2005 - Rated PG - 1 hr 55 min
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly, Helena Bonham Carter, Noah Taylor, Missi Pyle, James Fox, Deep Roy, Christopher Lee
Okay, so it's not the original (entitled Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory), but to be fair, it's miles closer to the original book by Roald Dahl, starting with the choice of title. But of course, it's Tim Burton and Johnny Depp collaborating once again, so it's got to be weird. Them's the rules, see?
And perhaps my opinion is skewed, because I happen to be madly in love with Johnny Depp, but I liked his interpretation of the hermit/genius Willy Wonka. He didn't just copy Gene Wilder (who's portrayal is legendary), instead he was brave enough to do his own thing. Make it weird. Make him talk in a funny voice. And make him wear purple rubber gloves.
It's hard to compare the two versions, so I won't. I think each can be celebrated for its own unique take on the children's classic book. Plus, Deep Roy makes one heck of a troop of Oompa Loompas. And Freddie Highmore's just plain adorable.
What bugs me about this movie is the needless daddy issues backstory for Wonka. Even having Christopher Lee in there couldn't save that half-baked idea.
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