Flashback Review: Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (2005)

In 1971, “Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory” starring Gene Wilder was released worldwide. Based on the Roald Dahl book, it became a timeless classic continuing to introduce countless movie goers. Decades Later, Warner Bros. green-lit a remake of the classic. Martin Scorsese was considered to direct with either Robert De Niro & Leonardo DiCaprio as Wonka. Marty dropped off in favor of filming The Aviator with Leo. Bobby had a busy schedule working on “The Good Shepard.” Tim Burton officially signed on to direct while simultaneously directing “Corpse Bride” with his bestie Johnny Depp as Wonka and voicing Victor Van Dort in Corpse Bride. After filming, editing and post-production completed every stage, the remake distributed worldwide.

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory was released in 2005. (same year Code Lyoko’s second season aired on Cartoon Network) It received positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to praise, it also made enough money at the box office.

Recently, Netflix bought Roald’s estate. Meaning they’ll produce movies, shows and video games based on his work. In response to the news, I thought sharing my opinion on Tim Burton’s remake if it’s one of the best remakes or better than the original.

It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are listed. We’re fully aware we’ve seen both the original and remake countless times. Either referenced in other works, parodied and memes you can find on The Internet.

Yummy & Nasty Aspects

Yummy: Say what you will, Johnny Depp did a decent job for his performance as Wonka.

Fun Fact: Before Johnny signed on to play Wonka, well known actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Nicolas Cage, Michael Keaton, Brad Pitt, Will Smith, Adam Sandler, Steve Martin & Christopher Walken were contenders, but dropped off due to scheduling conflicts. Brad’s company Plan B produced the film.

Other Cast Members such as Freddie Highmore, Deep Roy, Tim’s then life partner Helena Bonham Carter, AnnaSophia Robb & Christopher Lee all did a great job for their respective performances.

Tim’s frequent collaborator Danny Elfman orchestrated the music.

Roald Dhal’s daughter Lucy served as an executive producer and consultant. Making sure his beloved classic retains crucial elements.

Jokes are pretty funny with visual gags and witty dialogue. My favorite line is, “That is called cannibalism my dear children and is frowned upon in most societies.

Cinematography didn’t contain no Shaky Cam nor excessive Dutch Angles.

Visual Effects are more improved than the original thanks to a combination of Practical Effects & Computer Animation perfectly balanced.

Deep Roy played every single Oompa Loompas. Visual Effects digitally inserted multiple copies of him singing and dancing.

Augustus, Violet, Veruca & Mike are based on The Seven Deadly Sins. Augustus is Gluttony, Violet is Pride, Veruca is Greed & Mike is Sloth. Charlie on the other hand, is a Saint.

We learn details about Charlie’s grandpa who used to work for Wonka.

Wonka has a backstory when his dad forbids him to eat chocolate. He left home to begin his career as an inventor. He also made first contact with Oompa Loompas.

Wonka became a recluse shutting down his chocolate factory after when rival companies like Slugworth steal his recipes. Unlike the original, he’s not associated with Wonka.

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is one of the remakes that came out in 2005 along with Steven Spielberg’s “War Of The Worlds” & “Peter Jackson’s “King Kong.”

Both Johnny & Tim deny Wonka is based on Michael Jackson. This version of Wonka is based on Howard Hughes & Mr. Rogers. In my defense, Johnny didn’t wanna imitate Gene Wilder’s iconic performance. He did his own iteration.

In the shrinking room, a huge Wonka bar shrinks and transferred to a television set. “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” from “2001: A Space Odyssey” is played in the background. 2001 I one of Christopher “Chris” Nolan’s favorite movies. Speaking of Chris, “Batman Begins” came out in 2005.

The remake reveals what happened to the four brats.

The Ending is heartwarming with Charlie and his family move with their lives at the factory. I’m gonna be brutally honest, I didn’t cry.

Nasty: In my previous review of the original, Charlie’s grandpa is lazy. He never gets a job to support his family in poverty. If this were real life, his family would’ve disown him for not giving a crud. Have to give both versions tough love.

Musical Numbers are reduced. Oompa Loompas are the only ones performing. Doesn’t feel the same without others songs like “I Got A Golden Ticket,” “The Candy Man Can” & “I Want It Now.”

I cringed when Charlie shares pieces of a Wonka bar to his family. In the original, he isn’t an exaggerated depiction of an angel with a big heart. In the remake, it’s dialed Up To 11. To quote Plankton from “SpongeBob SquarePants.” “It’s too cute, it’s disgusting!”

The infamous “Good day sir” scene from the original is omitted.

The Final Verdict: B, FOR BRILLIANT!

Ok fellas, I consider Tim Burton’s remake as a runner-up. I declare Gene Wilder’s original as the definitive adaptation of Roald Dhal’s book. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is one of the best remakes next to John Carpenter’s “The Thing,” David Cronenberg’s “The Fly,” “3:10 To Yuma,” Zack Snyder’s “Dawn Of The Dead,” “True Grit” & the 2018 version of “A Star Is Born.” If you wanna compare and contrast both iterations of Gene Wilder & Johnny Depp’s portrayals, give them a double watch. I’m skeptical about remakes of Roald Dhal’s works. Especially a remake of “Matilda.” WB is planning a Wonka prequel.