Ebert is right that the book was not really suitable for young children. I tried to read it when I was small, and it scared the heck out of me. So I doubt the movie would be good for kids either.
Still I might be persuaded to see it, if only for Johnny Depp. Yes, I know — liberal, “turned his back on the US,” etc. etc. But dang, he can play weird very well.
I guess thats good if you go for that sort of thing.
I read it and liked it when I was little, many times.
I wasn’t a normal reader though and my children have never gotten into it.
Not only that, the book was social/political satire. It was clearly written for adults. Many of the characters in the book were thinly veiled caricatures of prominent individuals and politicians of the day.
His portrayal of Willy Wonka can't hold candle to Gene Wilder's. And I know that Burton's film is "closer" to the book.
Ed Wood, on the other hand, remains the finest collaboration between Depp and Burton.
Edward Scissorhands has got to be one of my all time faves.
Kind of a Doctor Seuss meets Vincent Price sort of thing!
Burton is brilliant, the pastel houses all lined up, the satire is magnificent.