A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

Rating: 10/10 (16 July 2005)

****Excellent
***Good
**Fair
*Poor
Allow me to begin this review by stating that Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was and still is my favorite family film. Director Tim Burton is one of my favorite filmmakers and in a way I expected this film to top the original. I guess that's the letdown or disappointment of the film. Nonetheless, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is an amazing film in its own right. Burton is a great artist and once again fills the screen with great imagery. When I was a child I discovered Burton through wonderful films like "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure," "Beetlejuice," "Edward Scissorhands," and of course the Batman films. With Charlie a whole new generation will discover the brilliance of Mr. Burton.
The other highlight of the film for me was the music and songs by Danny Elfman. This is one of his best work in my opinion. The score was very good and the Oompa Loompa songs were great. And the dance numbers were awesome. You know, sometimes I think Tim Burton should do a musical. He always does a good job with musical numbers. Go watch Beetlejuice and even Batman for more prove.
Now, like I mentioned above, the original is still the best in my honest opinion. One of the reason for that is because of Gene Wilder's performance as Willy Wonka. I love Johnny Depp and feel that he did a great job as Wonka. As well as very funny. But, because of his Michael Jackson approach I think Wilder beats him. I also loved the fact that Wilder's Wonka was a lovable a-hole. Wilder's Wonka was horrible to those rotten kids and very sarcastic to the parents. I liked that approach a lot and he was actually a good person at heart. Wilder's Wonka was just mean to those kids and parents cause they deserved it. To Charlie and his family he revealed the real Willy Wonka. And...even though Depp went for the whole creepy Wonka approach I think Wilder beats him at that as well. How can ANYBODY forget the acid trip?
RATING: 4 STARS
Take your kids or younger sibling. The film is fun and I think everyone will enjoy. Then go and buy the DVD for the original film.