I don't think the second one was even intended as a remake. It was just another movie of the same book. And from what I've heard its a bit more accurate, what with black oompas being creepy instead of cute. I haven't read the book though so I can't judge either for their credibility to their source

I much prefer the new one though. I couldn't stand the kiddie-ness of the original. Even when I was a kid. That movie upset me for some reason. It was just too BLAH!

It was like it couldn't make up its mind, too. Whether it wanted to be creepy, childish, stupid, or boring

The new one just sorta veered everything toward creepiness. And I think it worked out. I like the creepiness