Wonka remake a BAD idea

Rating: 1/10 (28 July 2005)

I am so disappointed with the multitude of missed opportunities that Tim Burton had to elaborate original story lines and make this family classic a fantastical journey for the senses. The lack of creativity and originality is an insult to those of us who enjoy his usual unique and insightful twists. Who would have thought with the range of technology and wealth of creative talent that Hollywood has to offer that a director of his vision could miss the mark by such a wide margin? Speaking as a parent it was vulgar, disturbing and offered inappropriate references for young children in far too many scenes. To add injury to insult, the flat performance coaxed out of Johnny Depp was painful to watch. He has never been my favorite guy, but I feel he has been underrated as an actor and I have no doubt that he and the other good cast members would have been capable of delivering superb acting to help save this film if the dialogue and themes had afforded it. What a sad commentary on our culture that some critics actually recommended this film for families.