This movie is probably one of my favorites of the year, with good characters, funny moments, and decent songs. While not the deepest movie of all time, it is definitely a family movie that isn't dumbed down for the adults.
However, if you're going into this movie hoping to see the birth of the Willy Wonka of the original movie then drop those hopes. This Wonka begins and ends in the same place, and is more of a wide-eyed boy than mysterious mastermind.
With that said, this movie does capture the wonder and imagination of the first one very well. I highly recommend this film for the holidays.