If ever a film director was born to tackle the weird and wonderful work of Roald Dahl, it's surely Tim Burton.

His credentials are impeccable, with films like Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow and Big Fish proving his love of dark fairytales and off-kilter lead characters.

And this new telling of Charlie's adventure doesn't disappoint. The story may have been updated for a modern cinema audience, but the imaginations of Dahl and Burton seem to blend so perfectly that it's hard to tell where one ends and the other begins.

Young Charlie Bucket lives with his family in abject poverty. Not that it bothers him, though, considering how much he loves them all.

Yet he can't help but be excited when mysterious chocolatier Willy Wonka announces a grand competition. Hidden in his world-famous candy bars are five golden tickets that will grant a tour around his top-secret factory. Just as it seems that the only winners will be greedy, spoilt, devious little brats, Charlie finds the final ticket. Little does he know the real contest has barely begun.

With a sparkling script, witty performances and dazzingly creative visuals, this is an absolute pleasure. It's a true feast for the senses, and a delicious one at that.

Young Freddie Highmore, excellent in Finding Neverland, is wonderful as Charlie. The caring kid may well be too good to be true, but unlike so many screen children he's never once precocious or irritating. His wide-eyed optimism and quiet dignity make him a perfectly engaging lead character.

And Johnny Depp again proves that magical things happen when he works with Burton (this is their fourth collaboration). He's brilliant as the oddball candyman hilarious, creepy and strangely sympathetic. His sense of physical comedy is terrific, and every facial expression raises a smile; particularly his reactions to the four grotesque kids invading his factory.

The opening stages of the film are especially good. As we discover who has found the tickets one-by-one, the vileness of the other children is touchingly contrasted with Charlie's innate decency. We know full well that he'll nab the last ticket, but it's still a truly heartwarming moment when he does so.

Unfortunately, Charlie is sidelined slightly when he enters the factory, and his relationship with Wonka only really develops in the film's later stages. While it's certainly fun to see all those horrible kids get their well-earned comeuppances, the tale loses a little focus with Charlie out of the spotlight.

But that's a minor quibble for a film as enjoyable as this.

Even when the story falters slightly, the magnificent set design is there to keep our mouths watering. From the primary coloured candy land to the deranged song and dance routines of the Oompa-Loompas (all played superbly by Deep Roy) the whole movie is a sumptuous visual treat.

In fact, this is Burton's best film in years, and you can't help but think Dahl would have approved. While the movie has an undeniably sweet tone, it's undercut with the same dash of acidic wit that made the author such a firm favourite in the first place.

This very funny, brilliantly bizarre confection comes highly recommended. And it won't even rot your teeth.