Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The obvious comparisons between this year's version and the 1971's are unavoidable. But where director Mel Stuart took many liberties with the original film Tim Burton has stayed truer to the source material. Though pleasurable to view and charming at times Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has a lot of problems.

There are numerous instances of unexplored plot points that seemed prominent and then just forgotten about. The story lacks a solid structure. We travel to many exotic locales in Mr. Wonka's factory, but for no reason other than to ditch the children that have won their entry into it. It's really more of a hassle to wait for and watch each little brat go than anything else.

And of course there is Johnny Depp's bizarre characterization of Willy Wonka. Gene Wilder played a more sensible and approachable character, but Depp alienates us preventing any sort of compassion for his parental problems.

It is difficult for me to say this, having liked him for so long, but it seems as though Tim Burton is losing his edge. Of his last ten films Batman and Edward Scissorhands are by far the best, and those were made around 15 years ago. Since then he has dabbled in dreary, unremarkable endeavors that fail to leave any sort of lasting impression. Perhaps his upcoming The Corpse Bride can capture some of that magic that set him apart from other directors. Let's hope Burton starts making really memorable films again and let's acknowledge his most recent film for what it is - nothing special.