Jul 15, 2005 7:00 am US/Central
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory
Richard Roeper: "Rent It"
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
The original "Willy Wonka" wasn't a big hit in theaters but it became an American classic after playing on TV for decades. I always thought it was more creepy than charming. But now we get an even more bizarre edition, courtesy of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp.
Director Tim Burton is a visual master who specializes in a gothic tone dripping in rich colors, and he's the perfect choice to craft a darker, more faithful rendition of the classic story of Willy Wonka and the kids who are dying to visit his chocolate factor. Freddie Highmore, who played the inspiration for Peter Pan in "Finding Neverland," is wonderful as honest, hopeful little Charlie Bucket.
Johnny Depp loves playing characters with deeply eccentric personalities, flamboyant wardrobes and interesting haircuts and head gear. He's got all of that and more going in a strange but kind of passive performance as Willy Wonka. It's almost as if Depp is wearing some kind of latex mask and false teeth.
The problem with Depp's Wonka is that he's not just mischievous, he's a downright hateful, clearly insane man who shouldn't be allowed within 100 yards of a child. Sure these kids are brats, but who wants to cheer for a mean-spirited candy mogul who tortures them?
Obviously "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" will frighten small children, though bigger kids might enjoy its wild visuals and cheerfully sadistic stunts. Rated PG, this movie has astonishing visuals and some weirdly compelling musical numbers--but you can wait to
Rent It.
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