1971 v 2005? 1971 Wins!

Rating: 7/10 (30 July 2005)

After watching the 1971 version of the book last Sunday and the 2005 version today, I have come to the conclusion that I preferred the original version. Now I know the author Roald Dahl hated it and this one is more associated with the book. I did enjoy the film and laughed a couple of times especially with the Wonka tune at the front of the factory had me and my brother in stitches, I still enjoyed the original better.
Johnny Depp's performance of Wonka was good at times but disturbing at others. I haven't read the book in a very long time but I am damn sure that the whole father back story was not apart of it and although it was a nice little touch, I feel it ruined the ending a bit when he couldn't Charlie to bring his family but eventually does when he ties his knots with his father. Furthermore, the film to me seemed a bit rushed especially the golden tickets ordeal. The original panned it out a little but it seemed to me the whole thing was done in 5 minutes. The kid's characters were convincing but just did not like the fact they weren't given more time on screen or more things to say because it seemed that Wonka was hogging all the limelight for himself.
Some people have criticised the songs the Oompa Loompas sing after what happens with each child but I thought they were quite catchy and was nice that they were the songs from the book and is a thing the 1971 version could have had even though I love the songs in that film.
Again referring to Wonka, some people say he was like Michael Jackson and some people did not recognise that at all, in my eyes he sounded like MJ and had the creepy little laugh as well but was not entirely creepy. Again I am another supporter for the Gene Wilder Wonka and liked some of the little quips he came out with and wasn't entirely rude to the children or parents like Depp's portrayal. Freddie Highmore had a good role and liked him but again he played second fiddle to Wonka and even though he is probably the main character of the book and film, the whole thing couldn't focus on him.
I am not a huge Tim Burton fan but like some of the films he has done like Edward Scissorhands and Nightmare Before Christmas, he has done a good job of a great book and again it is more in lines with the book. The sets are well done although some of it is CGI, it is wacky and zany. Overall, I will give this movie a 7 out of 10 as I did enjoy the show, had some laughs and it was more in connection with the book. However I love the original better with the great songs and the people there act their parts better as they are given time on screen to do so (the kids in this version did not do a bad job though but could have got more time). I will get the DVD once it comes out as I have the original version also.