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As the star who's framed in the center of nearly every shot he's in, Depp is a constantly surprising Willy Wonka.
I wonder if even children will respond to the peculiarly humorless and charmless stylistic eccentricities of Mr. Burton and his star, Johnny Depp.
You can't help feeling that a fantasist as accomplished as Burton can manage this kind of project with his eyes shut. The trouble is that, from film to film, his dreams are starting to look the same.
The production is top shelf.
In its best sections, it's magically deranged in a way no other filmmaker could even come close to pulling off.
Throughout his fey, simpering performance, Depp seems to be straining so hard for weirdness that the entire enterprise begins to feel like those excruciating occasions when your parents tried to be hip.
Adults and kids alike will take macabre delight in the punishment of naughty children. Burton and co make smart and funny additions to this classic tale.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is quite simply, wonderful; a brilliantly imagined story that will win old fans and new fans alike.
Bright, spirited, and edgy -- don't expect the old version of Willy Wonka.
The Nut Room scene, complete with squirrels, is unreservedly brilliant, a tour de force of electronic wizardry.
One of the best family films in a while and one of the year's stronger films to date.
Possibly the first Hollywood movie to design a fairy tale of sorts around globalization, this delectable fantasy conjures a mythic Brit multinational instead of the usual imperial realm, as a basically high caloric magical kingdom.
Poised to become a new cult classic to replace the old one.
The material plays to [Burton's] strengths ... he's more interesting as a stylist than a storyteller.
It's nearly impossible to fathom the grand act of sabotage that Johnny Depp has committed upon the source material as its reclusive chocolatier.
Depp's Wonka exudes none of the gravity required for the role. It's as though he didn't take the role seriously. Rather than an intimidating candyman teaching brats a lesson, this Wonka is simply a freak.
Possibly the first Hollywood movie to design a fairy tale of sorts around globalization, the film conjures a mythic Brit multinational instead of the usual imperial realm, asa basically high caloric magical kingdom.
There's a lot of cool stuff on display here, but it lacks the consistent creative vision--or, if you like, the pure imagination--of the original film.
It will never replace the older movie in my affections, but it has enough good moments to pass an enjoyable two hours. (HD-DVD Edition)
If anything cramps Depp, and the film's sense of fun, it is the weight that is placed on reconciliation between Wonka and his father.
A funny and sweet adventure for kids and parents, thanks to Burton's ability to stir the imagination and tell a sweepingly charming story.
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