Some Comparisions to the Original

Rating: 8/10 (7 August 2005)

This is a remake that cries out to be compared to the original. In part because there was no reason other than making money for even doing the remake; the original's story and the style are pretty much timeless. And in part because Tim Burton did not use the opportunity to do a different take on the original story; he pretty much stayed with the same tone and style. But the story itself is so interesting that even multiple remakes are welcome.
The question then is whether this remake is worth watching for those who liked the original? The answer is an qualified "yes". If you have not seen the original and if you like fun fantasy films it is almost a sure thing. If you liked the original you should enjoy the remake but will probably feel that most of the charm of the original is missing.
Here are a few comparisons:
All the original songs have been replaced by more "techno" stuff that is showcased by Oompa Loompas doing Busby Berkeley numbers. These are rather ordinary, but since Veruca's and Violet's original songs were the only ones really memorable the change is pretty much neutral. The exception to this is Burton's satire of Disney's "It's A Small World Afterall" which greets the visitors in the courtyard of the chocolate factory. The hokey puppets which eventually short circuit and self-destruct is inspired and is clearly the best addition to the story.
The remake works in spite of Johnny Depp who gives a game but generally uncomfortable portrayal. This is made worse by the timing of the release because it is hard to get past the Michael Jackson caricature; whether intentional or unintentional.
Gene Wilder's Wonda was an omniscient and paternal character, whose weirdness was all affectation. Depp's Wonka is a deeply disturbed psychological mess, with lots of real issues. This allows for a number of flashback scenes into his rather nasty childhood. These are generally painful to watch and with each revelation you are thinking: "I didn't need to know that" and "I wish I hadn't seen that". Whatever Depp and Burton may think they gain from this, they break the unity of the film and taint the story. In a lame attempt to pull this new stuff together, Burton tacks on a moronic ending which just makes you regret not leaving the theater after Mike becomes a microwave signal.
Because the story does not crash and burn until the final few minutes, it works well as a remake and most should enjoy it on its own merits. For others it is worth watching just to try to figure out where the $150 Million budget went. Considering that the original's budget was $3 Million and its slightly off-kilter Victorian production design is significantly better than the look of the remake ("Wizard of Oz" meets "Resident Evil") you have to truly applaud everyone associated with the original's set design.