Dear Mr. Burton: As a huge fan of your body of work, I am really pulling for you in this next project “Wonderland”. Beetle Juice, Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Big Fish…you have made incredibly surreal and beautiful films. However, as of late, there has been some chinks in your armor.

I am looking right at you Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

I had such high hopes for “Charlie” and your unique take on this classic. And, while no one can replace a genius performance given by the late, and absolutely great Gene Wilder, I really felt this story would do well “Burton-ized”. However, this new take fell completely flat. What happened? You had the right formula. You had Depp doing Wilder. You had a great Charlie in Freddie Highmore (also see him in his best performance to date in Finding Neverland. “Charlie” just came across as scattered, messy, and vividly colorful. It’s as if Raoul and Dr. Gonzo decided to take a dip in kiddie lit . Or maybe more like an extended sequence of alternative scenes that would appear on a special edition DVD you watch AFTER the main feature. Where’s the Burton signature sharp dark humor and intricate storytelling?

Admittedly, I first saw “Charlie” at the Drive-In (yes, they still exist and ours is still open!) and it sucked. So, being the Tim Burton fan that I am, I go see it in the surround sound goodness movies are intended to be seen in. Still sucked. Taking it to another unhealthy level, I watch it at home on DVD. Still sucked.

Which brings us to “Wonderland”. This could be awesome in the way I had hoped “Charlie” would be awesome. I have only seen the production stills and am already excited for opening weekend. Yet, after “Charlie”, I am ever so slightly hesitant. Please, please, let this be good.