5% goodness, 80% darkness, 15% new.

Rating: 7/10 (3 August 2005)

As an old fan of the "original" adaptation I was looking forward to this more modern "Dahl-friendly" version (apparently Roald Dahl never really approved of the Gene Wilder version).
Firstly, the special effects were obviously better, the original always had the hint of bits of wood and swathes of cloth to build the sets. Unfortunately, some of the effects were very noticeable as being false, the motion of CG characters too stiff or routine, the split between real and CG parts of the set too defined.
The storyline is more complete and true to the books and, as such, Willy Wonka is much darker than in the previous version. However, I would be very concerned about a young child watching this version as opposed to the child-friendly Wilder Wonka. The melting dolls, the attacking squirrels, the scary Wonka and the horrible dentistry would be enough to scare many younger kids.
Although the script may be closer to the book, at times you long for the witty comments and expression of the Wilder Wonka of old. The funny lines are not as funny, delivered so strangely, the Wonka is not nearly as identifiable. You get the feeling that you would want to wash yourself off after being with Depp Wonka for any length of time.
That may be the reaction Dahl was going for but, having now seen both, the Mel Stuart version had changes for obvious reasons. Wonka was much more acceptable and identifiable, the little ditties were more enjoyable and relatable, the inserted quotes fitted, the strangeness of Wonka did not make him so scary, the special effects budget didn't exist so some parts they had to make do (I am assuming that is why squirrels and geese were interchanged) and the flashbacks only detract from the story.
Put Wilder into the newer CG world, take either set of child actors (although the old Veruca would always be better, the rest are on level ground), use the witty comments, quotes and songs from the old along with the best of the new, use some of the extended parts of the plot from the 2005 version and transplant them into the 1970 version and only then it would be the definitive Wonka.
Oh, and Helena Bonham Carter was completely mis-cast and isn't even close to believable as being a struggling housewife.