Customer Reviews

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory [VHS]

5 star:		(206)
4 star:		(117)
3 star:		(66)
2 star:		(64)
1 star:		(80)

 

 

I once made the comment that most of the entertainment today is in very bad shape. The industries are trying to relive past glories, especially music and movies. Most of the money being made in the music industry is reissues, HDCD releases of well-known titles, delux reissues, legacy reissues, offical releases of bootlegs, greatest hits, and any and all repackaging of classic albums. And they all use well known, classic, big name artists, because they know people will buy it. Because the majority of new CDs, and new artists aren't of any real quality, they have to rely on the old stuff to make money. The same can be said of the movies. It's all sequels, prequels, remakes, and remodels.

Accordingly, I was not thrilled when I heard a new version of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was coming out. When I learned it was a Tim Burton/Danny Elfman/Johnny Depp production, I was less skeptical. When I saw a trailer, I was interested. When I heard Danny Elfman was writing/composing the music AND doing the vocals, I was excited. The collaboration is great, almost to the point of excusing all their pretensiousness and self-absorbtion... enough quibbling. On to the movie!

It holds many of Tim Burton's staples; it is dark, stark, eerie, and filled with the regular unnamable props, but he has allowed joy into the equation. The movie is much better for it. There is rich color, specifically in the factory, to match the rich imagery and funny comparisons of Willy Wonka. Depp is cast perfectly in this role, which is not really apparent unless you see the movie. He is funny, quirky, confused, and innocent; much different than the brilliant, strong character played by Gene Wilder in the original. The children who find the golden tickets and their parents do a great job too. Perhaps my favorite part is the wild card, Danny Elfman. If you don't know WHO Elfman is, you're sure to have heard his music whether in any number of cult classic 80's films (Pee Wee's Big Adventure, Beetlejuice, Batman 1 & 2), his TV themes (The Simpsons), his musical-esque movies featuring his vocals (Nightmare Before Christmas-- an absolute classic soundtrack), or his 15-plus years of work as the vocalist/writer/guitarist for 80's heavyweight Oingo Boingo. "Charlie" is the 11th time Tim Burton has used Elfman as his composer, and this is arguably their greatest work together (though I prefer "Nightmare Before Christmas").

The movie itself is quite interesting, moving into parts of the Willy Wonka story the orignal movie didn't, relying more on the Ron Dahl book. Note: even the lyrics to the four Oompa-Loompa songs are the lyrics from the novel. We learn that Willy became a chocolateer to spite his father and is forever haunted by this falling out. An eventual redemtion of their relationship serves as a very positive pro-family element. Best of all, it's clean. Nothing negative, offensive, or disturbing is presented, meaning a green light for families and kids; a HUGE plus. The problem of lacking special features is corrected here, but you can save a few dollars if you don't mind a slimmer package. A great, big, fun movie.

Overall: 9 out of 10.

Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory begins extremely well. Right off the bat, we see Burton's trademarks just about everywhere. The Bucket's dilapidated house, all shadows and bizarre angles. Wonka's chocolate factory, looming castle-like, seems to stretch upwards forever as the camera pans up from the bottom. Also at the beginning, the script and cast really sucker us into Charlie's little world. A much better intro than the Gene Wilder version, Burton's take introduces us stupendously to the characters in such a way that, by the time twenty minutes roll around, your insides are quivering in anticipation at what is in store for Charlie. Sure, we all know the story, but one still feels that anticipatory, warm sensation of excitement.

When the children walk through the gates of the factory, they come face to face with what look like eerie robo-puppet rejects from Disneyland's "It's a Small World" ride. They look absolutely delightful and creepy, twist about mechanically, singing Willy's theme song ("Willy Wonka, Willy Wonka, the amazing chocolatier..."). When a fireworks display goes awry, they melt and ooze and, in true Burton style, their eyes pop out of their sockets, leaving what was cutesy and childish looking more like something hideous from a Chucky movie.

Inside the factory, one notices how different this film is from the original and, at first, this adds to the excitement. There is no gigantic clause to sign, no lickable wallpaper, no shrinking hallway with a piano lock on a little-bitty door. Instead, it just looks like a really expensive hallway. There is a little door, which Wonka opens with a key, and then...*drumroll*...it's the chocolate waterfall room!

Wonka proceeds to tell the children, in his helium-rich voice, to go have fun and eat what they will. He says everything is "eatable" and that, "even I'm eatable, but that is called CANNIBALISM, and is generally frowned upon." That line holds the promise of fiendish delights and dark Burton humor, giving the viewer ever more excitement.

However, don't hold your breath.

As soon as glutton Augustus Gloop falls into the chocolate river, getting sucked up the pipe, you start feeling like you've "been there, done that". Sure, it's a remake, but shouldn't this all feel fresh and new? A step above and beyond the previous film?

Well, then the Oompa Loompas make their debut appearance, of course. Thankfully, the orange skin and green hair are gone, replaced instead by very, very short people with Cool Whip coifs. Knowing that the Oompa Loompas possess the only musical moments in the film, you can't wait to hear those lovely little devils lecture about the rotten nature of the children.

But wait, what's this? Synchronized swimming? I kid you not - gone are the endearing Oompa Loompas, replaced instead by nauseating performances that range from the just-mentioned synchronized swimming to disco to 70s long-haired hard rock bands. It COMPLETELY removes you from the plot of the film, making you feel like you accidentally wound up at a really terrible American Idol audition.

The movie genuinely lost me when the Oompa Loompas first showed up swimming, but I wasn't ready to give up on the film just yet.

Next we had the grand boat ride through the tunnel - a flat-out disappointment. In my opinion, this was one of the best moments in the previous version. However, here I was left in the dust during what should have been an exciting, whirlwind ride through tunnel upon tunnel. The fast motion and bright pink seahorse boat, though visually, erm, NICE, weren't able to hold a candle to Wilder's crazy-eyed "There's no earthly way of knowing..." and scenes of chickens getting their heads chopped off.

From the first appearance of the Oompa Loompas up through the end, the film just feels cheap, rushed, un-Burtonesque, and unbearably and embarrassingly BAD. The songs suck, the acting is extremely sub-par, the visuals, though colorful, are VERY lacking, Wonka's childhood flashbooks are awkward, unnecessary, and painful, and the ending is just HORRID.

So, though the first twenty minutes showed high promise and had the traditional, much-loved Burton flair, by the debut Oompa performance, the movie takes a nosedive into boring oblivion and never resurfaces again.

The film is only salvaged by the first twenty minutes. The beginning promised a film of excitement, creepiness, and wonderment, but the film consisted only of Depp's creepy, awkward moments of dialogue, repeated jokes (how many times do we REALLY need to hear him say, "you're weird"? How many times do we REALLY need to see him smack his face into the elevator?). It's like the filmmakers couldn't think of anything more original, so they just decided to pound the same bland jokes into our heads repeatedly.

There will no doubt be those who commend the film for its more accurate following of Roald Dahl's book. However, after seeing the film, one has to genuinely ask the question...

Is tradition always a good thing?

In this case, it is most certainly NOT. Overall, I give it one out of four stars. Stick with the original - it was absolutely magical, wicked, and genius.

First off, yes, I am a fan of Tim Burton. I even own every one of his movies on DVD (though one or two of them I could live without). But that's not the point. The fact is, I respect his vision as an artist; and his ability to create such surrealistic worlds that are both weird and wonderful are just enough why I idolize him.

Okay, now, some of you may wonder, if this is a direct remake of the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory that starred Gene Wilder. Actually, no, even though it's the same story concept. The only difference is that this film pays more homage to the book (MUCH more homage) and is (of course) AMAZING to look at. The storyline now, is simple enough (because I'm under the impression that a lot of people have seen the original film): Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore) is a boy from an impoverished family living under the shadow of a giant chocolate factory, who eventually wins a candy bar contest and is given a tour, along with four other children, of the amazing factory run by the eccentric Willy Wonka and his staff of Oompa-Loompas.

Performance wise, this movie belongs to Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore, who are able to recreate their chemistry from Finding Neverland. However, quote: "Depp's Wonka is far less cuddly than that of Gene Wilder, playing it more like a demented Mr. Rogers with more than a bit of a sadistic streak. The way that he watches the kids meet their fates with giddy glee is quite disturbing, but it's hard not to enjoy this quirky hermit's complete lack of social skills."-Edward Douglas, [...] (sorry, but the guy explianed it perfectly)Also, I'd like to clear this up out of my system before it does any more damage, but it seems A LOT of ....people are comparing Depp's Wonka w/ a certain pop star so much that it really just sickens me. This assessment can be contradicted however. First reason (and this came from no other than Depp himself): In an interview, Johnny said he had NO INTENTION whatsoever to base his character off of Micheal Jackson. Second reason: Willy Wonka is a recluse, so he's supposed to be strange, weird, crazy, whatever. I mean, the guy shunned himself from society for 15 years so he's going to be pale, out of style/trend, and a bit behind. Also, throughout the movie, we're shown flashbacks of Wonka's past that are used to explain his weirdness. There, end of story. Freddie Highmore's Charlie is more sad than the original one, so much that you'll want to hug him b/c he's so optimistic depsite living such an impoverished lifestyle. Another performance nod goes to Deep Roy, who plays all the Oompa-Loompas w/ such panache. Everyone else is respectable in their performances.

Now, aesthetically, this film is amazing; in fact, this is Burton's most visually striking film to date. He yet again creates such surreal and imaginative landscapes that it's just real eye candy to look at; the factory rooms being the prime example. Some of the wacky machinery used to create candy is just as impressive and actually looks like it could work. Yet, as w/ the original film, this film creates an atmosphere that could unnerve sensitive folks. The boat ride down the chocolate tunnel is not the acid trip that was the original, but rather like an intense roller coaster ride. Also, for those who have seen the original, the four kids who fall to their weaknesses (loosely speaking: gluttony, pride, avarice(that's greed) and sloth) and punished for not heeding warnings are a bit more dangerous (thanks to the evolution of filmmaking) and look fatal, but are not.

Also, another treat in this film is to hear composer Danny Elfman (who has composed pretty much all of Tim Burton's films to date save for Ed Wood, which was scored by Howard Shore) sing again. He sings all the Oompa-Loompa songs provided by the lyrics written in the book with such style that you can't help but tap your feet. For the record, he also sung in Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Well, I believe I covered over everything. Overall, real faithful adaptation that surpasses the original in practically every way (sorry, but...my opinion). Also, the ending is different, both from the book and the original film; but still good. This is also Burton's best film next to Ed Wood and redeems him from his Planet of the Apes remake (what was he thinking w/ that?). Anyways, great film: just as wacky and twisted as you might expect but nonetheless wonderful to look at and as magical as the original.

I love this movie...Johnny Depp is always good at what he does...I personally think he's great in this movie. I would have preferred if they had a "making of" in the special features section, but whatever...I learned how to dance like an Oompa Loompa...

The colors are wonderful, the story is basically the same as the old movie. The morals are less stressed, and more emphasis is on the idea of a good decent "family" presence, missing from many modern-day films now. I really like Tim Burton's idea for the story, from the looks of the city, the Buckets' house, the factory, and even a few local jokes...like the over zealous Majorette! Ha ha! as an ex-band director I found that histerical! PLUS they were from the South! Depp, did a better job than many think. You really have to watch his EXPRESSIONS, this is wherein lies the true nature of this version's character for Willy Wonka! He's a kid at heart, not the like shrewd business man from 1971, and just as mischevious as the Oompa Loompas!

It's not a musical, but the oompa-loompa's (who can't speak a word of English) can sing English QUITE well. Many good underlying jokes, you just have to look beyond the story! Pink sheep... anyone notice there were NO females in the group by that time of the tour? The original Mike TV mumbled, but this one does not! And Wonka made a point to yell at him for mumbling when Mike seemed to know.... TOO MUCH. Mike TV's "sin" in this version wasn't really TV, nor even violence, but too much LOGIC. That was his flaw in this film. Not many people recognize that. Something about this movie from the realism of the Wonka character... the overall look, the music (which I think is the best attribute to the movie), and using the best techonologoy to replicate Deep Roy as the oompa loompas! (Lucas should have done this for his clones!) The ending has a pretty cool twist to it. After watching the full movie a few times, the pacing seems fine with the few flashbacks which helps the audience fill in the gaps for Wonka's character.

There are many movies being parodied throughout this whole movie, and even bands, and a few books. This 2 DVD set's major draw-in is the extras and how the movie was made. Even if you don't watch this version, at least see how it was made. They used more old "fashioned effects" than you realize. The over-all style is a nice mix of Suess & Burton. Overall it's already a classic in my book, and goes more by the book than the original movie... and that's a good move in my opinion. You're not left with any idea that the kids die (because Gene-Wonka was also hard to trust despite his last-minute mention that "all the kids will be back to their old miserable little selves but maybe a little wiser..."), like the original gave me. The original movie (which I did like) also gave me nightmares as a kid back then. This one does not (I'm not a kid anymore either), but it somehow it tends to lessen the morals, which my kids try to emulate the "bad kids" on occassion rather than Charlie. Still an already classic movie!

I'm the first person I know who would completely go against Hollywood for remaking what is, in my eyes, a classic. I've always been vehemently opposed to remade classics such as 'Planet of the Apes', "Psycho', and the list goes on, with Hollywood taking some perfectly wonderful classics and simply ruining them in the name of more money and a lack of original ideas.
Yet with a remake and rename to 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory',I was pleasantly surprised for two reasons:
1) The original grasped at some potentially high-tech-like and creepy scenes that would've looked much better with good technology, which, at the time, was unavailable (creepy boat scene in the chocolate waters, the TV Room scene with the little boy who shrunk, the glass elevator ...or, respectively, Wonkivator. These scenes looked great in the remake - when good movie-making technology remakes a classic that didn't yet have the equipment, it makes it look good, and in this case, looks DO stand to benefit the movie.
2) As a nutty fan of Gene Wilder, who did a wonderful job as the original Willy Wonka, I do think Johnny Depp worked for this movie, and worked very, very well. People need to stop criticizing him. For one, he's a good actor. Second, he's also a great COMIC actor. He picks up on the nuances, has excellent timing, and shares a similar facial control to Gene Wilder, enabling him to deliver comedic lines with that same dead-pan stillness which Gene Wilder was notorious for. Johnny Dep is also one of the few actors today who is unafraid to take chances, and his Wonka character was creepy in how androgynous and eccentric it was. I laughed when he seemed to throw up a little in his mouth evert time the term 'parents' came up. I don't think any other actor would've been as good for the role of Wonka.
All in all, the acting was actually very good in this movie, including the minor characters. I always found Charlie to be a minor character in this movie, and in this remake I kept thinking 'Tiny Tim' or 'Oliver Twist'. I kept expecting Charlie to finish a chocolate bar and then grovel to Wonka, "Please sir, can I have some more?" He was cute, in that gaunt, poor way, and I had the urge to feed him lots of porridge.
Now, the bad: Overall, the story is okay, though there are some key elements missing, and those were what put a big damper on the movie for me. The mysterious man in the original, whose name I forget, the one who acts like a competitor for Wonka's chocolate recipes, trying to secretly bribe the children into extracting a piece of candy to analyze the ingredients, is missing. His character, in my opinion, was central. He was essentially greed, one of the main motivators of it. He was a test to distinguish which child was natually loyal, and which was a greedy little brat.
In the remake, Charlie automatically wins by default because all the other kids are gone. Wonka, for being so concerned about his precious Ooomap-Loompas and factory, is willing to surrender it all to a random boy simply based on DEFAULT? I think not.
And to make matters worse, there was that little wounded child scenario, with Wonka's estranged daddy, and the reunion. I think I threw up in my mouth a little when I saw that. Don't mean to sound cynical here, but the beauty of the original "Willy Wonka" was about a mysterious, cynical man whose heart melts when he finds someone worthy and loyal enough that he can trust as his heir, not his therapist, for cryin' out loud. The beuaty was that Wonka never needed to explain to himself...he was a weird, eccentric guy, unapologetic and, well, weird. The other thing about him was that he was enigmatic. Does anyone remember a time when a character could be this way without being BAD? Does anyone remember when enigmatic, unexplained behavior in a character, in a FANTASY story no less, worked, without everyone needing to jump on the bandwagon and dissect the character, coldly sucking out his insides and calling him a pervert? It's just sad.
This daddy thing just ruins Wonka's character completely and keeps pointing out his shortcomings and bad childhood. I felt like I was beginning to read the introduction to a very bad self-help book after a while. This was a movie, after all, a fantasty, not a self-help book, or am I wrong??
All in all, the acting was great for me, but the script was poorly written. Someone took their Daddy issues and insisted on shoving them in, which annoyed me. But I think it's an okay movie, as long as you have the classic handy and watch that too, because that is the real thing.

Was Tim Burton on acid for the entire duration? This film is all syrup with no substance and seems 'rushed' as a previous reviewer stated. Why remake something that was already done and done with a grace,charm and style - all without the use of sickly slick computer generated effects. Johnny Depp as Wonka did not impress either. Without any outside influence, I found him to be very 'michaeljacksonesque' and grossly inferior as Wonka when inevitably compared to the genius that Gene Wilder contributed to the character. Wilder is a genius.Period. Depp is ...well.. not! This like most 'remakes'- Planet of the Apes comes to mind are just travesties and should be comitted to the bin.GIVE IT A MISS..

The dual nature of Gene Wilder's performance in the original made his character exciting and mysterious. Depp's Willy is just weird and shallow. Michael Jackson meets Edward Scissor-Hands. It was a waste of a great actor.

In the original, the Oompa's were also compelling. They could turn from fun-loving and non-threatening to dark and menacing with the flick of a cane. Everyone wanted to see more of them. Unfortunately Burton took this literally and made hundreds of clones. It seems like he was so distracted (as I was) with the split screens, scaling, modeling and other Hollywood trickery, that he forgot all about personality. I'm so bored of directors tripping over special effects that I can only say "Please God, don't let him near Disney. I don't want to see Snow White and the 700 Sleepy's".

In the original it felt like the kids had a fair chance, but they fell victims to their own vices. In Burton's, it felt more like target practice. Hand the gum chewer a piece of gum and when she starts chewing it, act... unsure. The only moral there was don't take candy from strange people.

Of course this version is going to be compared to the original version, and I think the time spent watching this would have been better spent watching the original. After viewing this once, I've seen all I'll ever want to of Weird Willy Rubber-Hands Wonka, his special effects factory, and his Oompa.

This movie is really good. Several other reviewers are unfairly comparing it to the the 1971 Gene Wilder version, "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." The Johnny Depp version is actually much closer to the children's book written by Roald Dahl. In fact, Roald Dahl completely hated the Gene Wilder version because the film makers changed everything in his book. One reviewer says that Johnny Depp's portrayal of Willy Wonka was scary and wierd. Well, if you've read the book, you'll know that Willy Wonka is supposed to be scary and wierd.

Brandon Simpson,
[...]

It was with this movie that I found out that Johnny Depp was such an adept actor. He has acted in my movies and they are all very different characters that he has played previously. I enjoyed this movie because it gave a whole new spin on the old version of the movie. I really liked and enjoyed the new spin with new music and a new Willy Wonka character. You will really enjoy this version. It is for the whole family!!!