Master of Dark Comedy Dahl collides with Twisted and Macabre Burton

Rating: 7/10 (31 July 2005)

My first thought when I heard that Burton was going to be doing this film was that we were looking at a match made in heaven. The master of Dark Comedy Dahl and the twisted and macabre Burton collide on the screen with wonderful effects. Aside from a few weak moments here and there this film is wonderful. It has a style and a flair that is distinctly Burton, but remains true to the unique vision of Dahl. Comparisions between this and the other version are pointless. Each needs to stand on its own merits.
Johnny Depp's performance is not what I would have imagined for the candymaker, but he does a creditable job none the less. His co-stars are well cast, and I would like to see more of David Morris' work. It's hard to believe that he only began professional acting at age 79.
While I will always treasure the original film I can give credit where credit is due. I think that Burton should consider the idea of reviewing the collected works of Dahl for other possible films. I can't imagine that another filmmaker would do it better,