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I was once of the belief that the original Willy Wonka film did not need to be remade. Tim Burton's shiny re-packaging has made me realize that there is room for a new version. After all, we really didn't need all those forgettable songs or the long setup with Charlie's morbid little family before we get to the chocolate action at Wonka's factory (though I am glad we still have the near iconic bed holding all of Charlie's bedridden grandparents). Most of the story is the same as we remember it but viewed through Burton's eyes it looks a lot better and is much more modern for younger audiences to get into.

Johnny Depp plays Wonka as a Jacko-like pop star and it's unfortunately a little forced and even annoying. Not his best performance. It's the only thing that made me miss the orignal film with it's perfectly unhinged performance by the great Gene Wilder.

Posted at November 15, 2005 08:13 PM