See it. Now.

Rating: 10/10 (5 August 2005)

Making comparisons to the 1971 film is unavoidable if you've seen it. However, Tim Burton's version follows Dahl's book far more closely.
I heard lots of negative things about this film and not much positive, but my wife and I went to see it anyway, based on our interest in the first film and our appreciation for Roald Dahl. Burton's movie went FAR beyond my expectations in every area, and it solidified his place in my mind as THE filmmaker of our generation.
As always, Johnny Depp is right on...though nothing like Gene Wilder's Wonka, Depp creates a quirky but lovable chocolatier who seems to have a dark past not evident in the '71 film...instead of a loving, almost paternal figure, he is the full-grown child Dahl portrays in the book...to those who have read it, this is a welcome approach.
The Bucket family are a lovable bunch, the other Golden Ticket winners are as annoying as you'd expect, and the visual impact of the film is Burton at his best. Though some of the CGI is distracting (one character's "metamorphosis" in particular...), the visual effects are appropriate and effective. As in all of Burton's films, the art direction is phenomenal.
Another hot topic is the Oompah Loompahs...we loved them! Nothing like the '71 version, thankfully, and Burton's factory workers give us musical morals that are unique and humorous, as opposed to the hypnotic (and powerfully annoying) material written for the '71 film.
Speaking of music, Danny Elfman strikes again...by all accounts he is the standard by which today's film composers should be judged. His music is haunting, original, unique, and it consistently amplifies the emotional intent of the film.
Overall, this is the best film we've seen in quite a while...as we left the theater, we discussed the purchase of the DVD version. See it immediately!