MOVIE: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Very decent retelling but not quite the real deal. Bizzare confluence of wierd songs, some wonderfully inventive visuals, and a solid cast is certainly entertaining fare. Lovers of the original film translation may miss their favorite scenes or the sickly sweet (excuse the pun) goody goody atmosphere charachterised by Gene Wilder.

Burton's Factory as expected is in his dark fairy-tale style. Depp's charachter is flawed and shallow, and it Wonka's original storyline that marks the greatest departure from the previous film and the novel.

Fantastic set pieces are complemented by seamless computer effect transitions, and bring a modern vivacity to the feature. The casting is very good, especially Freddie Highmore in the role of Charlie Bucket (suggested by Depp after their collaboration on Finding Neverland). The new song's and the oompa loompa dances are a hit or miss depending on the audience. The older you are, the more likely a miss.