The Pop Pirate

Timmy & The Fairytale Factory

What is it about Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, and Danny Elfman that combines so well to make nothing short of magic? I don't know what this mysterious chemistry is, but the effect is confirmed by this summer's Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. A film that inspires such wonder, awe, happiness and good feeling has not been seen on the big screen since... well, since Edward Scissorhands, the first Burton/Depp/Elfman collaboration.

Burton's vision of Dahl's ode to childhood innocence (by way of negative example) is only magnified a hundredfold by this, Depp's next installment in his current intriguing weirdo streak. Depp's Wonka is a reclusive, idiosyncratic man-child with a passion for inventing sweets but no love for the customers. He infuses heart into this mystery man and allows you feel for a man who can't even allow his fingers to feel what's around him (due to his strange rubber purple gloves- the origin of which is charmingly revealed therein).

On the other side of this creative triangle is the unparalleled Danny Elfman. His score and songs (including all Oompa Loompa vocals) are truly what elevates this confection to a gourmet treat. From the techno-whimsical opening sequence to the amazing Dahl-penned warning-song interludes, the music perfectly underscores the emotion, the wonder and especially the fun of every scene.

Burton, Depp and Elfman have some help here from this year's Haley Joel Osment, Freddie Highmore, and his fellow golden ticket winners, all of whom are spot-on. Freddie in particular, with eyes that could stir motherly instincts in the bitterest old hag, cashes in on the promise he showed in last winter's Finding Neverland.

So, in case you've not been paying attention- I'm saying that this movie is good. Really good. And if you've seen it in a conventional theater, you haven't seen it all- find the nearest IMAX theater and go see it there. It's worth it.

posted by Jeff @ 5:58 PM