Adequately charming and entertaining. True to the dark and creepy book by the dark and creepy Roald Dahl

Rating: 7/10 (29 July 2005)

I liked the original, even though the 'special effects' of that one were lame, even by the funky FX standards of the early 1970s. This second one was better in some respects, not as charming in others. The first had heart, however contrived it may have been. But do remember that with the era of the first one, none other than the ancient, albeit venerable, Sammy Davis Jr., famous lounge singer from the 1890s, seemed the appropriate choice to snatch the 1st movie's theme song (Candyman) and make it his own signature tune. Anyway--- that just shows how old and fusty the first one was.
The second one, this movie, is a lot truer to the original Roald Dahl book. But hey, as much as the unwashed masses are keen to admire the 'emperor's new clothes', that is, to praise Dahl as a genius of kid books, Dahl is, to be honest, a very dark creepy writer. In my humble opinion, I question whether his books are even suitable for children. After having read his actual books, and not just having seen movies based on his books, I myself would not allow any child over whom I had responsibility or influence to read them. They are mean-spirited, ugly, and really, kind of disgusting.
Having said that, the marvelous and always amazing Johnny Depp did a good job. The kids were great, and Helena Bonhan Carter was a brave trooper to sport real 'Englishy-looking' teeth as the poor mother. It was also nice to see Missy Pyle, the hottie alien from the great 'Galaxy Quest', begin to emerge from what had begun to look like permanent third-banana character actor status.
Given the dreary and disturbingly creepy book source, this movie was adequately entertaining. TAKE your kids, though-- and be prepared to talk with them and comfort them as needed. Do not just send them in to the theater alone.