I just finished watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for the first time. I have to say I definitely like the original movie better. Admittedly segments of this one are quite funny, but for the most part it's one giant WTF? And the songs SUCK. Dear god, they're awful. I suppose they're supposed to be kooky or something, but the original ones are just a million times better.
What's with the Oompa Loompas?? Did they go out and find the ugliest Indian guy they possibly could and clone him a few thousand times? The kids didn't live up to my expectations, either. Veruca Salt was not nearly repulsive enough, whereas Violet was way over the top. The tv kid did a good job of being a little punk, though. Oh, and what's with all the parents in this movie? None of them seem nearly as disturbed as they ought to be when their precious little angels are on the verge of certain doom.
My favorite thing about this movie was definitely the squirrels, which are infinitely cuter and better than geese. The glass elevator is pretty cool, too, and I liked that they threw out the fizzy lifting drink scene. I also liked how you actually see how the other kids come out at the end. Overall I'd say this movie was passable, but I doubt I would watch it again.
Off to return the movie now (apparently my mom won more free rentals, which is why this movie was here to begin with).