Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
"Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" is nearly flawless, with a single exception.
No, it is not Grandpa Joe who feigned being bedridden and invalid to evade household duties.
You may argue that the ease with which he sprang from bed is a clear indication that he should have contributed to earning money or taking care of the house and child.
But you'd be mistaken. We're in a magical universe where Oompa Loompas exist. Who are you to say Grandpa Joe wasn't magically healed at the thought of visiting the magical Wonka factory?
Aha! You might assert that the flaw is that "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" is a musical. But I beg to differ.
Not that being a musical is without flaws. It certainly has its drawbacks.
The notion that ordinary people spontaneously burst into song and dance is a concept that can't be tolerated, even in a fantasy film.
I dispute the idea that "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" is a musical. It isn't.
Sure, Grandpa Joe bursts into song and dance as soon as he springs from bed. The man was just magically healed. Who can fault him?
Grandpa Joe might burst into song a few more times throughout the film. I would too if I had been bedridden for decades.
This film isn't a musical, simply because the majority of the songs are performed by the Oompa Loompas and Wonka. Which seems completely natural and appropriate. Who can define what is normal for an Oompa Loompa? Who can define what is normal for Wonka?
Wonka seems to take pleasure in making us expect the unexpected. From the moment we see him, he tricks us into believing he needs a cane to walk, and when he appears to stumble, we gasp in anticipation, only to be delighted by his acrobatics.
The problem with musicals is that the songs seem unnaturally forced into the plot and unnaturally forced onto the characters. In "Willy Wonka," all the songs seem to naturally fit. They never disrupt the immersive movie experience.
As I mentioned, there is but one flaw in "Willy Wonka." It's more of a minor gripe. That is, the film focuses too much on Willy Wonka and not enough on Charlie.
Roald Dahl was irate at the disproportionate attention the film gave to Willy Wonka, which detracted from the focus on Charlie.
That said, is it truly a flaw? What child actor can compete with the extraordinary Gene Wilder?
While a book can effortlessly portray a perfect image of a child, a film is constrained by the abilities of a child actor, and Charlie is quite young.
And Gene Wilder is unparalleled. It's almost as if the role of Wonka was written solely for him.
"The suspense is terrible... I hope it'll last."
- You get scared easily - there are some intense and whimsical scenes that might disturb younger viewers
- You prefer action or horror movies - this is a family, fantasy, and musical film
- You are not fond of songs in movies - there are numerous musical numbers
- You don't like older movies - this movie was made in 1971
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory"? I mean, is it a kid’s movie or a terrifying cautionary tale? One minute you're watching children gorge on sweets, the next they're getting sucked into chocolate rivers and turned into blueberries. And yet, somehow, we all wanted to visit that factory when we were kids! Go figure.
And let's talk about this Willy Wonka guy, huh? Who knew a candy tycoon could be so eccentric? I mean, he lives in a factory with little orange men who sing about morals every time a child misbehaves. It's an HR nightmare! Yet, he's still in business, and we’re all still buying Wonka bars.
Then there's the golden ticket fiasco. You know, that whole idea that you can only tour the factory if you find a golden ticket in a chocolate bar? I mean, let's think about this. Is this not the most elaborate and sugar-fueled marketing ploy you've ever seen? Who needs commercials when you can just start a global chocolate frenzy?
And what about the Oompa Loompas? They've got the best gig in the world. They mess around in a candy factory all day, singing songs and terrifying children. And I think they're paid in cocoa beans. It's like a bizarro Halloween. Where instead of paying out candy to scare kids, you get candy to scare kids. Sign me up!
The Cocoanuts (1929)
Those who love "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971) will also love "The Cocoanuts" (1929) due to their shared emphasis on eccentric characters, whimsical settings, and comedic elements. Both films feature larger-than-life characters (Willy Wonka and Groucho Marx's Mr. Hammer) who provide constant humor and unpredictability. They also both take place in highly unique settings (a magical chocolate factory and a chaotic Florida hotel) that serve as perfect backdrops for the comedic and fantastical events in the story. "The Cocoanuts," being a Marx Brothers' classic, also offers a combination of slapstick, wordplay and musical comedy that can be appreciated by fans of the playful and surreal humor in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
The Little Princess (1939)"Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" and "The Little Princess" are classic films that revolve around the enchanting adventures of young protagonists, filled with vivid imaginations and moral lessons. Each film boasts a rich narrative, memorable characters, and a magical, sometimes surreal, atmosphere that captivates audiences of all ages. The blend of humor and heart, the exploration of themes like hope, kindness, and resilience in the face of adversity, as well as the visually striking sets and costumes in both movies, are likely to appeal to those who appreciate whimsical storytelling and timeless children's literature adaptations.
Bambi (1942)Lovers of "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971) will also enjoy "Bambi" (1942) due to the blend of fantasy, adventure, and valuable life lessons embedded in both films. Each movie showcases a unique world - a magical chocolate factory and an enchanting forest - filled with colorful characters that capture the audience's imagination. Both films also explore themes of friendship, personal growth, and the consequences of one's actions, providing not only entertainment but also moral lessons. Their timeless, classic nature and captivating storytelling make both films enjoyable for all ages.
Cinderella (1950)Lovers of "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971) will appreciate "Cinderella" (1950) due to the similar themes of dreams coming true and the triumph of good over adversity. Both films feature underprivileged protagonists, Charlie Bucket and "Cinderella," who through a combination of chance, kindness, and their own inner qualities, are able to escape their harsh realities and find happiness. The vibrant colors and magical elements common to both movies add a layer of whimsy that enhances the viewing experience.
Moulin Rouge (1952)Connoisseurs of "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" will appreciate "Moulin Rouge" for its similar elements of whimsy, colorful settings, and eccentric characters, along with its musical numbers. Just as Willy Wonka's factory is a magical place full of surprises, the "Moulin Rouge" is a vibrant and unique setting. Furthermore, the plot of both movies revolves around a protagonist navigating a fantastical world while encountering a variety of quirky individuals along the way. These shared characteristics make "Moulin Rouge" a must-watch for any "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" aficionado.
Follow That Dream (1962)"Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971) and "Follow That Dream" (1962) are classic films that transport viewers to a world filled with whimsy, charm, and eccentricity. While the former is a beloved musical fantasy with a playfully eccentric lead character, the latter is an upbeat comedy featuring Elvis Presley's charismatic performance and melodic tunes. Besides the unique characters and enchanting music, both films offer a delightful blend of humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments that celebrate the spirit of imagination and dreams. Hence, if you appreciate the quirky charm and captivating storytelling of Willy Wonka, you'll likely enjoy the lively humor and enchanting tunes of Follow That Dream.
Charlotte's Web (1973)"Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" and "Charlotte's Web" are classic children's tales that are brought to life through enchanting storytelling and vivid imagery. These films share similar themes of friendship, love, and the power of imagination, while also exploring deeper issues such as morality and the trials of growing up. The fantastical elements in both movies, such as the magical chocolate factory and the talking animals, appeal to the sense of wonder and adventure in audiences. Furthermore, the memorable characters, heartfelt narratives, and timeless lessons make both films a delight for viewers of all ages.
Pete's Dragon (1977)"Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971) and "Pete's Dragon" (1977) share a whimsical and imaginative narrative, capturing the hearts of audiences who adore magical, fantastical elements. These films are characterized by their unique blend of music, adventure, and endearing characters, making them perfect for family viewing. The films' plotline, revolving around misunderstood children who find solace in a magical world, is a shared theme, making "Pete's Dragon" a likely hit for Willy Wonka fans.
Labyrinth (1986)Fans of "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" will appreciate "Labyrinth" for its similar blend of whimsy, fantasy, and musical elements. Both films transport viewers to a magical, slightly eerie world governed by enigmatic figures (Wonka and the Goblin King). Like Wonka, "Labyrinth" is a coming-of-age story that uses fantastical elements to explore themes of personal growth and responsibility. Moreover, the memorable performances by Gene Wilder and David Bowie respectively add a unique charm to each film, leaving audiences enthralled.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968):If you loved "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory", you should definitely check out "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang". Similar to "Willy Wonka", this movie revolves around an eccentric inventor and a magical car. The film is known for its catchy music, colorful production design, and whimsical storylines. Plus, it stars Dick Van Dyke, who brings immense charm and warmth to his role.
The Wizard of Oz (1939):One of the most classic films of all time, "The Wizard of Oz" brings a similar sense of old-school whimsy and wonder to the screen, much like "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory". It's renowned for its vibrant visuals, iconic characters, and memorable music. Just like Willy Wonka, the journey to the Emerald City provides its share of mysterious and fantastical characters in this timeless tale.
Mary Poppins (1964):As a fan of "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory", you'll likely enjoy "Mary Poppins". This uplifting musical film features a magical nanny, who brings fun, laughter, and life lessons to the Banks family. With engaging performances, especially by Julie Andrews, and imaginative sequences, "Mary Poppins" is an undeniable gem of cinema.
Alice in Wonderland (1951):"Alice in Wonderland" is a superb visualization of Lewis Carroll's classic tale about a girl who falls into a rabbit hole and finds herself in a weird and wonderful world. This Disney classic shares the same magical, over-the-top vibes as "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory", with a touch of eccentricity and peculiarity that makes it stand out.
Hook (1991):This magical and heartwarming film, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a creative reimagining of Peter Pan's story. Akin to the fantastical world of 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory', 'Hook' offers a unique take on Neverland filled with memorable characters, a captivating storyline, and a wonderful blend of reality and fantasy.
Matilda (1996):Filled with magic, humor, and an uplifting message, 'Matilda' is sure to charm 'Willy Wonka' lovers. This adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel follows a brilliant young girl who discovers her latent magical powers. The film combines the whimsy and heart of Dahl's work with a captivating performance by Mara Wilson in the title role.
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