When you put Tim Burton and Danny Elfman on the same project you will get the same movie every time, with a meticulous music score and a dozen one dimensional actors with way too much makeup. That's not to say this style of film making doesn't have merit, it has made a nice career for Tim Burton but it doesn't mesh well with the classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
The first of the many unfortunate differences is the country in which the film supposedly takes place. The 1971 version of the film takes place in England. In the 2005 incarnation pounds are clearly in use, however a man offers Charlie "500 Dollars". While this is a minor inconsistency it hurts it.
The second and perhaps most blaring difference is that of the personality of Willy Wonka. In the original film Willy Wonka was witty, not just strange. Johnny Depp did the best he could but the greatest actor in the world couldn't save a film from a poor script. Also the addition of an additional story for Willy Wonka was unnecessary and took away from the overall plot.
Third, again typical of Tim Burton, it was felt that a narrator with a deep voice was needed to make the film a coherent work. This 'little touch' was a sign that the acting and plot was sub-par and needed the crutch of narration.
It was clear to me that even if it is possible to remake Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory that it didn't happen in 2005. Perhaps this remake can find a spot on cable TV but it isn't and never will come close to the original.
Good job. Assignment done.
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