1971
Directed by Mel Stuart
This is a movie I grew up with, despite being born around 20 years after it came out. I have seen it many times (although my mom would always fast forward through the tunnel scene, because it scared us, and Charlie's mom's solo, because my mom hated it). This movie is absolutely magical and everything a children's movie should be: smart, not too preachy, and accessible to adults.
Willy Wonka is an eccentric candy maker who hides five golden tickets in his chocolate bars. Whoever finds a tickets gets a lifelong supply of candy, a tour of his factory, and deep emotional scarring. Charlie Bucket finds one of the tickets and decides to take his grandpa, who is magically able to get out of bed as soon as there is something he wants to do. I sense a faker. Anyway, the children and their guests tour the factory. As soon as a child breaks the rules, they are disposed of in some horrific way and a song is sung about it.
Well, you can see just from the above picture that this film is absolutely gorgeous and impossible to watch without at least a bucket of candy at your side. We have not had a good musical in awhile, so I welcomed this movie with open arms.
Don't even talk to me about the remake; seriously, it is that bad.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
The chocolate river was made of real chocolate. Apparently, it spoiled really quickly and the smell was just awful.
Roald Dahl reportedly hated the movie.
One Oompa-Loompa was a female.
The actresses who played Veruca Salt and Violet Beauregarde had crushes on the actor who played Charlie Bucket.
I've Got A Golden Ticket:
I love this movie and I agree with your review about the visuals. I did not know about the chocolate river being real and I did not know that Roald Dahl hated it! I wonder why. I love watching this and eating chocolate at the same time. I wish I could go there....and I really like the Oompa Loompas.
ReplyDeleteLets see now...
ReplyDeleteAmanda, go on.. what do you think I made of this one.... No, seriously, have a guess....
Diana, chocolate is essential in the viewing of this film. Ray, I bet you loved it and watch it every day!
ReplyDeleteGot me in one Amanda... Every day .. except when I'm attending the Wonkacons .. Lots of other fans gathered to celebrate this film. You can see me dressed up as an Oompa loompa I'm sure. A great tragedy is when these dos clash with a 'Sound of Music' fest.
ReplyDeleteIt does explain my sudden craving for chocolate when watched this. I just NEEDED a magnum plate of milk chocolate...
ReplyDelete