Saturday, August 13, 2005

Visual&MentalAssault: Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
Tim Burton (Based on the book by Roald Dahl)

The much-hyped and well-received Charlie and The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl comes to live in this 2005 update. Staying mostly true to form, Tim Burton infuses much of his trademark direction with sophisticated robotic machinery and semi-mechanic setting in the chocolate factory which showcased what was portrayed in the book itself.

Much credit should be given to Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore (who incidentally acted with Depp in Finding Neverland) for their roles as the eccentric Willy Wonka and the precarious and wide-eyed Charlie Bucket respectively. Once again, the pair's chemistry was unmistakable. Depp should expect an Oscar nod for his comedic and amusing performance as Willy Wonka (think Edward Scissorhands also helmed by Burton). Also deserving of praise is Deep Roy's potrayal of Oompa Loompa, the quirky little man-like creatures who looked exactly the same.

Perhaps the only flaw in the movie are the awkard song and dance sequence which sometimes fail to be funny. Otherwise, this is a faithful adaptation with a zest of new life. (B+)


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