Could have been much better...if they didn't add Hollywood Sugar

Rating: 6/10 (17 July 2005)

It could have been so much better...if they only left some needless stuff out. Not that it is a bad movie (I can't figure out people that gave it a 1!), but could have been so much better.
The artwork is magnificent, and the story itself is great. Tim Burton made some weird decisions (all oompa-loompas are the same actor, for example), but it is supposed to show a weird and magical universe. The dance pieces are over-the-top Hollywood-style, which I personally hate.
Comparing Jonny Depp to Gene Wilder is like choosing between different types of candy (clever me...) - each has his own favorite. Some scenes worked better in the old version, some better here.
However:
*** here come the spoilers ***
(if you can call them by that name) adding Wonka's dad just distracts and doesn't give anything. And the sugary ending about Charlie giving up the factory for his family, just to get it back after Willie Wonka learns about the importance of family, is just plain awful. You don't need to shove this upon us - they just kill the magic.
*** end of spoilers ***
bottom line:
a disappointment. big one.