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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is as visually appealing as a delicately swirled, gourmet confection. But just as when you eat too many such treats, the highly anticipated film doesn't sit quite right. Directed by Tim Burton, Charlie is the second film version of Roald Dahl's 1964 children's novel; the beloved 1971 movie musical Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory starred Gene Wilder as the eccentric candy man. Burton's take is a little dark and very quirky, as one would expect from the creator of films such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas. The film marks his fourth collaboration with Johnny Depp, who puts his own bizarre spin on Wonka. Read the full review
Eccentric chocolate maker Willy Wonka announces that he will reveal the secrets of his famous factory to five lucky children who find golden tickets hidden in five randomly selected Wonka chocolate bars. Nothing would make Charlie Bucket's family happier than to see him win, but the odds are very much against him: They can only afford to buy him one chocolate bar a year — for his birthday.
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly, Helena Bonham Carter, Deep Roy
Run time: 106 minutes
Release date: July 15, 2005
Rating: PG for quirky situations, action and mild language.
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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: B-
"You wanted Wilder's Wonka to give you a final hug. You want Depp's to put on surgical gloves before he makes a move toward you."
Austin American-Statesman: 2 of 5 stars
"You can't shake the fatal sense of having seen this all before in a sprightlier, fresher film that's 34 years old."
Dayton Daily News: B-
"For all its imaginative visuals and droll humor, the colorful fantasy seems a bit peculiar and detached."
The Palm Beach Post: A-
"There is no denying the virtuosity of Depp's controlled, crafty performance. "
