Mike's movie guide: "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"

If you like factories, Johnny Depp, guys named Charlie, classic movie remakes, chocolate, Mr. Depp or even that cute kid from "Finding Neverland;" you should definitely go see this week's campus movie.

Say someone told you that they heard a rumor about someone remaking "Sound of Music," "The Godfather," or "Casablanca." You would probably cringe. If you did cringe, I would be right there with you because those movies are classics that blend timeless stars, great acting and wonderful plots together to make truly great movies. I realize that the original "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" movie may not quite be at the same level, but it still was a great movie that did not need to be redone. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

The trend for this last summer was to remake movies and though some like "Batman Begins" did succeed, many failed, including "War of the Worlds" or even the cult TV show "Bewitched." The idea of inserting today's Hollywood celebrities into previously successful films, even using the technology we have to make movies, is still a risky venture. I would like to volunteer "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" as the most high-risk venture this summer that had the highest likelihood to be poorly done. For this reason, I give immense respect to director Tim Burton for succeeding in modernizing a cult movie into a hip, comical, and visually stunning remake.

Burton's new version follows the same basic plot that the original had though of course there are a few rather interesting deviations that I won't spoil for you. One focus of the modern "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" movie is the emphasis placed on character development for Willy Wonka, played by the ever-popular Johnny Depp. The movie explains Wonka in terms of how his childhood molded the genius recluse that he became; even the end gives some closure and finality on the quirky character.

Depp, star of recent favorites like "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Secret Window," plays a different Wonka than Gene Wilder did in the 1971 version. Wonka is amusing this time in a different manner that is exemplified through his high voice, odd facial expressions and irregular actions. The differences between the new Wonka and the old are vast, as are the differences between the movies, so let me give you a movie-watching hint: try not to compare the two while you watch the movie.

I confess that I did not fully enjoy Burton's take on the cult classic at first, but not all movies are meant to be loved right away. Sometimes the moviegoer needs to change his or her perceptions to be able to like a movie. What made it difficult at first for me was the occasional storyline variations and the Oompa Loompas, who were too different for me to enjoy (by the end I liked them a little better). As I finally settled into the movie and embraced it for what it was, instead of what it wasn't, I really began to appreciate what Burton had created--a masterpiece.

My recommendation is to go see this movie, whether you go on Friday at 9 p.m. or Saturday at 8 p.m., and decide for yourself if you liked the movie. I guarantee that if you have seen the 1971 version your take on this movie will differ from someone who hasn't. For example, for those who read the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the experience with the movies wasn't the same as for someone who had not. I do encourage you as a viewer to talk about the movie with someone who has seen the original. Just make sure you do it afterwards, rather than during the movie, or that person may be bugging you as he or she points out the differences.