Another bad remake

Rating: 2/10 (10 October 2005)

Once again, we are subjected to greed and self promotion as another classic gets copied by today's filmmakers who shamelessly abandon creativity.
First of all, let me get this off my massive chest. Yes, it is a REMAKE. The original was made in 1971. The arguments about the changing of the title or that it is closer to the book have no merit. It is a COPY of the 1971 classic with the SAME characters and basic storyline.
Johnny Depp's performance falls so far short of Gene Wilder's and this is obvious to everyone. Wilder's wild, eccentric, poetic, unpredictable style was superior to Depp's reclusive, socially-moronic, mumbling, flashbacking attempt. Speaking of flashbacking, was that really necessary? Christopher Lee is a fantastic actor but this is wasted on one of today's ideas of having to pick through the origin of some of the best misunderstood characters in entertainment. Why oh why do people feel the need to go back in time to see Darth Vader, the Grinch, and now Wonka's child highlights when leaving it all alone is much more mysterious?
The kids......2005 Charlie looks like an imp with over sized ears. Whenever I look at him I just can't get by those bat-wings! 2005 Verucca, though cute and talented, was nowhere near as bratty as the original. Making 2005 Mike Teevee a video game freak was to be in touch with the times, the original Mike was still superior. The original Violet was more obnoxious which equals better. This new one with the win-at-all-costs mentality falls short.
The CG-generated Oompa Loompas were a lame joke. Mass producing that goofy looking filipino was totally lame. Though their songs were taken from the book, I thought the Augustus one was OK but I remain faithful to the original Loompa songs which were far superior, humorous and ingenious. I also remain faithful to the original 1971 movie which filled me with magic and adventure as a child.
I also remain faithful to the original in terms of grading. 2005, made for the ignorant who missed the first one, is a failure. 2 out of 10 stars.