Felt disgusting walking out

Rating: 3/10 (31 July 2005)

Having read the book many times, I was excited to see that Burton was taking on an interpretation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He was the perfect director to give a movie the dark edge that was in the novel, yet keep some of the playful imagination that made it a kids' book.
Unfortunately, what I saw on screen was extremely disappointing. From the silence during the movie and the hushed whispers afterward, I wasn't alone.
The good things about this movie: the great glass elevator was used (and was wonderful). The nut room scene was amusing. And the chocolate river was perfect. But the rest of the factory and sets were just... eh.
Charlie was convincing as the good-natured boy who cared for his family, but the other children didn't make me believe their roles. Violet's mother seemed like she was still stuck playing her role in Galaxy Quest. And sadly, Depp's Wonka struck me as entirely too Michael Jackson-ish. So much so, that it instinctively forced me from wanting to enjoy the movie.
Quite, quite sad... because I love Burton's work and Depp's amazing acting skills. If they were going for disturbing shock value, I guess they succeeded. But I remember enjoying the book and the dreams and fantasy within the dark undertones... and that just wasn't here.