(non-spoiler review)
Today’s movie viewing was an event! I believe this is the largest group that I’ve ever attended a movie with. Besides myself there was Mary and Tori, Jeff and Keri and their children Zachary and Ashley, and James and Julie and their children Lydia, Jessica, and Elaina. All 12 of us arrived early to get primo seats for Tim Burton’s latest film, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This remake of the classic movie is actually based on the children’s book of the same name by Roald Dahl.
In this new version the veteran of wacky roles, Johnny Depp, fills the shoes of Mr. Willy Wonka, previously occupied by Gene Wilder. I have to admit that I have a memory of seeing the Wilder version many, many years ago but don’t recall anything about it. Please keep in mind during this review that I can in no way compare this to the original movie.
This movie was great, great fun. I’m a big Tim Burton fan and the look and flavor of this movie was very Burtonesque, from the colors to the set designs to the overall wackiness of it. From start to finish I thought the production was very well done. Roald Dahl’s wife Felicity was an Executive Producer on this production and reviews have stated that this theatrical version more closely resembles the book than the Wilder version. That fact alone had me excited as I enjoy Dahl’s writing immensely. Burton is so great at the little details which is one of the things that I enjoy so much about his work. The opening sequence showing an overhead shot of the Wonka trucks driving away from the factory, making neat patterns in the snow established the style of the film early on. I also really enjoyed the visual dichotomy between the world outside of Wonka’s factory and the world inside his factory. Both showcased Burton’s unique talent for design.
The cast was marvelous. Depp was wonderful as the wacky, eccentric Willy Wonka. Freddie Highmore, fresh from pairing with Depp in Finding Neverland was touching as young Charlie Bucket. Helena Bonham Carter and Noah Taylor were great as Charlie’s parents and the 4 actors/actresses who portrayed his grandparents were adorable and amazing, most especially David Kelly. I haven’t seen a David Kelly movie that I didn’t immediately like and he is great in everything. Deep Roy was great as the Oompa-Loompas and Christopher Lee’s brief appearances were excellent. The entire cast did a wonderful job.
The story was entertaining, slightly bizarre, and a great deal of fun. The overall message of the importance of family and family loyalty rang through loud and clear. There is little of anything objectionable in this film. I was suspecting it to be a little darker in tone than it was and I felt Burton did a good job of keeping the film light and entertaining enough that even younger children could enjoy it without being too frightened.
On a side note, if you haven’t read the books of Roald Dahl you are missing out on a rare treat. Dahl is one of those rare authors who wrote books that are funny for both adults and children though not always for the same reasons. Several of his books have been made into movies: The Witches, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory…twice! The Twits is one of my favorites and all of his books are fun to read out loud. Dahl has also wrote several short stories for adults of a macabre, bizarre and often humorous nature.
To close I want to say thanks to the whole group who came out with us today. It was so much fun to see this movie with our friends and their children. Mary and I are especially thankful that we were able to be a part of Elaina’s very first theatre experience. She was wonderfully attentive and it was a pleasure to see her enjoying Charlie and the Chocolate Factory while eating Willy Wonka candy. It was especially cute when she informed us that the movie screen was “humongous!”.
The reviews have all been positive. I often sing the oompa loompa song at work and at home as it is Juilian’s favorite movie when he visits the grandparents. The story looks great in this one. I want to take Julian to it, it doesn’t look too bad, is it? Did Elaina get scared?
They don’t have that song in this movie! I missed it but wasn’t surprised that Burton didn’t use it. It’s much too cute and happy for Burton’s style.The new songs were more difficult to understand. The boat scene in the new movie was much tamer. I enjoyed this movie but have sentimental feelings for the old one. Wilder did a great job and wasn’t as troubled as the new version of Willy.
I enjoyed watching this movie. It was fun to see it with friends!
It was a little strange in parts. Jessica was sitting on my lap. She told me halfway through the movie that she might have nightmares and she will need to get in bed with us if she does. Elaina handled it very well. I don’t think it scared her. She had a great time.
It did give a good message about the importance of family.
The songs in this version are actually the ones written by the author, Roald Dahl, which is why Burton chose to use them. The Oompa-Loompa song and the others in the Wilder version were written by Mel Stuart, the director of the original. I have to say that I didn’t miss the oompa song. But I agree, the versions in this needed subtitles cuz at least half of the songs were pretty garbled. Dang Oompa-Loompas need to learn to enunciate!!! When the DVD comes out I’ll have to watch it with the subtitles on during those parts just to catch it.
I think Julian would like it, it really wasn’t scary, but Jessica’s comments definitely prove that one kid is not like the other. Elaina kept talking about her candy tonight and giggling and she sacked right out at bedtime so it obviously didn’t bother her.
Well, sounds to me like Jessica is just looking for a reason to get into bed with us.
Those kids practically get into a fight every night trying to figure out who’s turn it is to sleep with us.
We always end up telling them it doesn’t matter since no one is getting in bed with us tonight.
Most of the time they show up in the middle of the night with pillow in hand ready to get right in between us.
Crazy kids!
Its probably because of that giant bed…you could sleep the whole family on there!
This show was awesome! It has to be my favorite summer flick so far. I don’t remember where we saw Willy Wonka when we were kids. Was it with the Osbornes at the Cinema? But if I remember you slept in the bottom bunk with me for a week after we saw this show.
Hey, its my bro! Like I said, I know I’ve seen it but just have no memory of it. I’m gonna have to get this now on Netflix and watch it. To clarify: I’m assuming you meant that I slept in the bottom bunk with you cuz YOU were scared, not me!
thank god for movie makers the likes of them.
i wanted to respond to something you said on the fish:
having finished the new Harry Potter, i have to say i’ve completely changed my mind & the US edition cover art is way more wickedly well-done. er, i’m a little garbled right now, you’ll have to forgive me.
but it does what cover art should do–which is touch on a key element/theme in the book & make you wonder, & remember.
just was thinking about it.
You got through that large book already? Must be one of them quick readers, Jenn See! 🙂
Yes that is what I meant. I remember having nightmares about that fat kid getting sucked up the pipe.
Believe it or not Carl after going to the midnight Harry Potter release party friday night then going to to see Willy Wonka yesterday, Keri stayed up ALL last night to finish the new Harry Potter book. She finished at 8 am this morning and then on no sleep she went out into the yard and helped me cut up the tree damage we had before I mowed this morning ( my god it was hot out there! ). She lasted until 3 this afternoon before she crashed. The kids and I are trying to stay quiet right now so she can sleep. She really enjoyed the new book needless to say. 🙂
As for Willy Wonka my kids, 5 and 8 years old, really enjoyed it and I’m happy to report no nightmares last night. I really thought this movie was quite tame as far as a scary factor. I’ve never seen the original so I can’t compare it to that but I thoroughly enjoyed this version. It was truely a film for the whole family. The grandparents scenes were my favorites and I loved the opening sequence in the snow and the house Charlie’s family lived in. The songs were kind of hard to understand and repetitive but kids love the kind of thing and the movie is for them more than us adults anyway. My expectations were quite low going into the film so I was more than happy with the film. I’m not quite the Tim Burton fan Carl is ( sorry, man ) but I really enjoyed Johnny Depp and his perfomance doesn’t disappoint plus the film visually is very well done. The preview for this fall’s Corpse Bride also looked good, too.
Can’t believe she did that! I never managed to get out in the yard today. By the time we got home this afternoon it was way too hot and it can wait. I really hope it rains like they say its going to.
I liked the grandparents scenes quite a bit too. Quaint older folks in movies always crack me up. I love Return to Me and I.Q. for that very reason.
No apologies necessary. I don’t mind being a Burton fanatic even if I’m all alone! 🙂
No wonder you have such vivid memories Jason, since it got to you. I still just don’t remember it at all.
loved this movie too.
i remember being creeped out by the first movie as a kid.. whereas, my little sister loved it & watched it over & over.. maybe that’s why i didn’t like it..
My brother called last night and he has several vivid memories of it. I can relate Angela, having a younger sibling, or in my case a child, can easily ruin the enjoyment of movies when they watch them over and over and over and over…… 🙂
im glad you can’t compare it to the original – it shouldn’t be – i’m not going to rehash what everyone else said, since i agree with most of it, i just wanted to remind you, carl, that one of Roald Dahl’s short stories was, at least, part of a movie: “Four Rooms” the last room with Quentin Tarantino and the finger, was a Dahl short story…
I saw the Willy Wonka movie on television as a kid. I believe it was Jason who introduced me to it. I remember him telling me about the fat kid who gets sucked up a tube before I watched it.
I was wondering if they sang the oompa loompa song. The oompa loompas in the old movie gave me the creeps.
Did they have the bubble burping machine in the new movie?
Abby, no and no.
Thanks for the info Mysfit. When I looked Dahl movie tie-ins up all I came up with were the ones I listed.
No floating up to ceilings in the new one. At least, not that I can remember. Isn’t that what happened they burped and burped and floated higher and higher?
Hey Carl, you beat me to it!
I stole my Charlie and the Chocolate Factory picture from somewhere else Carl, I promise!
Another totally convincing and charming Depp performance and you’re right about David Kelly – I’ve been watching him since the 70’s and never seen a dud performance. For many years I would have sworn he only had one arm. (Robin’s Nest – British Sitcom)
He’s great, and feel free to steal at will Adamant!
Sorry Julie, glad you confirmed it thought cuz I actually had to sit here and think about that one and we only saw the movie 2 days ago…that’s some great short term memory I have going for me! 🙂
I like Tim Burton a lot, but there’s nothing in the world that could induce me to see this film. It feels like a real travesty to usurp the first, which was a real gem not to be surpassed.
I would probably feel similar Jay if the first one was a close match to the book but since this one is actually closer, including using Dahl’s song lyrics rather than making up original songs I don’t see that this is treading on the original at all.
I really enjoyed the movie too.
Julie, actually in the older version, Grandpa and Charlie get filled with gas after tasting something Mr. Wonka said was still experimental. They float to the ceiling up to the scary fans then realize that each time they burp they start sinking a little lower. It’s every kid’s dream: a good reason to make yourself burp!
This was a hit with our family, too. Nice to see I wasn’t the only one who noticed the trucks and the pattern in the snow at the beginning (although by the time it was over, I had forgotten about it!). I agree with Carl above, that this was not just a remake of Wilder’s Willy Wonka… this was so much truer to the original. I almost always love movies that stay truer to the book.
Oh, Michele sent me!
I so totally have to see this movie…not just because it sounds awesome, but my sister was an extra in the Gene Wilder one. Now, saying that out loud it makes no sense, but it does in my yhead!
And hi, Michele sent me!
Karen and Thumper, thanks for the visits! That’s so cool about your sister Thumper!
I’m still debating if I want to see this one in theaters or wait for the DVD. Hopefully I’ll decide before it leaves theaters lol.
Hello, Michele sent me! 🙂
I haven’t seen the movie yet. I will be certain to see it now that you have highly recommended it! Hello, Michele sent me!
I am still umming and aahing as to whether I will see the film – I understand about RD’s wife saying that this is closer to his “idea” of what the film should be like but Gene Wilder’s C&tCF is so wrapped up in many of my childhood holiday memories that I’m not sure I should mess with that! Glad you enjoyed! Michele says Hello!
Hello, Michele sent me. I haven’t seen this movie yet, but I love the book and I loved the Gene Wilder version. I’m hoping I’ll be able to watch it for the story, and not have to be incessantly reminding myself that it’s NOT a remake of the 1971 film, it’s a new movie based on the book.
Hello. Wow, thanks for the indepth review… I think my family would really like this… we will wait for DVD tho. I read a review from someone earlier who said it was good but not as good as they expected – said it was more like a remake of the old film with a few extras and without a few other things…. can’t remember exactly what. I do remember the review about Depp wasn’t to great… but anyway…. Michele sent me. 🙂
Michele sent me! I love movies, and reviews! My parents actually took my daughter to see it and they told me it was horrible…everyone else has said they loved it so I think I am just going to have to go this week and find out for myself…we opted to see wedding crashers…have a great day! TTYL
One of these days I’ll get around to seeing it (maybe even before it comes out on video)….
Michele says hello!
Thanks for this review…look forward to seeing it!
Yes, Michele sent me! 🙂
Oh, I want to see this movie. I read the book and the great glass elevator and james and the giant peach over and over when I was young. 🙂
I like the colors on your site,
oh……….btw, Hello, Michele sent me
Great review! I can’t wait to see the movie. I loved the original, and I love the book, so it sounds like this movie will be a real treat.
Michele sent me this morning.
Hi! Michele sent me. I saw the movie Friday and loved it as well. I thought Johnny Depp was a weird and wonderful Wonka. Great site! I’ll be back.
hello, Michele sent me! great review, it really makes me want to see the movie. and I love your site, especially the bee post.
take care,
M
Hi, Michele sent me!
My brother-in-law worked with Tim Burton on “Big Fish” and loved the experience. I am really looking forward to seeing the Wonka film. the original film is one of my favorites, though I recall that Roald Dahl hated it. Just one more reason to not finish that novel I’m working on: what if I hate the movie version? 🙂
Wow, I’m jealous!!! I’m enjoying everyone’s comments. For my regular crew who may not know what’s going on, Michele features a different website every so often. You can visit her very fun site here and the specific link about my site here.
Hi, thanks for the preview. The original film is one of my sacred films, so I’m still feeling a little uneasy about it. But I love Tim Burton as well, so I’ll probably end up there eventually.
Sent via Michele today.
Hello, Michele sent me! I’m off to see this movie this weekend. The original version is one of my favorite movies of all time and I know it by heart. (scary, I know) I hope to find something equally lovable yet “different” in the new version.
I look forward to seeing this movie… I think I’ll watch the original first — it’s been a loooong time. Great review!
Michele sent me today… have a great day!
I love Tim Burton, I love Johnny Depp and I love Dahl! I can’t wait to see this movie; thanks for giving a fan’s perspective – those are the only ones I trust.
Hi – Michele sent me!
Nice to make your acquaintance. Michelle sent me.
Michele sent me to say HI!
I was always freaked out by the original film…those Oompa Loompa dudes just made me squirm. Perhaps Burton’s touch will change my opinion!
Can’t wait to see the movie!
Hello, Michele sent me!!!
🙂
Hi, Michele sent me. Nice review 🙂
hello, michele sent me. this movie is on my list of movies to see, but somehow i never make it to see any of them, so i’ll just go read the review right now in case things don’t pan out once again.
I remember the original version being rather scary. Glad to hear the this version is not. I love Tim Burton. And Depp is a fabulous actor (just saw him on “Inside the Actor’s Studio — interesting guy). Thanks for a thorough review. BTW, Michele sent me . . .
Hi, Michele sent me! That was a great review. Very detailed without giving away plot or specifics. Thanks for the recommendation. It’s neat to see a group go and enjoy a movie together. Nice post.
Who in the HECK is this Michele person? Carl, you’re getting spam bombed or something.
Hello, Michelle sent me.
I loved the movie too. But what TB fan woudn’t?
Now Rob, I know its alot of work but if you read up about 10 or 11 comments I explained who Michele was, why this is happening (which is very nice) and linked to her site! 🙂
Oh… well, I can read it, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it!
{comment envy}
I hear you’re moving soon! Congrats to you! When is your website gonna be back up and running???
Hello from Michele. Rent “Waking Ned Devine” Kelly is amazing in it.
I agree War Eagle, Waking Ned Devine is a terrific, hilarious movie. I recommend it highly for everyone!
My husband took our granddaughter to see it yesterday and even he liked it – which is really saying something! Hi, Carl, Michele sent me.
I saw a sneak preview of this movie last Wednesday and to say it was fantastic was to sell it short! LOVED it!
Hi, Michele sent me 🙂