Has enough new stuff to keep it fresh and different from the original movie ...

Rating: 7/10 (15 August 2005)

I had mixed feelings when I was about to watch this. On the one hand, Johnny Depp is a great actor ... he really personalizes the characters he plays, and makes them so distinct. On the other hand, I'm not much of a fan of Tim Burton, although I do like some of his movies. Then I also read a bad review of this one, so .....
I was pleasantly surprised that there was enough new stuff in the movie, while still following the general theme. It's different from the Gene Wilder version, but in some ways the same. I laughed quite a few times too.
I guess my only gripe with this is the build-ups to supposedly major scenes didn't pack as much of a punch; it had a very even-keel feel throughout, which I felt that Burton could've done a better job at.
But by all means, go watch it. :)