WEBmikey: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory : 4 of 5

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory : 4 of 5
7.19.2005 9:47 PM \| Link	This review is kind of tough to write, because I'm such a huge fan of the original movie. It's hard for me to see this new film objectively, since I have to remember that this isn't a remake, but instead it's just another movie that was inspired by the same book. With all that said, of course, I loved this film! It definitely follows the Roald Dahl book very closely, right down to using the original lyrics to the Oompa Loompa songs (all of which are amazingly arranged by Danny Elfman into several contemporary musical genres!). The only real addition to the plot is a backstory for Willy Wonka, involving his dentist father and giving him a reason for being a master chocolatier. The visuals are mostly magnificent, although some of the CG work is rather unpolished (though I'm sure this was on purpose to give things a surreal look). I think all of the kids are wonderful (especially Violet), except for Mike Teavee, who just comes across as a demon. Johnny Depp's interpretation of Willy Wonka is interesting, but ultimately the most troubling part of the film for me. I keep thinking of Gene Wilder, who was such a lovable Wonka (despite his weirdness), while this new Wonka is just so flat-out bizarre that he's unapproachable. But overall, this is an incredible adventure of a movie, and anyone will have a great time at the theater enjoying it (and maybe it will inspire you to read the book!).


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