When I first heard Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was being made I was excited. One of my favourite directors (Tim Burton) was directing one of my favourite actors (Johnny Depp) in an imagining of one of my favourite childrens books. I couldn't imagine someone better to bring to life the warped nature of Roald Dahl's world than Burton.

The story: A reclusive candy millionaire, Willy Wonka (Depp), runs a competition for five lucky kids to tour his massive chocolate factory. Charlie (Highmore), a kind hearted boy from a poor family, wins a ticket, as do four terribly obnoxious brats. They are in for an amazing experience during their tour...

My excitement about the film proved to be well-founded after watching it. Burton has constructed a fantastic world and filled it with hilarious gags and darkly satirical musical numbers (the lyrics of which are straight from the novel). I was rolling around with laughter for a large portion of the movie. Some of the great surprises included a back story telling of Wonka's problems with his father (Christopher Lee); and Deep Roy, who puts in a fantastic performance as hundreds of Oompa Loompas.

My favourite movie of 2005!'