A wasted opportunity.

"Everything in this room is eatable, even I'm eatable! But that is called "cannibalism," my dear children, and is in fact frowned upon in most societies."

This new version of the classic children's fantasy book had everything going for it: Tim Burton was helming the project, Johnny Depp is in the lead role, special effects were updated and improved, a great cast and impressive production values. What could go wrong, right?

A lot, apparently.

Sure, visually the film is stunning, but did anyone take a moment to consider a better script? Burton has paid more attention on the production design and visual effects as opposed to the script, character development and doing justice to the source material.

For starters the film is unnecessarily lengthy and corny at times, with new things being added and classic things from the book being removed. They actually didn't include Charlie's sin with the fizzy drinks! That was what made the original so innovative and exciting, but above all made Charlie a lot more human. It was a great part and a great concept as well. Instead they add a scene of what happens to the children + parents after leaving the factory. This doesn't do anything for the plot and is completely unnecessary.

What's more - there are pointless flashbacks of Willy Wonka's early days that make the film even longer than it already should be. The flashbacks were nothing more than an excuse for Burton to bring Christopher Lee into the picture. These flashbacks also kill all the mystery surrounding Willy Wonka that made me love the original book and movie in the first place! The flashbacks slow down the pacing as well. On the subject of pacing, the film's ending was an unnecessary detour into clichéd territory. Work needed to be done in that aspect.

Anyway, the film is a retelling of the classic Roald Dahl children's tale. Willy Wonka (Depp), the mysterious chocolate maker, had closed his factory for 20 years but decides to reopen it temporarily for 5 lucky children who find a golden ticket inside a Wonka chocolate bar.

That's pretty much the spoiler-free synopsis. Johnny Depp is an amazing actor (and, for the sake of the Depp lovers who may be reading this, attractive) and his version of the character is adorable. I will admit that he seems a little out of place in relation to the timeline. (He doesn't look a day over 35, but yet the factory was closed for 20 years...was he a teenager when he opened it?!) Depp gives the film its moments of comedic genius. I loved the hilarious dialogue he delivers throughout the movie. His lines are continually quotable, albeit childish. He continues to remind us all why he is the greatest actor of all time.

Freddie Highmore just isn't a very good Charlie Bucket, unfortunately. His lines sounded horrendously contrived. He's cute, but can't act.

Danny Elfman's score is one of the film's redeeming features. His score is evocative and exciting. Maybe a little bit too pleonastic but still enough to trigger one's imagination.

Tim Burton is one of my favourite directors of all time. The production design was lavish and attractive, with special effects that look extraordinary. Is there anything else to expect from a Burton movie? The man is a visionary and when I heard he was helming this project I felt relieved as he was talking about "how faithful to the source material" it would be. So why did he lie?

I'm sorry, Tim, but you missed the mark completely here. Only watch this one for the impressive, updated special effects and Depp as a better Willy Wonka.

In a nutshell: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a wasted opportunity. From a technical standpoint the film is flawless. There are a few actors that look out of place; however the film boasts production design that is delightful to exhibit.

6/10