Willy Vs. Charlie

Wanted to do something different than just give my thoughts on this weekend's movies. So here's a scorecard for the original Willy Wonka versus the new Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I'll run through all the major characters and see which version reigns supreme.

Willy Wonka:
WW&tCF - Gene Wilder's Wonka is an icon. Practically every line that comes out of his mouth is quotable. His Wonka is also more likable than Depp's.

C&tCF - Johnny Depp's Wonka is Michael Jackson minus the sleepovers. He's out of it, he's socially retarded. I think its a more interesting character. They are two totally different takes. Still, I think Depp's Wonka is harder like.

Winner: WW&tCF

Charlie:
WW - Charlie is whiny and feels too sorry for himself. "I bet those Golden Tickets make the Chocolate taste horrible."

C&tCF: Charlie is a great little kid. He is more concerned with his family than himself. You understand how he can win the contest.

Winner: C&tCF

Granpa Joe: Gotta go with the original on this one. His part is a lot more developed.

The other Kids: This is the only place I felt the remake dropped the ball. Burton introduced some interersting ideas with Violet being the overly competitive Jon Benet Ramsey type and Mike Teevee being a video game addicted know it all, but there's just not enough time to develop it. The original's Veruca is miles away from the remake.

Winner: WW

The rest of Charlie's Family: The original did nothing with the other grandparents. Burton gives each grandparent their own personality. Charlie's mom is equal in both films, but in the remake you don't have to put up with the awful "Cheer up Charlie" (the part everyone fast forwards through).

Winner: Charlie

Oompa Lumpas: The original Oompas are icons, but the remakes are closer to the original book. I really like Danny Elfman's songs for the Oompas too.

Winner: Push

Final Score:

WW - 3
C - 2

So the original wins, but barely. That's about right in my view.