The Famous Chocolatier Is Back

In Charlie’s Chocolate Factory, pink lamb fluff becomes cotton candy. What a wonderful factory it is.

Some things are just meant to go together: Steak and potatoes. Oreos and milk. Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. I had been anxiously anticipating “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” since I first heard that Burton was remaking Roald Dahl's classic. And the mouthwatering wait was worth it.

First things first - I adore Gene Wilder and think his performance as Willy was charming and delightful. It surprises me that the first Wonka movie flopped at the box office. But Mel Brooks' The Producers flopped too, and I consider Wilder's role in that movie one of the greatest comedic performances ever.

While Depp’s take on Wonka is enchanting in its own way, his approach is creepier, right down to the purple latex gloves. The draping coat and heeled boots may make one think he is the confectioner formerly known as the artist formerly known as Prince. He walks a bittersweet line between naughty and nice. A touch less extreme than the Grinch who stole Christmas, his iciness eventually melts like M&M's in your mouth (and not in your hand*). Looking at the two Wonkas is a bit apples-to-oranges, and I'm not one for snarky Hollywood comparisons. Both Wonkas are fabulous.

Gene Wilder may always win my vote, but I think the second movie is better. It has been given plenty of mediocre reviews. I give it two thumbs up. Wonka is dark, like my favorite chocolate. Charlie Bucket is so innocent and sweet, and his grandpa Joe is perhaps the most adorable old man in the world.** The set is eye candy (tee hee) in a way only Tim Burton could conjure up. And oh how those Oompa Loompas can bust out a song and dance number.

My two cents: This movie is highly entertaining. Go to the candy store, buy some chocolate treats, and get your (golden) ticket today.

*Actually, summers in the City are more humid than Loompa Land. Eat M&M's in this town, and I guarantee your hand will be more colorful than a Kandinsky painting.

**With the exception of my grandpa Woodrow L. Berta.