Burton + Dahl = Magic

Rating: 9/10 (22 July 2005)

I find it interesting to see so many people referring to this movie as a remake of the earlier movie with Gene Wilder. The way I see it, both movies are simply remakes of the fantastic vision described in Roald Dahl's book. Neither movie is perfect, but of the two I significantly prefer Tim Burton's effort.
Part of this simply comes down to a bigger budget and 34 years progress in special effects of course, but Burton's directing style and flair for juxtaposing the surreal with an exaggerated version of normality is just tailor-made for this job, and he does not let us down. The sets are beautiful, and the characters, with the exception of one, are spot-on perfect renderings of Dahl's caricatures.
Curiously enough, I think the weakest point of both movies is in their portrayals of Wonka himself. Gene Wilder was sufficiently eccentric, but just a tad too genial. The Wonka of the books has a distinctly callous streak and a cruel sense of humor. He obviously takes great delight in seeing the bad kids get what they deserve, for instance. On the other hand, Depp's Wonka perhaps goes too far the other way. He has the right kind of flippant indifference, but also has too many moments of self-doubt and uncertainty. The Wonka of the books was above all supremely confident in his own abilities. The flashbacks to Wonka's past in this movie just seemed to weaken the character.
But at the end of the day, these movies are adaptations and certain changes are inevitable. I liked Depps's Wonka, even if it wasn't quite what I expected.
A few highlights, in case you're not already convinced:

The songs. I was laughing non-stop through every one... And unlike in the earlier movie these songs actually use Dahl's original lyrics.

The effects. As you'd expect from Tim Burton, the film is a weird and wonderful visual feast. A perfect match for Dahl's quirky ideas.

Depp. As ever, a masterful performance. Even more deranged than the book version, but an interesting take on the character.

The story. Except for some slightly unnecessary diversions into Wonka's past, it by and large it follows the book, which is a good thing.

The kids. Each and every one is a perfect stereotype.

The Oompa-Loompas.

The 2001: A space Odyssey references (and other movie references, e.g. Depp with the scissors in the beginning).

Just about everything else...

If I had to pick one other flaw, it would be that the movie takes a little too long to get going in the beginning. But just hang in there, wait for the factory gates to open, and enjoy the ride...
Bring on the Great Glass Elevator!
9/10