Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Image credit: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Peter Mountain

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

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RELEASE DATE July 15

WHY WE CAN'T WAIT We have a sweet tooth for the collaborations of Johnny Depp and director Tim Burton. And who's better suited than these two to capture the story's creepy-whimsical tone and dream-world visuals?

THE PREMISE Waifish Charlie (Freddie Highmore, at left, Depp's young Finding Neverland costar) joins four other lucky golden ticket winners on a tour of the mysterious confection complex owned by Willy Wonka (Depp).

SOURCE The classic 1964 kiddie-lit novel by Roald Dahl, to which this film promises to be more faithful than the 1971 movie musical

THE BACKSTORY Depp signed on to reteam for the fourth time with the Edward Scissorhands director without having read the script or even knowing whether the film would be a musical. ''Finally I did have to sit down with Tim and sort of ask, 'Am I singing in this?''' Depp says. (Answer: Nope.)

BURNING QUESTION Can we buy Wonka bars at the multiplex concession stand?

COME FOR Depp, on a roll with eccentric-but-family-friendly heroes after Neverland and Pirates of the Caribbean

STAY FOR Horror legend Christopher Lee, on a roll with chilling characters after The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, as Willy Wonka's father