Movie looks great , but Wonka is a dud.

Rating: 6/10 (2 January 2006)

I've seen both and have a soft spot for the original admittedly. I have no knowledge of the book so I can't speak to what is more faithful,etc...
All I know is I tried to go into the new take with an open mind. I liked many aspects of the new version better than the original, (the flow of the story, the more three dimensional portrayal of Charlie and his family, no dreadful 'Cheer up Charlie' musical interludes) but I felt the Depp Wonka lacked the twisted humor and mystery of Wilder's Wonka.
Wilder's Wonka was strange, offbeat, and bizarre but, in the grand scheme of things, with a purpose. The Burton/Depp Wonka is strange, offbeat (but more in an uncomfortable not particularly funny way),weird, and emotionally stunted man. Not much to wonder to him.
For all I know, the new take on Wonka is more in line with the character in the book and I can appreciate the attempt at a different direction; it just didn't work for me. I'm glad I saw the new version, but I was not all that satisfied. Just one man's opinion.