Overall, it was entertaining

Rating: 6/10 (17 August 2005)

This is an odd movie  Tim Burton of course, so that will be normal  but I'm not sure quite how to rate it. I loved the original movie with Wilder, didn't read the book so I can't comment there; but my daughter did and says this new version is closer to the book, so we'll rest that angle. It really doesn't matter to me if it is or not, but to some it does. And I can honestly say that I was entertained throughout the film. However, some parts are jarring. For a children's movie, or at least one in which a lot of children will be taken to, there are some decidedly adult type comments and situations. The music is not as good as the original, and maybe it was just my theater, but it jumped several decibels whenever it started up. The supporting cast is quite ordinary, and the scenes with Highmore and Depp don't begin to approach the chemistry between the characters in the original film. Moreover, Wonka's back story with Christopher Lee isn't necessary, nor did I find it the least believable due to the ancient look of Lee in all his scenes.
Regardless, I read the mediocre reviews, got dragged to the movies, and generally enjoyed watching it  for the most part. The cute quips from Depp, the best ending with a punctuated and rising '...little girl', still sound humorous. He is of course the best part of the film (leading actors usually are), despite the many comments heard about his Michael Jackson-like appearance and moves, many of which I didn't see or notice. All in all it could have been worse  at least I didn't sit in front of one small toddler who screamed each time the music began, and then just as promptly shut up when it stopped