Pleasant outing. Review on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Movie

Tim Burton is equally known for telling tales of fantasy as also for painting pretty pictures, using the screen like a painter's canvas. While the latter itself is reason enough to pay a visit to the cinema, here we have his favourite Johnny Depp too. Depp himself has been on a roll of late (Pirates of the Caribbean, Finding Neverland).

This is actually the second movie version of the book by Roald Dahl. The story is basically a straightforward one for children, but with delicious chocolate and an amusing factory thrown in. Without preaching, various morals are subtly built into the narration.

As with most such stories, the course is predictable -- but do we care? The factory is loaded with numerous amazing objects and a couple of strange characters, to keep us occupied. The colours are bright and it's almost like visiting a wacky fair. The songs are amusing, more so for the graphics-coordinated dance sequences. The intermittent flashbacks are charming and never interrupt the flow of the main thread.

The movie is also partly a satire on today's children and television. That serves as good entertainment for the 'non-children' among the audience. If adults aren't really for this kind of movie, things may seem childish and boring at times.

There are a couple of references to India too. These interludes are interesting though displaying ignorance about the country.

Dep(p)endable as ever, the star of the movie doesn't turn in a splendid performance though. Sometimes, his character and acting remind one of Michael Jackson! Highmore (Peter in Finding Neverland) does well, but unfortunately his part is reduced in the second half. Kelly endears himself to the audience while Carter is wasted. Roy is the one who creates a lasting impression in his 'many' roles.

Needless to say, the art direction is spectacular, as is expected from Burton movies. Hand in hand are costumes and make-up. The musical score is another high of the movie. Special effects are done well, never jarring.

Burton has been providing a variety of movies, over the years, but always with his trademark picturisation. This time, he caters to the kids primarily and comes out with flying colours.