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Cont. from p. 1
Finally Depp and Freddie Highmore, as Wonka and Charlie, carry the film. Depp is no surprise. He LIVES for off-the-wall characters like this. His best characters aren't just fish out of water, but WALLOW in being unique. And this take on Willy Wonka makes a lot more sense. Wilder's view, although wonderful, was as a substitute father. For Depp, Wonka is a total nut, which makes a LOT of sense. Think about it; this guy has locked up his factory for 20 years. His employees are all 3' tall clones. AND his father was an over-bearing tyrant. You think he's gonna be NORMAL? This is the stuff Jerry Springer is made of. The result is an eccentric who has no people skills, is brilliant but looks at others almost like insects, and most important thinks families are the greatest evil on the planet. Yes, it's a HUGE departure from the first film, but makes a lot of sense.
The person who binds the film together is Highmore as Charlie. Ironically enough he's the most adult character of all. When he first finds the ticket, he offers to SELL IT! Which makes a lot of sense; we're poor, we don't need chocolate we need a freaking roof! You get the idea that this Charlie, although just as sweet as Peter Ostrum's Charlie, is much more wary and understands the world more. And the ending is a huge departure from the original. I won't spoil it for you, but the hero does still live happily ever after, and this time Mr. Wonka learns a valuable lesson courtesy of Charlie.
The final verdict is this is a fine film. As long as you aren't expecting a 're-make' of the original, you will enjoy every minute of this film, from the first step into the Candy Room to every song done by the Oompa-Loompas. And if you bring your kids, they just might learn something.
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