by Laureen Manera

Created on: January 28, 2008

Which is better- Johnny Depp's or Gene Wilder's Wonka? This is a bit of a tough one. I absolutely adore both movies, but for different reasons. The new one's special effects are dazzling compared to the original. I also like how the new one goes into alot more detail, explaining Wonka's past and the problems he had in his relationship with his father.

However, Depp's Wonka is to me much less believable than Gene Wilder's. He just doesn't look the part. For example, no matter how hard I try, I simply cannot imagine that Willy Wonka would dress in so much black clothing. Depp's version just isn't colorful enough! I also have a really difficult time believing that someone who is still so child-like and childish would possibly be capable of running an enormous factory that once employed hundreds; as well as all the incredible inventions he supposedly came up with.

But this does not mean that I dislike Depp's version. It's acceptable to me, but just barely. I just happen to think that Gene Wilder did a much better job that I doubt anyone else could even touch. Some people may not like his style, but to me it was perfect. My main gripe with the original is that it's too short! I know they were on a tight budget when it was filmed, but I feel it could have been a little longer.

As for the Oompa-Loompas, there is no question in my mind that the original was much better. With only one person playing the part of the new one, they all look like clones. Which I guess they are. The songs in the original are far better too. At least in my opinion.

But as I mentioned before, the special effects in the new film blew me away. It really doesn't seem fair to compare it to the old one though, because of course they simply didn't have the same technology for film-making that we have and take for granted now. So I guess I can honestly say when I want to be dazzled, I prefer the new one. But when I just want to watch a good movie, the original can't be beat.

For me, it's a toss-up. When the new version came out, it was my favorite for quite awhile. But now, I'm starting to prefer the original again. But since they are so different, they're almost like two completely different movies. So it's a bit like comparing apples and oranges, I guess!

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