Somewhere Gene Wilder is hiding in shame.

Rating: 10/10 (16 July 2005)

In 1994 I read Roald Dahls classic tale about a boy named Charlie Bucket and the realization of his wildest dreams.
Roald Dahls book, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory was supposedly made into a major motion picture years ago, starring Gene Wilder as the eccentric and borderline physcotic Willy Wonka. Wilders version was considered a classic by many, including myself... until now!
Wilders version is noticeably weak when stood against this true ADAPTATION (not remake) of Dahls epic tale. Augusts screenplay was pure unmitigated genius, backed up by Burtons strong directing that accurately reflects the tone of the book. And lest we forget the ace ensemble which is also noticeably stronger than the rather mediocre performances of the lesser version. Most of all Depp is excellent at playing a Wonka that is truly as intended by Dahl (a child trapped in a man's body, not a reasonably mature tap dancer) Unlike the Wilder film, CATCF's darkness is complementary to the story, rather than seeming out of place.
Once I was forced to tolerate what seemed like a hasty movie version of a classic book, and now I am able to fully enjoy a true adaptation with a rational ending and a fine effort. This deserves to hold the place as the true tale of Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka, not the so called "original."