Went to see this last night. The first 40 minutes follows the original to a Tee. However the setting is more atmospheric and the actors are better. (Look out for the one-armed, Irish waiter from Robin's nest) - just superb.
We are introduced to the four other lucky ticket winners who are each horrible yet loveable in their own ways and at last the five teams including Charlie of course are assembled outside Wonkers. The similarities to the first film end there.
Wonker is a dysfunctional, Jacksonesque character who has all the eccentricity of Wilder's version with just a hint of sicko. The many Hoompa Loompas are all played by the same actor (an amusing Asian man) and camera trickery is used to obtain size-effects rather than those with Achondroplasia. There is an element of late 60's - 70's retro cum prog rock in a number of Hoompa Loompa sonngs wickedly singing the demise of the various kiddies.
We are of course left with Bucket, Grandad and Wonka. There is a great twist at the end, which I wont spoil and a superb cameo by Christopher Lee. An excellent feel good movie, which will appeal to slightly older kids and adults on different levels.
Bounty Points 8.1/10
