Movie Review: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

Cast: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly, Helena Bonham Carter

Director: Tim Burton

Rating: 4 out of 5

I am a huge fan of Roald Dahl.  Whether it is Matilda, Boys or the James and the Giant Peach I have adored his work. But, one of his classics that I have re-read numerous times would be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Until recently I had not seen the movie adaptation of the book. The reason being that I had imagined everything about the novel whether it was the chocolate factory or Charlie’s house. I didn’t want that a film should take away from me my ten years of awesome imagination.

But, after watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory my perception changed. The movie turned out to be exactly the way I had imagined. It didn’t ruin my imagination instead; it took my imagination to a different level.

Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore) hails from a poor yet, loving family. His father works very hard to make both ends meet as he supports the family of 7 members which includes Charlie’s four grandparents. The family condition worsens after Charlie’s father loses his job at the toothpaste factory.

Willy Wonka (Johnny Depp) is the owner of a world famous chocolate factory. He is very secretive about his factory and no one is ever seen going inside it. One day, he makes an announcement that he has placed five golden tickets in five random chocolate bars and the lucky children who find these tickets would be given an exclusive tour of the factory and also, lifetime supply of chocolates. At the end of the tour one special child would be given a very special gift.

Charlie ends up being a winner of the golden ticket along with four other children- Video game & TV addict Mike Teavee, Daddy’s spoilt girl Veruca Salt, overweight Augustus Gloop and ultra- competitive Violet Beauregarde.

The adventurous journey of these five children starts together but, only one of them is left with Willy Wonka when the tour concludes. Who wins? What happens during the tour? What special gift is awarded to the winner? All these questions form the second- half of your movie.

The performance in the movie by every actor is commendable. Freddie Highmore has played his character with such innocence that you sympathize with the boy’s struggle throughout the film. Helena Bonham Carter doesn’t have much to do in the movie. The children in the movie have portrayed their characters with ease. But, despite the presence of children in the movie Johnny Depp here takes away the entire cake. His portrayal of an eccentric chocolate maker who has unresolved issues with his father is simply marvellous. He has proven his versatility as an actor as his films are always of different genres. His facial expressions and the way of talking in this movie make his character even more interesting to watch onscreen. Look out for his one- liners and sarcasm. Also, watch out for Deep Roy’s cute performance as the Oompa- Loompas.

The movie also tackles issue like poverty, greediness and competitiveness among children these days. They have been tackled sensibly though there are some loopholes in the explanations given out in the movie.

Tim Burton’s creativity can be clearly seen in his direction. I didn’t encounter single dull moment in the movie.  Everything in the movie looks magical and colourful whether it is the shop from where Charlie buys himself a Wonka bar or the atmosphere inside Wonka’s factory. It looks like Burton has made sure that this movie becomes a visual treat for the audience and I think he succeeded in his endeavour.

From my side, this movie is recommended to adults as well as children. This movie has its heart at the right place.