A bit too dark, needs a drop of sweetness

Rating: 5/10 (25 May 2020)

There is a darkness and eeriness to Roald Dahl stories that makes them a perfect match for Tim Burton's style of production. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is particularly sinister and really, this should have been a masterpiece.
However, Burton indulges himself a little too much with some strange plot alterations and dubious casting choices. I really don't enjoy Johnny Depp in this role whatsoever and that alone ruins the movie for me. He brings no charm or charisma to the character and instead is just creepy and cloying.
Honestly, this could have been great but there is already a very serviceable screen adaptation of this book that features a masterful performance by Gene Wilder. A remake needed to take advantage of improvements in editing, costumes and special effects while preserving the warmth and wonder of the original. For me, Burton fails to achieve this and the whole production just feels self-indulgent.