A Movie More for Adults than Kids

Rating: 7/10 (26 August 2006)

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. In fact, I like it more every time I see it. This version is truer to Dahl's book than the original movie, starting with the title. Of course, the special effects are terrific and Johnny Depp's performance is wonderful. (It disturbs me that people see similarities between Depp's Wonka and Michael Jackson - including Roger Ebert himself!)
That being said, I have to convey the opinion that, while this film can be considered a family film, I think it appeals more to adults than children. There are a lot of "hidden" jokes and innuendo that children would not understand and which may be, some perhaps would say, inappropriate for kids. It is a little more violent and certainly much darker than the 1971 film.
I would also go so far as to say that this is not a remake of the 1971 Gene Wilder film, but a different adaptation of Roald Dahl's book done brilliantly by Tim Burton, of whose films I am a great fan.
In short, a great film with brilliant performances. But I would think twice before classifying it as a "kid" movie. It's so much more!