sure to please children but not die-hard fans of the original

Rating: Null/10 (16 August 2005)

Loose, make that very loose remake/rethink of the 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory about an eccentric candyman who invites five children to tour his factory. Among them are a greedy glutton, a spoiled brat, a hypercompetitive and habitual gum chewer, an aggressive couch potato, and a poor boy with a heart of gold (Highmore). Fans of the original will have their complaints about this installment, but for the target audience it should provide lots of fun. Depp makes an amusing but odd Wonka (who bears an uncomfortable resemblance to Michael Jackson), but young Highmore is a true delight as Charlie. Acceptable for kids, but not quite sophisticated enough for adults. **½