Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Scorsese and De Niro, Kurosawa and Mifune, Carpenter and Russell, Raimi and Campbell, some directors and actors are just meant to go together- Tim Burton and Johnny Depp have had a terrific run and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory continues it.

Now I've read the original book many times, seen the Gene Wilder movie many more times, so there was some fear- Planet of the Apes was a book, then a film, then Tim Burton remaked it, POTA was still fresh in the Mind.

I shouldn't bother going through the story, you all must know it by now- it's a good story that strikes a chord with kids and kids at heart.

Johnny Depp part-Michael Jackson/Howard Hughes- is unsuprisingly excellent- his appearance on screen is instantly welcome. Freddie Highmore as Charlie gives a genuine unannoying child performance. Deep Roy equally shines as every Umpa Lumpa and the kids minus Charlie are so unlikeable, as the audience member is filled with glee when they get there just desserts.

This adaptation is closer to the book then the Wilder version- the songs from the Umpa Lumpa's are from the book and is a likeable and sweet film. The film clearly as the Tim Burton magic, full of wonderful colour and sets and Wonka is clearly as much a Burton character as a Dahl character.

Magical with moments that can take you straight back to your childhood- anchored by a wonderful performance by Depp, the film will be a favourite for years to come.

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