjoyable film with a very simple plot and a disappointing ending. If you can laugh along with the movie while it laughs with and at itself, you'll enjoy it. If you're expecting a sincere, morality tale with a feel-good chocolate factory that evokes a child-like sense of awe, you won't get your money's worth.… Expand

Not a great movie, but not horrible. It was entertaining enough. I just need to post in response to the resident genius 'Pooch'. Okay, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory probably should have been left pristine. The idea here was to make it more similar to the book. And, this is for you Pooch, the book was titled Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Get a clue!

Johnny depp amazing as always however i think that he's version of willy wonka is ott. My favourite scene in the old film is where he pretends to fall over and does a forward roll which isen't in the film instead it's replaced by a very tacky song that lets u know wat the rest of the film is going to be like. A dissapointing film and should only be seen by those who haven't read the book or seen the original film.… Expand

Tim Burton has done a great job in adapting Roald Dahl's classic BOOK. "Wily Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" is not a concern here. This is not a remake of the movie. It's an adaptation of the book. Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore play a wonderful Wily Wonka and Charlie respectively. A must see for all.

This movie was possibly the worst idea to come out of Tim Burtons hatfull of worst ideas. Remaking the classic movie, WIlly Wonka and the Chocolate Facotry, and giving it a new name, trying to knock it off as being different, what a horrible idea. They tried to make it a little darker by including Wonka's childhood, but that ended up sucking a big one. It was a bad idea to make this movie. Period. The classic movie has now been ruined for me, since I have seen these new cheap knock-offs for Oompa Loompas. The Oompa Loompas used to be my favorite part, and now I just want to slice my wrists open everytime I hear their name mentioned. The music sucked too.… Expand

It just didn't have the same fun factor as the first one. Also, Depp seemed like he was just trying way to hard to be wierd. The movie was just not as good as the orginal.

I loved this movie! Tim Burton is my favorite director and this was wonderfully creepy and fun!

This was the best movie of many i sawe this summer...IT ROX MY SOX. I just love those oopa loompas. I coould listen to that Agustus Gloop song over and over again!!!

It's great entertainment! for younger kids and adults. go see it!

Could have done without the musical numbers.

It is great!!! whatever Johnny Depp has a role is SUPER!!!! I LOVE JOHNNY DEPP!!!!

Love Roald Dahl's books. Didnt love the Gene Wilder Wonka movie. Loved Beetlejuice & Pee Wee's Big Adventure. Didnt love Scissorhands or Corpse Bride. This Chocolate Factory, I must say, was a sweet surprise. I did miss Pure Imagination & the Oompah Loompah songs from the older flick, but everything else was vastly improved. I even thought the "dad was a mean dentist" backstory was a brilliant conceit, maybe not literally true to Dahl's writings, but certainly true to Dahls spirit. Great casting, from every face in Charlie Buckets hovel to every mean boy or girl and enabling parent in the Factory. And Johnny Depp just added another classic characterization to his trophy wall. Speaking of Classics, after a long dry spell, Tim Burton has finally created another one.… Expand

What a disappointment! What's with those stupid Oompaloompas???? What's with Johnny Depp? He is one creepy dude.... Miss this one, trust me!

First off I did not like the first one all that much. second this movie would have gotton a much better score from everybody if it had tried to be less child like and just stick to the adult references.

Oh my god... I hate Tim Burton's visions of, well, just about everything. I realize that this movie stays closer to the book than Willy Wonka does, but all the symbolism, all the mystery about Willy Wonka are completely obviated, and the movie withers as it becomes sentimental and preachy.

Not bad.

Not as good as they say. Quite dissapointing really, coming from Burton, and Depp's character lacks, well, 'Depth'. What can I say? Most might find it sweet, yes, to some extend. Colorful, oh yes, that comes with the territory. But in all this kiddy delight and muse, the approach Tim took felt more creepy and pretty disturbing, more than anything. I mean, c'mon, no matter how bad and spoilt or rotten a kid's attitude, he or she shouldn't be punished to the extend that Mr Burton deemed justifiable to teach these kids a lesson. Coz, as it turns out, the lesson was extreme and for life! And heck, the kid's were still rotten, and worst off. Maybe he's right, i dunno, but it was more a nightmare than a sweet chocolate to me. And please, the oompa loompas or whatever heck those midgets were, they're so freakingly irritating what with their crazy dance routines and forgettable songs! Man, bring me back Planet of The Apes, Tim! At least that was more watchable than this bash of brownish nonsense. Or better still, let us just go watch the original Charlie with Gene Wilder, now that was a classic.… Expand

Turn off your brain, don't worry when it deviates from the book, and immerse yourself in the wonderful, wacky, illogical world of Tim Burton. This is a very entertaining visual feast that it's best to not think too hard about.

Johnny Depp scared me. This is the worst film of the year or the best. I HATED IT!

Almost wholly true to the book....an amazing film.

A treat for all ages. Depp and Burton have done it again.

The wit and morals are gone. What's left is a wonka who couldn't invent the leaver if he had a diagram, and yet we are to believe he's the best at everything candy.

I just saw this movie and it was fantastic. While Johnny Depp might have been scary, I think that was the point. The person who doesn't like this movie because it was slightly scary should stay away from any movie not rated G.

One of those movies, so full of originality and visual spectacle, its almost hard to not like it! a must see! (PS, if ur a big fan of the original, u might not like this movie, but nonetheless, a wonderful fantasy film)

Do the Brits know that nothing they do is funny to Americans? Anyway, I just could not get into this insipid film. Oompa Loompas? What? Even in dreamworld this made no sense. The only thing that was somewhat cool was Johnny Depp. He had a weird pedophilic quality that made this way more credible and added a darkness that simpler minds would never pick up. Too bad about the rest of the movie.

I just got back from a packed theatre. The place was full of many kids who seemed to love it. Johnny Depp was perfect as Willy Wonka...odd and eccentric. Charlie and the Grandpa were perfectly cast. The entire theatre clapped at the end of the film. The sets were gorgeous!

Visually Stunning, Entertaining and Dark! Tim Burton & Johnny Depp’s version of the classic story by Roald Dahl is a Masterpiece! I am going to make my intro short and sweet. I love Tim Burton, he’s my favorite director. I love Johnny Depp, he’s my favorite actor. Therefore, I was thrilled to see “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” finally when it was released into theaters today 7/15/05. In fact, I drove 45 minutes to see it on the IMAX! “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory” is based on the book by Roald Dahl and is the story of Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore).Charlie is from a poor family, and one of his biggest dreams is to go inside the Wonka Factory to see this marvelous and one of a kind factory. Willy Wonka (Johnny Depp) however has not allowed anyone in his factory for several years due to the fact that everyone wants to know the Wonka secret. One day, Willy Wonka decides to open the factory to 5 people lucky people who find a golden ticket in his chocolate bars. The lucky ticket finders will not only be able to come visit the factory but also get a year supply of Wonka Bars. And to top it off one person will actually win an extra special reward. So the search begins to find the five Golden Tickets and the magic of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” begins I had high hopes for this film ever since I first heard about it. Now did the film meet my expectation? Absolutely! I loved this film! Loved it! Johnny Depp plays Willy Wonka and plays him perfectly. I loved Depp’s vision of Willy Wonka; weird, creepy, and sarcastic. It was terrific. From the moment, Depp appeared on screen, I knew he was going to give a great performance. Freddie Highmore was also terrific in the film. That kid has talent. He was great in “Finding Neverland” and is great in the film as well. He is very believable, likable and knows how to act. There are so many other characters in this film and it would take forever to list but they were all wonderful as well. Bottom line, this movie has a great cast and everyone plays their roles perfectly. Tim Burton is back in his top form. I am a huge Tim Burton fan, probably one of his biggest fans and I have to say this film is right up there with “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, “Ed Wood”, and Edward Scissorhands.” It’s been a while since I have seen Tim Burton at his best but this is probably his best film since “Ed Wood.” Don’t get me wrong; I liked all of Burton’s movies since “Ed Wood” but just not as much as the three I just mentioned. Tim Burton uses such imagination when he makes movies plus the guy knows how to create a visually stunning movie. This movie especially on the IMAX is so beautiful to watch. The settings are perfect and the factory itself is marvelous. Tim Burton knows how to really use a camera to capture a scene and knows how to direct films flawlessly. He captures things like no other director can. Now let me say this I really like the 1971 film “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory” starring Gene Wilder however Burton’s version is much better. Why? Well I loved this book when I was a child and the 1971 film wasn’t like the book but it was still a good movie. Burton’s version is much more loyal to the book and is darker. Depp’s version of Wonka is much more creative and creepy then Gene Wilder’s Wonka. Burton’s version adds much more of the book to this film. It’s actually very different throughout the entire movie. Yes, the basic premise is the same but almost everything else is different. There isn’t as much singing in the film as in the 1971 version and the Oompa Loompas look more like they did in the book and their songs are a lot cooler in Burton’s version. The whole beginning is different, some of the middle is different, and the ending is also different. This is a whole new movie, so if anyone says that it’s a complete copycat of the 1971 version, well they are full of crap. Also one last thing Charlie in this film isn’t whinny like he was in the 1971 film, and that made his character a lot more likable. Bottom line, if you like Tim Burton or Johnny Depp, Run don’t walk to the nearest theater to see this film. If you have an IMAX near by, go see it on the IMAX. The film is beautiful and seeing on the IMAX only gives more reason to love the film. When I went to the theater today all showings were sold out for the rest of the day. When the film ended, a lot of people clapped including me. Johnny Depp is the best actor out there and he gives Wonka a creepy and sarcastic image which I loved and felt that character needed. Burton’s vision of the Dahl’s classic story hits the nail right on the head. I have nothing bad to say about this film and this will be one film that I will go to the theater a few times to see. I haven’t seen a film that I wanted to see in the theater again in a very long time. This film is another one of Tim Burton’s Masterpieces and I absolutely love it. MovieManMenzel’s final rating for “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory” is a 10/10. This is the Depp/Burton film I have been waiting for since 1994. Bring the family, go by yourself, but see this film. It’s terrific!… Expand

Visually stunning, heartwarming, funny, and just loads of fun. The audience I saw it with loved it, and clapped and cheered at the end. It had some flaws but those were insignificant compared to the overall quality of the movie.

It's the book onscreen, combining Dahl's inventive and strange plot with Burton's gothic yet colorful vision. Do not mistake this for a remake. It is a "reimagining," much like the recent Planet of the Apes (also Burton). It takes the same source material, but instead of viewing it the same way as someone else in the past viewed it, it shows another way that the source material could be viewed. This movie, as it should, portrays Wonka (Depp) as a creepy, antisocial, germophobic ecentric. He is not Michael Jackson, please, it's not Michael Jackson - even though Michael Jackson is a creepy, antisocial, germophobic ecentric who believes he is a child. Wonka, however, holds a sort of contempt for kids, seeming to dislike each and every one of them. He's more like a high - pitched, creepy Howard Hughes. Speaking of those kids, they each give a great preformance. Their parents - top marks for Charlie's grandfather - do a fantastic job as well. As you may have guessed by the previews Burton's vision of CF has sharp colors, crazy sights, and a sort of gothic whimsy. He did a fantastic job. Some quick notes, the plot is tight and true to the book - no dancing old people and there ARE squirrels! There is only ONE Ompa Loompa, he does a great job AND he's the only one who sings (he plays all of the little guys, as in the novel). That sums it up, great movie. Does not remake, it reinvents. I don't know what Prudence K's problem is, but I suggest you disregard her comment on the movie as it makes no sense. It is, in fact, the second best of the summer (no, WOTW is not one... it's Batman).… Expand

Brilliant visuals and amazing direction make Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and ideal family film.

Hands down.... awesome.

I thought this movie was great! I've always been a fan of tim burton, and when he teams up with Johnny Depp it never goes wrong! I was happy that Tim Burton stayed close to the book. Johnny put his own spin on the character of Willy Wonka, he made it a little diturbing and fun. You have to expect that kind of character comming from Johnny Depp, especially when he's doing a Tim Burton film. This movie was brilliant! I cannot wait to see it again! Johnny Depp performance is unbeatable! He is one of the greatest actors of his generation, and this movie only more so proves my point!… Expand

Deep Roy, as all of the Oompa Loompa, is outstanding in this, one of the most fun movies of the last year. I found Wonka and his chocolate factory to be delightfully creepy. A sense of menace (and a sense that he had planned somewhat gruesome fates for the four naughty children) hung over the chocolate factory from the factory gates open. As for the four naughty children and their creepy parents, they were terrific. Veruca Salt in particular was great fun. This is that rare movie that I will try and see a second time.… Expand

I just saw this movie last night and it was the best movie I've seen in some time. Tim Burton is an amazing filmmaker.

This was an amazing reimagination of the Dahl classic. Apparently, Tim Burton hadn't seen the first movie with Gene Wilder until after he was done making the movie. So, I was initially disappointed that there were no orange Oompa Loompas singing their song. However, the new Oompas were terrific. Johnny Depp was terrific in this role and the new Charlie is great.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was the greatest movie I ever saw! It was wildly funny.

I've seen the 1971 version easily over 100 times throughout the course of my 24 years on this earth. This T.B. remake is just as amazing as the first. It's beautiful thing.

Who cares about the book? This is a movie. A horrible, horrible movie! It doesn't even have the decency to be totally awful. We get excellent direction and a first rate actor (Depp), but bad everything else. Listen people; A great book does not always make a good movie (White Oleander, Beloved), and this should have stayed off the silver screen.

Teens and adult may not like it but kids will love it. does have some fun moments and depp does a great job with his role

Much closer to the spirit (and letter) of the book than the saccharine 1971 film. High points: Lots of twisted humor, a truly memorable and touching performance by Freddie Highmore as Charlie, the hilarious Missi "Galaxy Quest" Pyle, mostly delightful art direction, great production numbers with the Oompa Loompas (who are far closer to the Oompa Loompas described in the book than were the green-haired, orange-skinned aliens in the first film), and a chocolate river that actually looks like chocolate as opposed to the dirty water in the first film. Lows: as with the first film, why is it so difficult to find a decent actor for Augustus Gloop? Left out the book's (and first film's) sequence with the fizzy lifting drinks. Still never felt we got to know enough about Wonka, but what backstory there was felt simplistic and tacked-on. Depp certainly had the oddity, but not the capacity for merriment, of the Wonka in the book. Overall, far more satisfying than the 1971 film, but still lacking a little something.… Expand

This movie is not dark, this movie does not follow the book, please stop posting lies... and the reason why we can "dare" to give this movie under 5? Because it was horrible, Depp sucked, and CGI candy isn't magical.

Great movie with a sarcastic edge.

"Seriously, kid, I can't understand you through that mumbling." Freaking hilarious. Didn't expect to like it nearly as well as I did. Its only flaw, in my mind, was its corny reunion ending with Wonka's father. Also, I would have appreciated it more if it incorporated the spy factor with Charlie's character, like it did in the original movie.

Very disappointing. I couldn't wait for it to end. Hated the "modern" Oompa Loompa sequences. This movie is nothing compared to the original. Where is Gene Wilder when we need him?

Funny, visually creative, and REAL trained squirrels!?!?! what more could you ask for?

What a strange but enjoyable movie...Tim Burton did Wonka justice (Unlike Johnny Depp). Depp is a very versatile actor, however his performance as Wonka was so overdone, it was burnt to a crisp... All the other characters were spot-on, though, especially the Oompa-loompas with their revamped song styles, and all the children. Special effects were good as well, and artistically, the factory was superb. The only reason I am giving it only a seven, is because the whole Wonka backstory/flashback thing, and Willy's ultimate reunion with his dad, was not needed whatsoever, and drug the film down. Still, I think an improvement on the original. 7 out of 10.… Expand

Willie Wonka(Johnny Depp) is so out there, perhaps the film does have an obligation to show us why the candy-maker sometimes speaks like a castrated Jack Nicholson. We need formulaic screenwriting like we need a hole in our heads, but Willie's backstory, entertaining though it may be, does wreck havoc with the story's pacing and manic tone. All that childhood trauma would've made a dynamite prologue. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" soars before we ever get to the chocolate factory. That ensemble of bedsit geriatrics are a lot of fun. The flashbacks narrated by Charlie's grandfather(David Kelley) work because it doesn't jar. The movie, as of yet, doesn't feel interrupted by narrative overkill, like when we learn about the origin of the Oompa-Loompas, which keeps us in the chocolate room for too long a period. It's fun, but unnecessary. What's fun, and works, is the production design on the squirrel room. It's rare to see such great special effects put to such humorous use.… Expand