new 'wonka' movie is a real stinker

Rating: 2/10 (23 July 2005)

this has to be one of the worst movies i have seen this year (maybe ever). it seems that lately johnny depp has been exploring his feminine side (see 'pirates') but this is ridiculous! 'willy' could have easily passed for 'wilma'. it was a terrible 'take' on this character. the movie just wasn't funny. i didn't laugh once. i could hear the audience's fake chuckling during all of the 'gee, they meant this to be funny so i better laugh' parts. it was sad. the flashbacks to willy's upbringing were idiotic and added nothing to the story. it was what it was - filler. i could go on and on about this stinker but i won't due to time constraints. the saddest thing about this mess was the total disregard for the main idea in the book (and the first movie). that willy was in search of a child pure of heart to run his company. remember slugworth offering a reward for any 'gob stopper' that the children would give him (against willy's orders)? then charlie gives the gob stopper back to willy instead of slugworth, giving up untold riches - and proving he was honest and had the utmost integrity. it was the best part of the book and it still brings a tear to my eye. the new movie doesn't even touch upon this all-so-important life lesson. that honesty and integrity bring the biggest riches. but i will give credit where credit is due, and there was one thing i did like about the movie. the final credits - as this was the sign that i could finally leave the theater.