Should Have Been Better

Rating: 6/10 (18 July 2006)

The wonderfully whimsical Tim Burton was the perfect choice to bring a contemporary twist to the familiar tale of Willy Wonka. Unfortunately, it never really works as well as it should. Perhaps it's because we already know the story, or because Burton just doesn't translate as well when he's trying to be cute rather than weird. In particular, the musical numbers from the Oompa-Loompas, the strange little people who work in the chocolate factory, seem so out of place. Still, there is a lot that clicks, from the colorful scenery and characters to the apt performances from the child actors and Johnny Depp, who was well cast as the eccentric candy man. Children are bound to love it, but those expecting vintage Burton or a tongue-in-cheek nod to the original 1971 version will be disappointed.