Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Review

I saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this weekend. I thought that the movie was wonderfully well-done with one very obvious exception. Johnny Depp, who plays Wonka, gives a questionable performance as the eccentric candy-maker. Even in his creation of the appearance of Willie Wonka, you can't help but think of Michael Jackson. Heck, what are we supposed to think about a man with unnaturally pale skin, interesting costumes, and subdued facial features who lives in a candy fantasy land obviously built for children?

The rest of the movie, however, was wonderful. The children are even more nasty than before, and their fates within the factory, while largely the same as the first movie, are updated for today's audiences and, in the case of Veruka Salt, totally different. The scenery was beautifully crafted, and is a testament to the skill of Tim Burton. Even though the story line is familiar, this film still manages to build suspense and keep audiences guessing as we are drawn into the story.

I give this movie an A-. Anyone who was a fan of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory will definitely love the updated, and more appropriately titled, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.