Charlie and the Chocolate Factory review

[rbs3676]

I went to an advanced screening of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY last night and it was fantastic!
I am a HUGE fan of the original - in fact, WILLY WONKA was the first DVD that I ever purchased. So, this story is near and dear to my heart.
Tim Burton did such an excellent job...the cinematography was just amazing.
It was as if a story book exploded and came to life. The colors of this movie were just wonderful. The set designs (the house that Charlie's family lived in is Burton at his best) were awesome and all of the computer generated graphics were sensational.
The casting was sheer perfection. Grandpa Joe was exceptional. Violet and her mother were a scream. And the actor who portrayed Charlie was incredible -- he was adorable and heartbreaking at the same time. I can't imagine anyone else playing that role.
And then, of course, there's Johnny. He was amazing as Willy Wonka. The hat, the outfit, the teeth, the bob, the outrageous glasses...it was genius.
He had some great lines and his delivery was perfect. I will be really surprised if he doesn't get an Oscar nomination this February. He was that good.
This is certainly a summer must see...just wanted to share! :rolleyes:

rbs

[DrummerDeanna]

:blob1: :blob2: I am SO excited to see this movie!!!!

Thanks for the review!! I'm going on Friday - something to kill time before midnight when I get my Harry Potter book :]

[dissention]

Glad to hear you liked it! :thumbsup:

I'm not going to be able to see it this week, but it's definitely on my list and I look forward to seeing it. The only thing is that the things you loved about it are the things I'm very hesitant about and don't like from the trailers and clips I've seen. :laugh: I'm not a fan of the flashy, bright colors and modern look of the factory, and I'm not sold on Depp as Wonka. He just looks silly to me. Hopefully I'll love it, though.

[darklinensuit]

Thanks, rbs.

The Alamo Drafthouse in Austin has a midnight preview, Livia. Wish I could see it there.

- Jake

[Livia]

Thanks, rbs.

The Alamo Drafthouse in Austin has a midnight preview, Livia. Wish I could see it there.

- Jake

Tonight?? I think I'm gonna wait and see it next week....

[GypsySorcerer]

I didn't like the first one, so I'm in no rush to see the remake. I'll be seeing the Wedding Crashers instead. Vince, baby. :nod:

[dudden22]

Am I the only one that thinks Johnny Depp seems really creepy as Willy Wonka. Kind of Michael Jackson creepy.

[GypsySorcerer]

Am I the only one that thinks Johnny Depp seems really creepy as Willy Wonka. Kind of Michael Jackson creepy.

Josh gave the perfect description when he said Depp looked like Jackie O.

[trackaghost]

I was slightly disappointed. I think Tim Burton has lost it actually. He's never gonna make anything as great as Ed Wood again, he's lost his edge.

Can I be annoying and just point out this isn't a remake though? It's another adaptation of a book, a very famous one by Roald Dahl (and he hated the Gene Wilder version). *end of being annoying* Thank you :)

[Livia]

Am I the only one that thinks Johnny Depp seems really creepy as Willy Wonka. Kind of Michael Jackson creepy.

Creepy yes, but not MJ creepy. Creepy in a good way, if there is such a thing! :lol:

[mylittledemon]

I went to an advanced screening of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY last night and it was fantastic!
I am a HUGE fan of the original - in fact, WILLY WONKA was the first DVD that I ever purchased. So, this story is near and dear to my heart.
Tim Burton did such an excellent job...the cinematography was just amazing.
It was as if a story book exploded and came to life. The colors of this movie were just wonderful. The set designs (the house that Charlie's family lived in is Burton at his best) were awesome and all of the computer generated graphics were sensational.
The casting was sheer perfection. Grandpa Joe was exceptional. Violet and her mother were a scream. And the actor who portrayed Charlie was incredible -- he was adorable and heartbreaking at the same time. I can't imagine anyone else playing that role.
And then, of course, there's Johnny. He was amazing as Willy Wonka. The hat, the outfit, the teeth, the bob, the outrageous glasses...it was genius.
He had some great lines and his delivery was perfect. I will be really surprised if he doesn't get an Oscar nomination this February. He was that good.
This is certainly a summer must see...just wanted to share! :rolleyes:

rbs

I, like Tim Burton, am NOT a fan of the original. I never liked it at all. The only reason I want to see the new movie is because Christopher Lee play's Wonka's overbearing dentist-father. I'm a huge Christopher Lee fan.

[dissention]

I was slightly disappointed. I think Tim Burton has lost it actually. He's never gonna make anything as great as Ed Wood again, he's lost his edge.

I agree 100%. :eek:

He'll never top Beetlejuice, Ed Wood, and Edward Scissorhands ever again. Everything since Ed Wood has been lackluster, to say the least. I really liked Big Fish at first, but on subsequent viewings, it's pretty mediocre. Don't even mention Planet of the Apes, I still want a refund.

[dissention]

Josh gave the perfect description when he said Depp looked like Jackie O.

He does! :laugh:

I just think the Wonka character looks like a cartoon in this one. From the trailers, he doesn't look like the sinister character depicted in the book; he looks like a buffoon who is simply annoyed by children. The scene in the trailer where Depp bumps his head right into the camera is cringeworthy.

That being said, I hope it's fantastic, because I really want to like it.

[skcin]

I agree 100%. :eek:

He'll never top Beetlejuice, Ed Wood, and Edward Scissorhands ever again. Everything since Ed Wood has been lackluster, to say the least. I really liked Big Fish at first, but on subsequent viewings, it's pretty mediocre. Don't even mention Planet of the Apes, I still want a refund.


Burton did Planet of the Apes? Hideous!

I want to like this movie too, but I just don't know....

[mylittledemon]

Tim Burton is a genius. Frankenweenie is perfection. Beetlejuice and Pee Wee's Big Adventure are classics. Batman & Batman Returns are dark, gothic wizardry. Ed Wood is amazing. Mars Attacks is bizarre, but enjoyable. Big Fish was a little over-the-top, but it was good regardless. I also enjoyed his take on Sleepy Hollow.

[trackaghost]

I agree 100%. :eek:

He'll never top Beetlejuice, Ed Wood, and Edward Scissorhands ever again. Everything since Ed Wood has been lackluster, to say the least. I really liked Big Fish at first, but on subsequent viewings, it's pretty mediocre. Don't even mention Planet of the Apes, I still want a refund.

I even liked Mars Attacks! Thought it had some great moments.
Big Fish had so much potential, but it should have been much darker. It just ended up being too sentimental.

[sara1998]

I can't wait to see this. I love the Gene Wilder version, this is one of my favorite movies. Sara gets to see it before mommy does, though. She's going to go see it Friday day with school. I've been planning for weeks now to take her Friday night. So, my heart is broken. :(

[darklinensuit]

Tonight?? I think I'm gonna wait and see it next week....

I think so. I looked it up yesterday. It was showing at the Lamar location you told me about.

- Jake

[Janet]

I agree 100%. :eek:

He'll never top Beetlejuice, Ed Wood, and Edward Scissorhands ever again. Everything since Ed Wood has been lackluster, to say the least. I really liked Big Fish at first, but on subsequent viewings, it's pretty mediocre. Don't even mention Planet of the Apes, I still want a refund.

Oh Big Fish was really good. It started really slow for me and I was like WTF but then in the end, it was totally worth it. Albert Finney is amazing and I cried like a baby. Not a bad movie at all, IMO.

[CreepingDeath]

Josh gave the perfect description when he said Depp looked like Jackie O.

:lol:

I think Ebert said Depp looked like a cross between Michael Jackson and Carol Burnett. :laugh:

I'm still going to see it though.

[amber]

I didn't like the first one, so I'm in no rush to see the remake. I'll be seeing the Wedding Crashers instead. Vince, baby. :nod:
:xoxo:
Twins!! I sooo need a dose of Owen Wilson. He is soooooo funny to me.

Thanks for the review, though, rbs - you make it sound better than I thought, I might catch it on DVD... :)

[amber]

I even liked Mars Attacks! Thought it had some great moments.
Big Fish had so much potential, but it should have been much darker. It just ended up being too sentimental.
ahem. I loved Mars Attacks.

[CreepingDeath]

ahem. I loved Mars Attacks.

That's just because you love aliens--- e.g. Tom Cruise.

[dissention]

That's just because you love aliens--- e.g. Tom Cruise.

Tom Cruise is the Alien Queen. Try as she might, Sigourney simply cannot wipe her out.

[SuzeQuze]

:xoxo:
Twins!! I sooo need a dose of Owen Wilson. He is soooooo funny to me.
...

He is so sexy, I'll take a hit of that.

[mylittledemon]

:xoxo:
Twins!! I sooo need a dose of Owen Wilson. He is soooooo funny to me.

Thanks for the review, though, rbs - you make it sound better than I thought, I might catch it on DVD... :)

Not that I look like him, but my buddy Dan tells me all the time that my demeanor is just like Owen Wilson. I dont see it, but I've heard it from other people too.

[trackaghost]

:xoxo:
Twins!! I sooo need a dose of Owen Wilson. He is soooooo funny to me.



Me too :nod: I loves me some Owen.

[sara1998]

HAHAHAHAHA! I. Love. It.

I took Sara to see it this evening, and it is hilarious! Everytime a bad child does bad, and ultimately leaves, the Oompa Loompa's break out in song and dance. Absolutley hilarious. And Wonka just stands there, smiling, and bobbing to the music. I think they could have done a little better with the ending, but I will be buying this one when it comes out on DVD.

On edit... I especially love the puppet hospital and burn unit. RBS will get this one.........

[bikerchic]

Am I the only one that thinks Johnny Depp seems really creepy as Willy Wonka. Kind of Michael Jackson creepy.
:nod: I so agree! I don't think I can go see it for this reason. Johnny Depp is just too damn hot to see him like this, although I did love him in Edward Scissor Hands.

[NaiveMelody23]

I'm sorry, but this movie was SOOOO good. The only thing I didnt like was the annoying Oompa Loompa songs, but I tihnk Burton has made antoher good film. Personally, the 71 version did nothing for me, and I have always adored the book.

[Miss Vicky]

I just got back from seeing this one and I laughed my ass off and most of the audience actually applauded at the end. Admittedly, I've never read the book and only ever saw the original movie in a middle school Spanish class... not exactly the best way to see it.

I thought all the bright colors were quite stunning and definitely gave the factory that sort of child's fantasy land appeal, a sort of Neverland made of candy. However, I think the constant comparisons between Johnny Depp's Wonka and Michael Jackson are a little ridiculous. Were you expecting a big curly blond afro puff like Gene Wilder had? This is Johnny Depp and Tim Burton, of course he's going to have a different, darker sort of look.

I will say though that I'll probably have nightmares of crazy oompa loompa's jamming in a Queen-esque sort of band, coupled with a Kiss-like band of the little freaks.

Was quite pleased to see Helena Bonham Carter as Charlie's mom, though I rather prefer her in darker roles, like Marla in Fight Club. Am very much looking forward to her other recent collaboration with Burton and Depp, "The Corpse Bride" a claymation film a la "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Anyone know the release date for this one?

[trackaghost]

I'm sorry, but this movie was SOOOO good. The only thing I didnt like was the annoying Oompa Loompa songs, but I tihnk Burton has made antoher good film. Personally, the 71 version did nothing for me, and I have always adored the book.

It is much closer to the book and Depp is wonderful.
I did enjoy it, just was disappointed it wasn't darker. Burton says he is too happy these days to make dark films and it shows. I really miss that edge.
I think the only thing I really disliked was Wonka's back story, which wasn't in the book.
Why try and explain him? He's mysterious and strange, that's part of his appeal. I thought the stuff with his dad was lame (despite it being Christopher Lee). Wasn't too keen on the ending either.

[sara1998]

I think the only thing I really disliked was Wonka's back story, which wasn't in the book.
Why try and explain him? He's mysterious and strange, that's part of his appeal. I thought the stuff with his dad was lame (despite it being Christopher Lee). Wasn't too keen on the ending either.

I haven't read the book, but I plan on it soon. The stuff with his dad is kinda lame.

[ontheEdgeof17]

Am very much looking forward to her other recent collaboration with Burton and Depp, "The Corpse Bride" a claymation film a la "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Anyone know the release date for this one?


Hrmmm. I saw previews for this before Fantastic 4. I can't remember if it is this fall/winter or next fall/winter. :shrug:

[NaiveMelody23]

It is much closer to the book and Depp is wonderful.
I did enjoy it, just was disappointed it wasn't darker. Burton says he is too happy these days to make dark films and it shows. I really miss that edge.
I think the only thing I really disliked was Wonka's back story, which wasn't in the book.
Why try and explain him? He's mysterious and strange, that's part of his appeal. I thought the stuff with his dad was lame (despite it being Christopher Lee). Wasn't too keen on the ending either.


Well, I dont think Burton wants to scare kids with this film...I mean Willy Wonka was scary and that scene with the dolls exploding was a little weird, so I understand what you mean. I didnt like the dad story that much either, but it is sort of funny.

[NaiveMelody23]

Hrmmm. I saw previews for this before Fantastic 4. I can't remember if it is this fall/winter or next fall/winter. :shrug:

september, i think

[The Chain]

Tim Burton is the absolute BEST director in flimmaking history, in my oppinion. He's the reason I'd like to become a director. Sure, anything from Mars Attacks to Planet Of The Apes (besides Sleepy Hollow, or Big Fish) isn't his best work, I think Edward Scissorhands (the best film in history, in my oppinion) easily makes up for it. Charlie & The Chocolate Factory was great. Like others have said, it wasn't as dark as I expected, but I think it's a real jump back to classic Burton.

[trackaghost]

Tim Burton is the absolute BEST director in flimmaking history, in my oppinion. He's the reason I'd like to become a director. Sure, anything from Mars Attacks to Planet Of The Apes (besides Sleepy Hollow, or Big Fish) isn't his best work, I think Edward Scissorhands (the best film in history, in my oppinion) easily makes up for it. Charlie & The Chocolate Factory was great. Like others have said, it wasn't as dark as I expected, but I think it's a real jump back to classic Burton.

Well I disagree a little here. I do think Burton has a unique voice and wonderful macabre, gothic style but I don't think he's the best director ever. I can however see how he would inspire people to become filmmakers :)
I also think Mars Attacks is a fantastic film. It often gets criticised but I personally prefer Mars Attacks to Big Fish, which I felt was rather manipulative.
The ending of Charlie was such a cop out too, with everyone playing happy families at the dinner table. I even saw Burton being interviewed today and he said that he prefered the bit where Depp grimmaces when Charlie talks about families. I really wish he had changed that ending.

[DrummerDeanna]

Well I saw it.

I enjoyed it overall - but I didn't like Johnny Depp's portrayal of Willy Wonka. The Michael Jackson thoughts just kept coming and coming and it was freaking me out.

The kids were great - that Highmore kid is just amazing.

I LOVED the Puppet Burn Unit as well - laughed my ass off at that one.

I am still mulling over exactly how I feel about the film...I did like the way they did the Buckets and their home and the grandparents- good stuff.

[dissention]

I saw it on Saturday and was very disappointed. I love Johnny Depp and would even call him one of my favorite actors, but he was just wretched. Too cartoonish and just plain obnoxious. The whole subplot with his father being a dentist was simply torturous and idiotic to the point where I wondered if the creative forces behind the movie had any brain cells, or if they thought that disaster of a plot line up after doing a few lines of confectionary sugar themselves.

The children weren't developed at all and were just there. They weren't memorable and came as across as little kids acting. Very poor.

One of my favorite scenes from Willy Wonka was when he finally let everyone into the factory to eat all of his candy. It seemed to come after such a long buildup that it was almost orgasmic when he finally bowed and let them run free. In the new one...they just...went in. Nothing special, they just went in. How blah.

Loved Grandpa Joe and Charlie, though.

[dissention]

I LOVED the Puppet Burn Unit as well - laughed my ass off at that one.


The scene where they all burned in front of the factory was brilliant, I was gasping for air.

[GypsySorcerer]

It was okay. Visually, it was stunning. The scenes with his father were ridiculous, though. I enjoyed Charlie and his family the most.

[dissention]

I enjoyed Charlie and his family the most.

The bad teeth were a very nice touch, I thought. Grandpa George was a riot, too.

"Told ya he'd be a porker."

[all the same]

I saw it on Saturday and was very disappointed. I love Johnny Depp and would even call him one of my favorite actors, but he was just wretched. Too cartoonish and just plain obnoxious. The whole subplot with his father being a dentist was simply torturous and idiotic to the point where I wondered if the creative forces behind the movie had any brain cells, or if they thought that disaster of a plot line up after doing a few lines of confectionary sugar themselves.

The children weren't developed at all and were just there. They weren't memorable and came as across as little kids acting. Very poor.

One of my favorite scenes from Willy Wonka was when he finally let everyone into the factory to eat all of his candy. It seemed to come after such a long buildup that it was almost orgasmic when he finally bowed and let them run free. In the new one...they just...went in. Nothing special, they just went in. How blah.

Loved Grandpa Joe and Charlie, though.

I absolutely agree! I was going to say that I thought Johnny was terrible in it. I can't think of a single role previous to this film that I haven't loved him in. But he was HORRIBLE as Willie Wonka.

I also thought the film lacked magic. The only scene that made me feel magical and giddy was when they went into the chocolate waterfall room. The rest of the rooms were too tech and stark for what you'd think a chocolate factory would look like. I wanted more magical moments! And Tim Burton for sure knows how to do magic. Edward Scissorhands. Beetlejuice. The Nightmare Before Christmas.

I was SUPER excited about seeing this film but honestly thought it sniffed for the most part.

[all the same]

The bad teeth were a very nice touch, I thought. Grandpa George was a riot, too.

"Told ya he'd be a porker."

What about the grandma who said "I like grapes!" That was damn funny!

[dissention]

What about the grandma who said "I like grapes!" That was damn funny!

YES! I loved that, too. :laugh:

And the first Augustus scene was quite funny. His mother killed me.