Compared to the 1971 Gene Wilder version, this one beats it on visuals. And on music, if you like dance/pop music as the oompa loompa songs. The plot is also more true to the original source than the 1971 version. However, this one is inferior to Gene Wilders in every other way.The films biggest weaknesses is WIlly Wonka. Something about Johnny Depps performance is off from start to finish. He tries to behave in a weird, eccentric way, but unlike Gene Wilder he fails to add any charm to the character. He comes across as a rude and socially inept character. His whole performance seems forced, an amazing contrast to how natural Depp is playing Jack Sparrow. Someone else should have been cast as Willy Wonka.Charlie is also a problem here, he's a perfect saint like character, a Gary Stu. The charlie in the 1971 version was a good kid but he wasn't perfect. That makes him easier to relate to than the charlie in this version, who would never break any rules and altruistically puts everyone else before himself. Too goody two shoes, ugh. Veruca salts actor also comes across as forced. She's a spoilt brat but she never shouts or loses her temper, in contrast to the 1971 Veruca. This one just says everything in the same, monosyllabic tone. The other golden ticket winners come across more naturally as bad kids, as they should do. This film has some positive aspects, it looks impressive, the chocolate room in particular looks gorgeous, the ever lasting gobstoppers actually look like gobstoppers and it uses squirrels instead of geese. Violet turning into a blueberry is pretty hilarious. Unfortunately the film doesn't have enough hilarious moments. It plays very much as a "box ticking" film, it follows the source material competently but doesn't have much pure imagination of it's own. As someone who grew up reading Dahls books, i expected a bit more.

I grew up reading the book, and of course with the original film, both of which I love. This remake is exactly what you'd expect from Tim Burton, it's somewhat dark, trippy, surreal and somewhat garish. Fans of his will love it, appreciate his style, and enjoy his stamp. The special effects are terrific, it's a visual feast, very colourful, so much going on. The supporting cast are super, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly and even Liz Smith are delightful. The original has such a warmth, the music, songs, but mainly Gene Wilder, and whilst I love Johnny Depp, it's the character's lack of warmth that stops it being a movie I revisit often. The music just isn't good, you could watch it twenty times and not remember a song. Way too much Deep Roy. It has its faults but it's still imaginative, bright and very entertaining.

It's bad in general. Poorly directed, terrible music soundtrack and Johnny Depp is generally creepy as Willie Wonka. I think Tim Burton tried too hard to make it entertaining.

I might be in a tiny minority here, but I actually prefer 2005's 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' to the original 'Willy Wonka' film from the 70s. Yes, the original is considered a classic and rightly so, but there is something about this version that I love that just isn't found in the original. It remains loyal to the book whilst adding the odd new element to give it a fresh feel.I've seen this version a few times now and always enjoy it immensely. I particularly like how we learn more about the mysterious Willy Wonka character as we're taken back to his childhood. Johnny Depp is brilliant as Wonka, delivering a truly captivating performance and giving his own take on the character. 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' turned out as well as it could have for me. It was never going to please everyone, but I think this is a brilliant remake.