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• The greatest children's movie of all time posted on 31 Aug 2009

  My love affair with this movie started when I was just a child. I don't remember when I watched it for the first time, but I do know that I took it for granted for several years that this was the best children's movie I had ever seen ("Charlotte's Web" and several of the Muppet movies were up there too). Now, as an adult, I watch Wonka every few months and am simply amazed how timeless everything is about it. I know that the new Depp vehicle will be a better version of the book and Dahl's fantastic writing will come to life through Tim Burton, but I doubt if the new movie will ever take away from the magic of Gene Wilder; the acting by the five fantastic kids; and of course, the chocolate. My favorite scene has to be while Wilder is singing "Pure Imagination" in the Chocolate Room. It is timeless.

• see the original posted on 31 Aug 2009

  I have read the Burton made his movie because he did not like the original.Nonetheless it is obvious that he watched the original over and over as it is is a blatant ripoff.There were very few changes other than the more evil backstory for Wonka and the allusions to modern movies.The Oompa Loompa music sucked.It seems to me that Burton has lost his touch. When was the last time this guy made a good and original movie.I wish he would go back to making movies like Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas, but it seems that he has run out of ideas (as evidenced by his poor remakes of Willy Wonka and Planet of the Apes).

• One of the Greatest Films Ever posted on 25 Aug 2009

  Definitely the greatest children's film of all time and possibly one of the best films ever. Gene Wilder's terrific sarcasm and numerous poetic allusions makes him a joy to watch. The entire movie is just incredible

• A classic especially for kids! (12 and up) posted on 22 Aug 2009

  This version (unlike the remake) is an absolute classic. After you have seen it, it will be with you forever. Gene Wilder as Mr. Wonka was superb. His character goes from being sooo odd to almost creepy and then back to a caring man about teaching kids to do the right thing. All of the characters in this movie really play their parts sincerely which only adds to the full impact of the movie's message. The movie has an aw and wonder about it that leaves one feeling a real experience has happened (real story with coherency). I haven't seen the remake but I know that no actor could replace Gene Wilder in the role of Willy Wonka. The music, the orange people, this is movie magic! Just another example of David Wolper productions at it's finest! (Roots etc...) You really can't remake a classic!

• Better than Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!! posted on 16 Aug 2009

  Definitely worth watching. Unlike Dick Van Dyke's childish Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the story is not so nonsense, actors are all fantastic, and most importantly, all the music in this movie are terrific.(in the children's car movie, the only song that stays in mind is, of course, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"). Gene Wilder's brilliant performance as an eccentric Willy Wonka should have awarded an Oscar nomination because he simply was as good as Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins. A great entertainment ride!!

• One of the best children's movies ever posted on 10 Aug 2009

  Roald Dahl's classic children's book translates well to the screen, due to a strong cast and clever screenplay adaptation.Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) is the greatest candy maker of all time, but he and his candy making operations are shrouded in mystery. Legends about what happens behind the always-locked gates of his factory abound. One day, to everyone's delight, he issues five tickets, hidden in candy wrappers, for a personally guided tour of the factory and "a lifetime supply of chocolate." The early part of the movie, dealing with the world wide scramble for the tickets, is inspired and hilarious. The main characters, a group of children, are introduced one at a time this way. Charly Bucket (Peter Ostrum) is a poor kid who desperately wants to meet Wonka, but despairs more with the news of each found ticket. He's the underdog for the audience to identify with and root for, and you do.The tour of the factory takes up the second half of the story, and provides plenty of laughs and surprise action. Wilder's performance as the colorful and eccentric Wonka is brilliant. He formulates the character to be both scary and funny. The movie benefits from a great assembly of child actors also; each one brought out the spirit and flaws of their characters well. There were also some recognizable faces among the parents who escorted them; notably Nora Denney and Jack Albertson who were great in their supporting roles. You can see why the kids act as they do, as the adults' personalities mirror the children's.You will also meet Wonka's helpers: the Oompa Loompas. They were a great addition, and served a variety of purposes in the story. Their songs were clever, fit the plot, great to sing along to, and just plain fun.It's one of the great children's' movies ever, that has enough going on to engage the interest of adults which makes for fun family viewing. It provides some clever insights about child/parent relationships as well, without bashing you over the head. A true must-see.

• I'm Not Incredibly Impressed because... posted on 08 Jul 2009

  Well because Wilder wasn't that good as Wonka and I did not extremely like the way Charlie acted. He was supposed to be a loving and caring child but instead he breaks the rules and drinks the Lifting Drinks. And the Inventing Room did not look real, it just looked like my bedroom but messier. And I wasn't very pleased with the fact that they changed Veruca's squirrel attempt and replaced it with geese and even though she went to the Incinerator, she sang a terrible song! And Augustus Gloop was the thinnest man in the world compared to the new Augustus but I'm giving it a 7 because not all of it was bad the Oompa Loompa songs were okay. And all-in-all I've decided the ending was rubbish! They went off in a lift! The end! And that is why I'm giving it 7/10.

• Genius posted on 08 Jul 2009

  Like most other commentators here, I too am a long term fan of this classic, primarily because of of its attendant virtuoso performance from Gene Wilder, as well as its super-charged Technicolour treatment of the subtly unsettling source material.It is here we find the dichotomy of Wonka: is he really a benevolent eccentric, or does this surreal exterior mask something more sinister? Who knows? That the film itself manages to neatly sidestep the more moralistic overtones of Dahl's book is testament to its innate sense of wonder and purpose.So, for kids of all ages, this is 'scrumdiddleumptious', and one can only hope Burton's latest take on the story lives up to it's predecessor.

• If SHE'S a lady, I'M a vernicious kanid! posted on 05 Jul 2009

  How well I remember my mom reading `Charlie & the Chocolate Factory' to me as I lay in bed with bronchitis or pneumonia as a youngster. Some time later, I took the book to school and my teacher (second, third, fourth grade? I can no longer recall which year) read it to the class, bit by bit.When I saw the movie later, it seemed only a natural extension of the book. Both have remained favorites of mine. Although I have not read the book in at least 25 years, the movie is still very enjoyable to me.I won't give a full-fledged review/analysis like I normally do. Suffice to say, it is still a classic. The cast is great, from veterans like Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson and Roy Kinnear, to the interesting group of child actors. Only Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt) would go on to post anything that remotely resembled an acting career. Most never stood in front of a camera again, including the star, Peter Ostrum (Charlie), now a vet. Yet, considering the tragic lives of many child stars, this is certainly no unhappy ending for the kids. They each made their only film appearance a good one. The Oompa Loompas were wonderful and had the best musical numbers in the movie. And, of course, the movie and book taught some lessons to parents and children, such as: don't be greedy, avoid nasty habits, don't spoil your kids, and don't fry your brain watching TV.The choice of Wilder to play Wonka was perfect. With the possible exception of Victor Frankenstein (FRONKenSTEEN), this WAS Wilder's role. He captures all the nuances that come with a Roald Dahl character and is charming in his little asides of Mr. Salt (Kinnear), Mrs. Tevee (Alice Ghostly clone Dodo Denney) and others. The myriad of literary quotes added to Dahl's
  screenplay later lend a wonderfully detached, Alice in Wonderland feel to the film. When the Dahl in Wonka comes out (in the `cures' for the children who fell into mischief in the factory, etc.), it seems merely an extension of the bizarreness, rather than anything cruel. (Hope that's no spoiler!)Of course the nonsense language-again, a throwback to Alice in Wonderland-helps to promote this surreal feel, too, and results in some cute lines, like Grandpa Joe (Albertson)'s `If SHE'S a lady, I'M a vernicious kanid!'This is another of the great 1960s-early 1970s children's movies. Of course, as I've said in over reviews, I am a child of that era, and probably prejudiced. A child of ANY era (and an child at heart of any age) would love Willy Wonka, though. I hope watching Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory makes you go right out and read this review. WAIT! Strike that! Reverse it!

• So shines a good deed in a weary world. posted on 20 Jun 2009

  The world goes on chocolate overdrive when it's announced that famed candy maker, Willy Wonka, has put five golden tickets in his Wonka Bars. The lucky recipients of these tickets will be treated to a day out in the top secret Wonka factory, where they can see how the sweets are made, and if they are even luckier, they will get a lifetimes supply of free chocolate. Nobody wants a golden ticket more than Charlie Bucket, from a desperately poor family, Charlie has learned to accept his heritage with a grace and credibility not befitting most other children. So when a miracle upon miracles happens, and Charlie finds a golden ticket, it just may prove to be a turning point far beyond his wildest dreams.They say that true love lasts a lifetime, so shall it be the case with Willy Wonka and myself. As a child i was captivated by the colours, the dream of myself being able to visit a magical place where sweets and chocolate roll off the production line purely for my ingestion. Songs that i memorised back in my youth have never left me, and now as a considerably middle aged adult male, i can still embrace, and feel the magic, whilst enjoying the darkly knowing aspects of this fabulous and wondrous black comedy.Roald Dahl was quite a writer of note, and thankfully the makers here have brought his astute morality tale to vivid cinematic life. Director Mel Stuart, aided by his screenwriter David Seltzer, even manage to add to Dahl's wonderful story courtesy of a sinister outsider, who apparently in the guise of a rival corporation, will pay handsomely for a Wonka top secret, morality, greed and power all coming together in one big chocolate explosion. The greatest gift that Willy Wonka gives tho, is that of the set designs and art direction, in an almost hypnotically drug induced colourful world, Wonka's factory is a child's dream come true, but peril is at every turn, life's lessons dolled out courtesy of the scarily cute Oompa Loompas.......Songs are provided by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricuse, with the sumptuous art coming from Harper Goff. Gene Wilder takes the lead role of Willy Wonka, magnetic and bordering on clued in madness, Wilder takes his rightful place in the pantheon of memorable performances performed in fantasy pictures. But ultimately it's the story and the way it appeals to every age group that makes Willy Wonka a prized treasure, the kids love it, while the adults watching with them will be wryly nodding and suppressing a devilish grin.Pure magic is Willy Wonka, see it now in High Definition TV to fully realise the dream/nightmare on offer, oh oh i love it so 10/10.

• How can they re-make this film? posted on 08 Jun 2009

  This 1971 children's film is a classic. It's funny, fun, mysterious, and even a little scary. The performances are wonderful, the music is timeless, and it is quite a good rendition of the classic book by Roald Dahl, granted Mr. Dahl wrote the screenplay. Now a re-make of the classic film is slated to be shot. I find this hard to believe-- just like re-making Psycho-- what is the point? Re-making films in the era of video and DVD seems silly. In the earlier days of films, the older versions were not readily available for the public, so it seemed fine to re- introduce the world to the stories, but now I just don't understand the point in re- making films that are classics. The new one may be a fine rendition-- I have faith that Johnny Depp is fully capable of playing a wonderful Willy Wonka, but it's a role that I think was already extremely well portrayed by Gene Wilder. What a magical movie this is, what a wonderful story-- every child should see Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the original, the classic...

• Fantastic Fantasy posted on 02 Jun 2009

  I love this film, possibly because I have a three year old who becomes totally absorbed in the story whenever he sees it. I've rediscovered the eye-popping delights of a secret world dedicated to the guilt-free invention and sampling of scrumptious chocolate and sugar confections. It's a cautionary tale of course - a concept my son has yet to grasp, bless him - warning against the evils of excess and over-indulgence and celebrating virtue and honesty. I love the three main characters - they all play their roles to perfection, particularly Gene Wilder who was just perfect casting. His Willy Wonka is, naturally, a reclusive oddball who, in the course of the factory tour, proves to be an intriguing combination of secretive, controlling, unpredictable grown-up and candid, excitable, mischievous, capricious child. Dated special-effects and appalling singing included, this film is a joy from start to finish. The saccharine ending is the icing on the cake.

• Pure Imagination! posted on 30 May 2009

  There are not enough words to describe this masterpiece of a movie! This is a film that touches the heart and soars the spirit to a time when political correctness was unheard of. It was a time where you could experience the remarkable joys and test the temptations of childhood with valuable lessons to be learned. However, at no time does this film "preach" anything.The acting, music, set-designs, and songs, will dazzle YOUR imagination time and time again! I have seen this remarkable film so many times, However, every time I see it again, I learn something new from the movie! There are not many other films made today that can say that.Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is to be preserved and cherished for all generations! Like fine wine, this masterpiece only IMPROVES with age. Gene Wilder is pure gold! Watch and listen to his mannerisms as he interacts with the children and their parents. He delivers some of the funniest and most memorable sayings that YOU the viewer will remember for the rest of your life! The ending gives me chills and moves me to tears every time! If it doesn't for you, check to see if your heart's still there.An absolute triumph for all involved! And to anyone connected to this film who is still around and may read this review, just let me say: Thank you for this landmark film!

• Light confection posted on 21 May 2009

  Nice gentle family feature, back in the days when "HR Pufnstuf" on TV and "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" in the cinema were the heights of children's imagination. Roald Dahl's mild cautionary tale on the pitfalls of consumerism, greed (still relevant today in our mass - advertising, obesity-conscious society) is presented pleasantly for the cinema and has a winning turn at its heart by Gene Wilder. The children can't quite act their lines but the adults support well (with a fair smattering of British comedy staples like Roy Kinnear, Tim Brooke Taylor and others on board). The music is fair, certainly not up to "Oliver" standards, with the well-known "Candy Man" standing out in a less than brilliant vocal performance by the shopkeeper although, to be fair, none of the lead singers is particularly exceptional. The special effects are okay, fine for the time, a bit dated now especially considering the wonders of Tim Burton's big - budget remake, and not too much of the confectionery looks truly scrumptious, to borrow a phrase, but some of the shots (especially the process shot above the rooftops at the end) are embarrassingly processed. The Oompa Loompahs, I suppose, evoke the Munchkins of Oz but are less characterful and really just act as decoration only. I'm struggling to get away from words like nice, pleasant and I suppose bland - it seems to me, all in all, to be one of those films you remember better from your youth than when seeing it again as an adult.

• Forever a sweet gem of a movie! posted on 03 Apr 2009

  When I first saw Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory I was in the third grade (1990-1991). The film became an instant favorite with me and I have never gotten tired of it. This is a movie that can easily captivate both children and adults with its wonder, excitement, and magical elements. The most mesmerizing moment in this movie gem is the chocolate room sequence where the children, and their guardians, eat almost everything in sight. Ever since I first saw this picture, I have had the dream of being in such a wondrous, colorful atmosphere where the sweets are dominant. I love to eat sweets so its no wonder that this movie is such a favorite with me.This family film is vastly amusing and will want to be viewed over and over again by children who practically live for candy and other sweets. This movie also delivers a few strong humanitarian messages. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, without a doubt, has a secure place in the realm of family entertainment.

• I agree about Mr. Turkentine posted on 31 Mar 2009

  I agree that Mr. Turkentine is the most underrated character in the movie. I love his humor and his quotes, especially the one where he asks Charlie to come to the front of the class and help him with an experiment, "Well, of course you don't know. You don't know 'cause only I know and if you knew and I didn't know then you'd be teaching me instead of me teaching you and for a student that teaches teachers it's presumptuous and rude... do I make myself clear?" he-he:) The way he presents himself is so hilarious. Another that is hilarious is when he's trying to teach the class about percentages and he asks Charlie how many Wonka bars he'd opened and Charlie replies "2" and Mr. Turkentine responds by using 200 and then when Charlie reassures him it's only 2, Mr. Turkentine replies that he can't figure out "just 2" and then says to pretend Charlie opened 200. he-he. :)

• A movie with a message posted on 25 Mar 2009

  When I first saw this movie in 1979 aged 9, I found it terrifying but at the same time it became one of my all-time favourites from my childhood. It's the ultimate children's fantasy story, but it's not all fun and games: it sends out a strong message which would be particularly poignant in today's society.And a warning: make sure you have a few boxes of Kleenex handy for the very last line in the movie - it's a killer. I'm getting choked up just thinking about it!

• pure imagination and pure joy posted on 22 Mar 2009

  Like millions of children I loved this magical film. It is a joy for the young and young and heart. I still enjoy it even as I am fast approaching middle age. It is a wonderful family film. Everything about it is sheer joy from the beautiful songs (especially Pure Imagination, if that song doesn't touch your heart you have none) to the candy garden in the factory. Gene Wilder is wonderful as the magical candyman (Robin Williams could have played this part, I don't know why I am thinking this). Peter Ostrum only made this one film and never acted again,which is a shame because he is wonderfully sweet as Charlie. Jack Albertson was the consummate character actor. He is wonderful as Grandpa Joe. This movie is still as wonderful and good today as in 1971 and that says a lot. BY the way, there is sort of an inside joke in the film most people don't catch. There is a scene where they are talking about a Wonka ticket being found and then the story is a hoax. The picture of the hoaxer on the newspaper is a picture of Martin Bormann. He was one of Hitler's henchmen. He disappeared from Berlin at the end of WWII and was never seen again. By the way, the scene where Grandpa Joe and Charlie drink those fizzy drinks and rise up to the ceiling and then come back down by belching was all wrong, they should have farted instead, it would have been funnier!

• Children's version of Seven posted on 19 Mar 2009

  Kids sin and pay horrible consequences. Gene Wilder's performance is one of my favorites. A good movie.

• This movie is still the best for 34 year since 1971!!! posted on 16 Mar 2009

  This movie "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" is a great movie & everyone like it. It about a boy name Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) who found the last ticket to tour the most greatest Chocolate Factory in the world with 4 other winner who also found the ticket. Now the 5 winner enter & saw something they never saw before a big garden full of candies. They also been through some weird thing doing the tour & 4 of the winner been in a weird thing that got them kick out because only one will win the big awards. At the end, The winner was Charlie & the Chocolate Factory now belong to him.It was a great movie for 34 years since it was made in 1971. Everyone like this movie all years long & it have great casts with great visual effects.It will have anther movie coming this year (2005) & it call "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"!!!I can't wait to see "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" & I know it will be a great movie too.