Back in 2005 I knew well about the second movie based on Roald Dahl’s classic book. Though the first film from 1971 was one of my favorite movies of all time. I was rather upset about how much different this movie was, but it’s easier to understand that this is not a remake of the first film. Tim Burton actually got personal approval from Dahl’s widow (Dahl hated the first film) to make a film a bit more true to the original book.

For those who hadn’t read the book or seen the first movie, the story is about the same. Willy Wonka is a great candy maker, but closed down his factory to protect his inventions. He returns a few years later with a factory that churns out fantastic inventions, but apparently has no workers coming in or out of the factory each day. Wonka announces a contest where five lucky people will find a golden ticket in a Wonka bar and get a personal tour of his factory along with more candy than they can dream.

A boy named Charlie Bucket finds the last golden ticket and joins four (rather rotten) brats to see Mr. Wonka himself. When they see the factory for themselves they are amazed at its wonder and magic. But their bad behavior eventually lands them into a deep comical mess.

Overall if you compare Charlie and Chocolate Factory to the 1971 film, then you could have some bitter views. It’s better to look at it as a Tim Burton twist on the original book. Since it’s not exactly a musical this time around, the Oompa Loompa scenes aren’t as impressive as the legendary songs from the first movie. While Johnny Depp’s version of Wonka is nothing compared to Gene Wilder’s, he did a much better job that I expected. If Roald Dahl was still alive, I think he would of approved of Tim Burton’s take on Wonka’s candy factory.