Couldn't be better if it were made of chocolate

Tim Burton strikes gold by bringing back to life the world of Willy Wonka. But unlike the original, Burton creates the story through his eyes. And because it showcases the bizarre signature style of its director, Burton once again delivers. At the same time, he also creates a film, unlike his others, that is optimistic. And what would a Tim Burton film be without over-the-top imagery and bizarre characters? \nThe plot line is comparable to the classic novel written by Roald Dahl. As said by the narrator, Charlie Bucket is a very lucky boy, he just doesn't know it yet. Charlie lives in an unexciting town with his poor family. To Charlie, the idea of sinking his teeth into a sweet piece of chocolate is nothing but a dream. Things are about to change once the secluded owner of a very popular candy company announces a contest in which five golden tickets have been hidden inside his chocolate bars. The five who find the tickets will be given a grand tour of Willy Wonka's factory and the many marvels hidden within. Charlie finds the last ticket. \nAlong with Augustus, a selfish boy who continuously stuffs his face with Wonka's chocolate, Veruca, a spoiled brat, Violet, a competitive "champion" and Mike, a boy who does nothing more than play video games, Charlie is about to embark on the experience of a lifetime. \nLeave it to Burton to cast Johnny Depp as the perfect Willy Wonka. Depp used his inventive style, along with his oddball acting, to make Wonka's character his own, very different from the one played by Gene Wilder in 1971. \nFreddie Highmore, Depp's costar from "Finding Neverland," does a fantastic job portraying Charlie as naïve and charitable. Highmore uses his innocence and polite manner to win over not only Willy Wonka, but the audience as well. \nThe second disc is jam-packed with special features. Along with the making of "Charlie," the DVD shows how real squirrels were trained and used for a scene. It also reveals how the makers of the film used one actor, Deep Roy, to portray all the Oompa-Loompas and multiplied his image to create hundreds of little workers, all of whose movements are constantly in synch. As if the special features aren't enough, one can even learn the Oompa-Loompa dance, how to sort the good nuts from the bad and how to help the children find the golden.\nIf you are seeking a general remake of the 1971 film, this movie goes above and beyond. Burton has done an outstanding job creating a new "Willy Wonka." The movie is fun, enjoyable and, to put it simply and sweetly, delicious.