Why must everyone compare it to the 'old movie' ?

Rating: 8/10 (15 March 2007)

This is not a remake of the 1971 version with Gene Wilder. This is a movie that is actually based on Roald Dahl's book!(granted, the last half hour or so and random flashbacks were not part of Dahl's book, but length needed to be added) I have never liked the 1971 version. Why? IT DOESN'T FOLLOW THE BOOK! The basic storyline is the same, but that's all. Now I understand that many things are changed when a book is put on screen, but this movie is just stupid. Completely taking out Charlie's father? Having Charlie's grandpa, his ROLE MODEL, convince him to break the rules and take part in the bubble room scene? It never made sense to me. The songs in the 1971 movie are good and they easily stick in your head, but the lyrics from 'Charlie' are Dahl's own words. Tim Burton's movie is not perfect, but it is enjoyable, and it actually sticks to the original material. That is why I give it 8 stars.