Ahead of Its time, not for everyone

Rating: 9/10 (10 May 2020)

This movie is definitely odd. The original with Gene Wilder is a classic, and these two movies are very different, despite having damn near the same story. Both approaches are effective, just to different audiences. I personally love this version, with Burton helming another quirky and bizarre film that will have you smiling and cringing in equal amounts. The original is much more tame through most of the movie, but it also gets much more serious in certain moments. In fact, the original is more tense in many ways (the tunnel scene, the wonka outburst.) Rather than have these quick moments of intensity, Burton conveys an overall feeling of mystique and insanity. While it definitely has week moments, most risks taken pay off, and the setting is super strong. I felt like this movie was a trip, and even as a kid, I loved this version, although I can see why many young children wouldn't. It can be off-putting, but that's Burton's style, and forcing him to do anything else would result in a boring remake with no trademark style. Depp is also incredible and is the epitome of enigmatic. As a whole, this movie probably sits around a 7, but my love for it shoots it to an 8.5 for me. I recommend going into it with an open mind. Keep in mind it's not a movie that will please everyone.