Tossing In My Two Cents

Rating: 7/10 (26 July 2005)

*** Not really a spoiler in my opinion, but anyway...
I saw the original Gene Wilder Wonka in a theater when it was first released, and at the time, it was a magical film even for a 13-year-old. I read the novel in my 30s shortly after seeing Edward Scissorhands, and imagining Burton and Depp remaking the film came easily at the time, especially after watching the original again on video during that period.
The plot of "... The Chocolate Factory" makes for a good story, but not a great one. All three versions have flaws, yet none share the same flaws. The characterizations of the kids in the book are flat, even Charlie. Except for "The Candy Man" and the "Oompah Loompah Song", the songs in the Wilder movie are intrusive, and the burping scene is unnecessary. Only after reading the book did I understand why; it was added. This leads to the fatal flaw in the Burton/Depp movie, adding the father back story. Willy Wonka's quirks should not be explained.
Enough comparison, the new version stands well on its own and I rate it a 7. Whether intentional or not, Depp injects way too much Michael Jackson into his Wonka and it is distracting. I often felt that Depp was walking through his lines like a one-trick pony and that he relied too heavily on his charisma to carry him through many scenes, much like Jack Nicholson did in The Witches of Eastwick.
To sum up, all three are good entertainment and well worth a look or two, but like all confections, they quickly melt away leaving a pleasant but empty memory.