Willy Wonka 3 1/2 out of 5

Rated: PG ( for just plane weirdness, I guess)

Cast: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore(as Charlie), David Kelly (as Grandpa Joe), Deep Roy(as Oompa Loompa 1), Deep Roy(as Oompa Loompa 2), Deep Roy(as Oompa Loompa 3), Deep Roy(as Oompa Loompa...Well you get the picture)

I always start my reviews with a little preface, and this ones no exception. There are two things, that if you avoid, you will enjoy this movie immensely. First, don't read the book, but if you do, forget it. Second, lose whatever affection you had for the 1971 film, and don't compare the two. Not to argue what a remake is, but according to director Tim Burton, this is his "version" of the story that should stand on it's own and not an attempt to remake anything. O.K., now that I've got that off my chest...

This movie immediately brings you into a world that could be our own, but there is a hint of magic, silliness, and things that are just plain wired. It doesn't take long to get up and running and before you know it 5 children, including poor little Charlie, have been chosen from around the world to visit the chocolate factory of the reclusive Willy Wonka.

The most controversial part of this film and for sure the deciding factor of whether you like the film or not is Johnny Depp's portrayal of the eccentric, strange, and perhaps agoraphobic, Willy Wonka. He has played many strange characters in the past, some of them praised, others...not so much. These include films such as Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, and most recently Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. This last one, more than any of the others, according to Burton, allowed studio execs to green light Depp's casting of Wonka without any arguments. It was a good choice, and one that I think few others could have succeeded at. As mentioned before, Wonka's character is an odd fellow, and Depp's forte is playing odd people.

The movie felt like I was on a bizarre Disney World ride. Crazy rooms with dancing and singing Ooompa Loompas(which I thought were pretty good). There were also many subtle jokes peppered throughout the film, not meant for "bust a gut" type of laughter but chuckles. One point of interest is that Burton chose to give a history to Willy Wonka, to give us some background on why he is the way he is. I felt this made it more of a complete story, including both Charlie and Willy. I really injoyed this film and was rather surprised that I did. If you don't see this one on the big screen make sure you catch it on DVD.