Movie review
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Reviewed by Diana DeFazio and Heather Adams
We couldn’t resist reviewing the summer blockbuster Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Tim Burton. With stunning performances by Johnny Depp as the eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka and Freddie Highmore (Finding Neverland) as Charlie Bucket, a poor, but principled boy, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tells the story of how Charlie, along with four other children, get the chance to tour the inside of Willy Wonka’s factory. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is thoroughly entertaining-thanks to superb acting, a witty script and stunning visuals. The film is appropriately rated PG-13. One might bump into little ones viewing the flick with Mom or Dad; however, this imaginative and dark interpretation might not be a good choice for young children, particularly due to some nightmare-inducing scenes.
While it may disappoint some readers, we’re not going to compare this film to Roald Dahl’s book by the same title or to the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Burton might be working with a text and screen favorite, but his unparalleled style lends itself to a fresh interpretation. This classic story can be shared inter-generationally but Burton’s creative vision deserves its own respect.
Wonka once employed many townsfolk in his great chocolate factory. One day he announced that he was closing the doors forever. Though no one has been seen entering or leaving the factory for fifteen years, Wonka continues to produce candy. What goes on inside the gates is a great mystery to Charlie and especially his lovable Grandpa Joe (played by David Kelly) who once worked for Wonka.
One day Wonka announces a contest in which five golden tickets have been hidden in Wonka Whipple-Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delight bars and sent throughout the world. The children who find the tickets will be taken on a tour of the great chocolate factory with the guardian of their choice. Charlie is crestfallen as one by one the golden tickets are found by children who can afford more than the one chocolate bar a year that he enjoys on his birthday.
Some of the most amusing scenes in the film involve meeting the golden ticket holders-each inflicted with one repulsive vice or another. Each child we encounter (with the exception of Charlie, of course) is a caricature representing an exaggerated flaw. There is Augustus Gloop the glutton, Veruca Salt the rich and spoiled “daddy’s girl,” Mike Teavee the video game addict who thinks everyone is an idiot, and Violet Beauregarde the over-confident, overly competitive spitting image of her mother. They are all unbelievably annoying, especially to Wonka who does nothing to hide his disdain for children in general, but especially these self-important brats. His scorn permeates his face and whenever someone asks a question, he answers with a witticism which erodes their confidence.
Things get really weird inside the factory where each child meets their deserved demise, followed by an Oompa-Loompa song with kaleidoscopic visuals. It’s no surprise that Charlie, being such a good and unselfish boy is the only one to make it through the tour unscathed.
Through several flashbacks we see Willy as a young boy under the overwhelming presence of his dentist father who abhors candy. Willy wants a taste of this forbidden fruit and it is no wonder that when he does he becomes obsessed with chocolate and builds a candy empire. These glimpses at the emotional scars of the chocolate giant provide an interesting insight on how the man behind and empire of fun can hate children.
Johnny Depp is perfectly cast as the reclusive and socially-awkward Wonka. From voice to hair style to typically strange gestures, Depp delivers an utterly creepy, yet mildly charming Wonka. His boyish need to rely on cue cards while delivering speeches to his captive audience creates a laughably sympathetic pity. We can, of course, rely on the skillful and dark Depp to carry through with a deadpan delivery of the most outrageous statements, adding to the depth of this enigmatic character. Above all else, Depp succeeds at being positively weird. It is not often that moviegoers get the treat of such an unpredictable and totally bizarre character.
The film is not without meaning, but this fable-like tale provides timeworn lessons. Conceit is bad. Humility is good. Messed up parents will mess up their kids. There are consequences for your actions. Compulsive behavior gets you into trouble, weighing your options and considering others might just miraculously get you a golden ticket against all odds. The list goes on and on. Though a dark comedy, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is also a fairy tale and as such it has lessons throughout and a moral at the end. Even the most fantastical candy confectioner can be unhappy without a loving family. The golden ticket for movie-goers is a reminder of the simple but profound golden rule, albeit told through Burton’s unique lens.
While the film doesn’t promote any known brands, it certainly portrays consumer hype. Is it mocking or idolizing corporate empire-building? You decide. It should be noted that because Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is playing at Regal Cinemas (Totem, Fireweed and Dimond) you have to sit through 15 minutes of commercials before it even begins! Was it a coincidence that one of these commercials was for chocolate? Hmmm. We don’t think so.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is thoroughly entertaining and original, and a must-see for any Depp fan. See it on the big screen, and have your sweet treats ready, as you’ll be craving them before the closing credits.
Entertainment Value: 3 1/2 stars
Meaning: 2 1/2 stars
Emotional Impact: 3 1/2 stars
Lack of Gratuitous Violence or Sex: 3 1/2 stars
Lack of Advertising: 3 stars
Overall Quality: 3 1/2 stars
Overall Impact: 3 1/2 stars
(Out of four stars)