Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Charlie Bucket is a modest 10 year old boy who comes from a very poor English family. Along with his mother and father, Charlie lives with his grandparents from both sides of his family. Willy Wonka (Johnny Depp), the worlds largest and most mysterious chocolate manufacturer announces that he has placed 5 golden tickets in random Wonka chocolate bars, the tickets giving any child lucky enough to find one the chance to take a tour of the infamous factory which has had its gates locked shut for years.
Surprisingly enough, poor little Charlie manages to score himself a ticket whilst unwrapping a Wonka bar that he receives annually for his birthday present.
For those of you who have seen the 1971 movie “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”, you’ll be familiar with the plot, this is basically the same movie but with a few differences, the movie is still based on the Roald Dahl novel ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ the director, Tim Burton, has brightened the movie up, and brought it into the 21st century. Which comes with its pro’s and cons. Some changes he has made are for the better, and some, maybe not for the best. For example, that big lovely ‘chocolate’ river which basically had the consistency of water has been replaced with something looking a bit more chocolaty. The use of modern special effects has meant that hundreds of potential oompa loompas got the axe, and were replaced by just one, played by Deep Roy but he’s been superimposed to make 163 of the little tackers. Something I found good was the fact that this time you see Wonka actually go to Loompa Land and save the Oompa Loompas from the Snozzwangers and wicked Whangdoodles.
Also, there have been some scenes cut from the original movie, the scene when Charlie and grandpa get sucked up in the bubble cylinder by the fan – got the chop. Also that cool little soda car that runs off soft drink, that seemed to be outdated and got the axe as well.
The 2005 version is also a lot less music orientated, there is still a few songs here and there sung mainly by the oompa loompas, but the movie is no longer a musical.
