Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

While not quite as good as the classic, this tells a similar story with the same sarcasm and quirkiness. They included more backstories and took advantage of modern CGI. It also had the Burtonisms thrown in to really make it stand out. Other than making its own interpretation without changing the tone, it tells the classic story we all know and love. Johnny Depp was enveloped in the Wonka character. You might not even realize it’s him if no one pointed it out. I love this interpretation but I still have to give the edge to the original since it”s the classic. This is the same story with a modern, unique Burton fingerprint. Side note: If you ever read the books, this version is almost a perfect 1-to-1 except for the dentist dad backstory.

Story - 20%

Characters - 18%

Pacing - 17%

Spectacle - 20%

Entertainment - 17%

Total score: 92%

Grade scale:

90%-100% = must watch

80%-89% = solid, but could be better

70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you

60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons

0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here