Welcome back to my series of Tim Burton reviews! Today, we’ll be looking at his 2005 adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. A lot of people consider this to be one of Burton’s worst films. I partially agree. This is certainly one of Burton’s worst films, because, simply, he has shown that he can do much better. But when I look at it without comparing it to his other (and better) films, it isn’t terrible. Unlike his Planet of the Apes remake, this film undoubtedly has good qualities. It’s just got a lot of bad ones, too. So, let’s get into it!
For those who don’t know the story: the film follows a young boy named Charlie Bucket. His family lives in poverty, and his father just got fired from his job. However, when well-known candy maker Willy Wonka invites five children to visit his factory, Charlie is one of the lucky five to find a “Golden Ticket” underneath the wrapper of a Wonka bar. When the five children and their accompanying guardians arrive, it seems like an ordinary tour of the factory. But underneath the surface lie tests for the children to prove their worthiness of Wonka’s grand prize. Basically, each kid (except for Charlie, of course) learns that you shouldn’t be a brat, in one way or another.
The visuals in this film are spectacular. The Chocolate Room is beautifully detailed, and each candy lusciously pops out against the green and brown background. The other rooms, such as the Nut Room and the Television Room are simple but are also vibrant and expressive. The songs sung by Deep Roy’s Oompa Loompas are quirky, but undeniably funny as well. The costumes are also very well-designed and colorful.
The story is also closer to the source material than the 1971 adaptation of the novel. Thanks to that, the film isn’t a complete misstep. However, when it comes to actually making an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s original novel, Burton makes it too…Burton. Remember Batman Returns? Great movie, right? I certainly think so. But a lot of people don’t, which is understandable. The main reason why a lot of critics thought Burton’s second Batman outing was a flop was that is was too dark and freakish. That’s Burton’s modus operandi. He takes these family-friendly characters that we all know and love–in this case, Willy Wonka–and transforms them into his own little creation. Unfortunately for the director, that’s the downfall of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
I don’t know what the screenwriters were thinking when they wrote Johnny Depp’s lines, but they failed miserably at whatever they were trying to accomplish. Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka in the 1971 version of the film was perfect. He was funny, charismatic, and an overall delight to watch. Johnny Depp’s interpretation of the character comes off as a candy making Michael Jackson. It’s been said over and over again, but it’s true. One of the first things he says to the kids is “Good morning, Starshine. The Earth says hello!” Why did they think Depp’s dialogue would work? I don’t know. But the point is, it doesn’t. Instead of coming off as heartwarming and fun to be around, Depp’s Wonka just annoys the hell out of me.
Even Charlie is less believable in this version of the film. In the 1971 version, Charlie definitely wasn’t a complete spoiled brat like Augustus, Violet, Veruca, or Mike, but he still acted how a kid in his position would act. Freddie Highmore’s Charlie’s attitude makes him pretty much destined to earn that prize. He’s completely selfless, and is always on the right side of things, almost acting too grown up, if you get what I’m saying. He isn’t terrible, he’s just not believable enough.
The screenplay for the rest of the actors isn’t terrible, but like I previously mentioned, Burton tries too hard to make the film darker and appealing to the adults in the audience and forgets all about what the main market is: the kids! I saw this movie when I was little and still have the original DVD. I even own the Blu-Ray, just because the movie itself is fun to watch. But when I reflect on it now, it certainly isn’t as good as I remember it being.
Overall, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory isn’t a terrible film. It has bad qualities, but it has good ones as well. Burton’s vision ruins the tone of the film, but it’s undeniably fun to watch. I’m going to give Charlie and the Chocolate Factory a C+.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory stars Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly, Helena Bonham Carter, Noah Taylor, Missi Pyle, James Fox, Deep Roy, Christopher Lee. Directed by Tim Burton.
