"That's 105%!!"
Most books, well-loved classics, do not translate well to the screen. Regardless how faithful it remains to the book, some fans of the book won't be impressed with the film... As a child I remember curling up on the couch and reading Ronald Dahl's "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory". Sadly, over all these years i cannot separate my feelings about the book and my feelings about the film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory": i enjoy them both. Doing a little research about the film (by watching the DVD extras) I discovered Ronald Dahl was not impressed by this film, in fact he never saw the whole thing...learning that, it makes me wonder why this film has been so popular, and why a more recent adaption of the film has been made (personally i didn't like the newer film as a whole...some parts were better, but for nostalgic reasons i perfer this one).
Just a disclaimer, I love musicals. While this film isn't usually performed on stage, I have always had a soft spot for this film. Although, I can sing most of the words by heart (although my pitch may be slightly off...especially if i have an audience) I am still struck by the humor of the spoken lines. Gene Wilder, who plays Wonka, delivers his punch lines and continues on, making it seem more realistic: he's mocking the others, but they don't pick it up.
The basic premise of the film is that eccentric candymaker Willy Wonka has hidden 5 golden tickets in his chocolate bars. The recepients of these tickets are granted a tour of Wonka's factory and a life supply of chocolate, and can be accompanied by a family member. The recepients are Augustus Gloop (German glutton), Veruca Salt (spoiled brat), Violet Beauregarde (proud gumchewer), Mike Teevee (annoying tv addict), and Charlie Bucket (humble, sweet boy). Wonka takes them all for a ride, "Little surprises around every corner, but nothing dangerous" while showing them his dream "If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it".
This film differs from the book in several plot related devices, but i think it enhances the story...BEST LINE: "If God wanted us to walk he wouldn't have invented roller skates!"
Watch while doing homework: some parts drag, and even if you miss a large chunk of the film it is still possible to follow the story
Rent it once: see it once, just to say you've seen it...it isn't necessary to own it to enjoy it, but i love it:-)
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1970) 100 minutes
Director: Mel Stuart
Starring: Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka
Jack Albertson as Grandpa Joe
Peter Ostrum as Charlie
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