Now here's a movie that did NOT need to be re-made.

Rating: 6/10 (20 November 2005)

Granted that the 1971 classic had poor special effects and bad make-up, the advances in technology did not advance the cause of the story -- it just made it weird-looking. The 1971 version had characters that were likable or dislikable. In 2005, the characters were almost all despicable, except of course for one... who was infallibly perfect. In 1971, Charlie did commit a sin (he stole) which made him more human. It was his act of contrition that made him truly lovable. On the other hand, in 2005, we do get glimpses into what made Wonka into the man he is today.
The music? How can you teach a lesson when you can't even make out the words?? In 1971, every child came out of the theater singing the lyrics. 2005's over-orchestration made that impossible.
And by the way, why were hundreds of miniaturized Joe Pescis employed to make this film when thousands of midget-actors are out of work??
Note to Tim Burton: if you're going to use special effects, get the lighting right! Otherwise it's just a distraction that hurts my eyes.
The 2005 "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is a movie, I guess, you have to see once. The 1971 "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" is a movie you'll want to see many times.