Susan Montani – Google

I will keep this relatively short since I cannot reclaim the 2 hrs already given in the theatre. This is like "Sweeney Todd for kids"(except S.Todd is so well done and this is not!). The scenery is not interesting and it is dark, the supporting characters are not developed, not interesting and also dark. A character Noodle is introduced and her story is very disjointed. Willy Wonka is sweet, likeable and is cast well, but the writing, and lack of story, fails his skills. (His wardrobe person did well). This film is a terrible disappointment. There is so much that could have been done (Willy Wonka on islands collecting his exotic ingredients, finding Oompa Loompas, etc...). The original movie with Gene Wilder is my all-time favorite film, one in which I dreamt of over many years while wishing to wake up in paradise and eating candy flowers and mushrooms filled with whipped cream (this film certainly does not have that effect, unless as a disturbing unsettling bad dream). I now need to watch the original again to reset my brain! With films full of brilliance like Avatar, I can't imagine kids liking this version of Willy Wonka, and not being bored.