Johnny Depp is and always will be one of my favorite actors. Aside from the fact that he's one of the sexiest men to ever walk the earth, his acting chops are like no other. He is probably the most distinctive actor of his time, and he hones his performances with such skill, that his style could never be imitated or replicated. Will there ever be a time when Johnny Depp and Tim Burton team up and the result isn't gold? Because I absolutely loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The movie wasn't as dark as the brilliant genius Tim Burton promised, but it was excellent nonetheless.
Depp's performance, aside from the film's stellar visual spectacle, is the film's most prized asset. His wacky, random humor and facial expressions mixed with his cute likability gave the classic icon Willy Wonka a whole new face and personality. The inevitable comparison to Johnny's portrayal to that of Gene Wilder isn't really even possible considering how different the two portrayals are. I think the distinct difference between the two films is that Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is more dramatic with hints of comedy whereas Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is more dominantly funny (including Depp's performance).
There are some plot differences in this movie compared to the first one, but that might be a product of Burton's insistence on sticking to the original novel by Roald Dahl of the same name as opposed to copying the first film. I found Freddie Highmore (who was magnificent in my Depp fave Finding Neverland )to be a much more convincing Charlie than the boy who played him in the first film, although I like the original Grandpa Joe better.
The great thing about this Willy Wonka is that the film actually offers some kind of explanation for Wonka's wackiness, which the first film mistakingly doesn't do at all. You're left at the end of the original film with a resolution, but still have no clue why Gene Wilder was so weird, cooky, and obviously severely unsocialized.
I might be biased in my adoration of this film and this performance because I have a soft spot in my heart and (ahem) somewhere else for Johnny Depp, but seeing as how it got an 81% on Rotten Tomatoes I think I may be correct in my assessment this time. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a wonderful film, and despite one or two slightly inappropriate jokes (that kids probably wouldn't get anyway) it is a film for everyone.
.jpg?t=20120209092158)
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Karen
Great review. You basically hit it on the head. I really don't understand the people who are saying they were annoyed by Depp's performance. I'm like...whaa'? IT made the movie great.
2 - kathy
Johnny Depp is such a good actor. He is one I would to be around. He is honest, loveable,caring,and trust.
3 - Deppaholic
Anyone who knows anything about Johnny could guess he'd put his own spin on Willy Wonka. That's what makes him such a great actor! Tim Burton called Johnny "a character actor trapped in a leading man's body". How true!
I thought your review was dead on, and I totally agree that the back story (which is not in Dahl's book), gives a deeper understanding and appreciation of Willy's eccentricities.
People need to realize that this is not a re-make, but a re-interpretation of Dahl's work...Burton/Depp style.
See it with an open mind! It is an E-ticket ride.
4 - Idzy
You nailed it in this review... thanks for the honest assessment of this truly wonderful soon-to-be-instant classic film.
The entire montage of screenwriting(John August), musical score (Danny Elfman), director (Burton and Co.) and cast made this film an for-sure must have classic which will never compare to the 1971 version and Wilder's arrogant, psychotic attempt at Wonka (which scared me way more than Depp's ever could).
I am in complete agreement this new version was not even a smidgen of the *dark* as Burton had warned, yet I now find the original musical version of this story to be the one that is dark and eerie despite it's original intent to sell candy bars for Quaker Oats..
I think this round of Wonka will be our summers biggest hit.
5 - Chris Beaumont
Wonka's backstory, while very good, was not from the book, that was all Burton. I liked it, but not having it can make him more bizarre, by not giving a reason. I also like to look at Wonka as a metaphor for the devil, offering his temptations, weeding out the weak willed. (insert evil laugh here)
6 - Rashel
I have not yet seen charlie/chocolate.
I have heard different things, depp is an encredible man with inspiring talent not to mention a gorgeous face, I can't wait to see the movie. He has never failed me yet in a movie, no matter how criticle of himself he is, he is by far the best.
7 - Chris Evans
Must agree with all the praise for Depp. Haha
8 - Carrie
I personally thought the movie was amazing. It was so beautiful and all the writing and characters--everything was just great. Not as dark as I'm used to from Burton but very quirky.
9 - Chris Evans
Hahaha...It's rated PG for "quirky situations". HILARIOUS.
10 - Rayne
Johnny Depp was sooo great in this movie--but he's great in everything. I really can't wait for The Corpse Bride
11 - carolina
He is the best actor his perform is very good!!!
12 - Janice
I 100% agree, this review was great. Chris, you always have such great insight on your reviews! Haha, anyway, Johnny was brilliant and so was Burton
13 - Andrew
I actually think Johnny Depp was horrible here. There was too much of him in the movie and Freddie Highmore was completely underused. The movie is called CHARLIE and the Chocolate Factory for a reason people. Depp thinks he's so great because he's such a "different" actor, guess what? You're kind of just annoying.
14 - Chris Evans
And I think....you are a complete moron. :D
15 - Andrew
Oh please. The only reason you like this movie is because you want Johnny to screw you in the ass.
16 - Kat
i completely disagree with andrew who thinks depp is 'annoying', a lot of people i know are jealous of his incredible talent. I think depp was, as usual, amazing in this film. I thought the voice inspired by his daughter was one of the best features! Aswell as of course his yet again, stunning, unique appearance.
17 - kat
its ok andrew, we all know the only reason you're on this site is to try and amuse yourself, to see what effect you'll have on the fans.
18 - Andrew
Right. All I'm saying is, it's obvious this Chris guy is only liking this performance so much because he's a fag and he wants Depp to bang him.
19 - Chris Evans
Because THAT didn't make you sound like the dumbest f*** ever.
20 - Sandra
Wow...Andrew, that was one of the rudest things I've ever heard in my life.
21 - Jenny
::Scoff:: What a dumbass.
22 - Chris Evans
Yeah, he doesn't even deserve the time of day.
23 - Janice
I just saw this movie with my kids and we all loved it. It was colorful, hilarious...JUST GREAT.
24 - Tan The Man
While I don't agree with Andrew's insults, he is right about "There was too much of him in the movie and Freddie Highmore was completely underused. The movie is called CHARLIE and the Chocolate Factory for a reason people."
His wacky portrayal did overshadow little Charlie.
25 - victoria
johnny depp is no doubt very gifted and seizes every role he gets and plays it perfectly. whenever my girlfriends became obsessed with him, sure i'd be annoyed but i'd get over it.. just dont like movie stars, like romantically. its not my thing. but when i saw him acting a role that was as weird as i dreamed every guy to be, i didn't start to be interested in johnny depp, but i became so intruiged by the character willy wonka i blow off other guys...maybe i'm just crazy. no. i'm not in love with johnny depp all i'm saying is that if i became that intruiged by a character, the actor had to be pretty good.