I took my grandson to see Charlie And The Chocolate Factory today. It was released on July 15, 2005. The movie was directed by Tim Burton. The script was written by John Augsut from a book written by Ronald Dahl. Can you imagine floating down a river of chocolate? It’s every chocolate lovers dream.
Some Of The Stars
Johnny Depp plays Willy Wonka
Freddie Highmore plays Charlie Bucket
David Kelly plays Grandpa Joe
Helena Bonham Carter plays Mrs. Bucket
Noah Taylor plays Mr. Bucket
Missi Pyle plays Mrs. Beauregarde
James Fox plays Mr. Salt
Deep Roy is the voice of the Oompa Loompas
Christopher Lee plays Dr. Wonka
Adam Godley plays Mr. Teavee
Franziska Troegner plays Mrs. Gloop
Annasophia Robb plays Violet Beauregarde
Julia Winter plays Veruca Salt
Jordan Fry plays Mike Teavee
Philip Wiegratz plays Augustus Gloop
Blair Dunlop plays Little Willy Wonka
The Plot
Charlie Bucket comes from a poor family, and spends most of his time dreaming about the chocolate. He usually can’t afford to buy any.
Things change when Willy Wonka, the owner of the Wonka Chocolate Company, offers a contest. There will be five gold tickets that have been hidden in their chocolate bars. These will be distributed to every store that sells the Wonka chocolates.
The children who find the tickets will be taken on a tour of Wonka’s chocolate factory and see some wonderful things, such as a river of chocolate.
Charlie doesn’t buy a bar but finds a ticket. He and four other children who are much naughtier than him are the five winners. Well on second thought Charlie Bucket wasn’t too naughty!
During the tour the Wonka’s staff, (called the Oommpa Loompas), sing to the kids as they go by them. The tour of the factory will hold more than a few surprises for this group.
There is a second plot going on between Willy and his father. You’ll have to see the movie to find out what they were.
What I Thought
Johnny Depp plays Willy Wonka like he was auditioning for playing Michael Jackson in his life story! His voice and make-up seem like Michael’s. His teeth and his funny smile made me think of a mask.
I read the book and saw the first film, (the script followed the book quite well). The first movie starred Gene Wilder and was released in the 1970’s. When I watched this version I wonder why they script had been changed so much?
Freddie Highmore who plays Charlie Bucket is an incredible actor for such a young boy. David Kelly, (Grampa Jo), was the best actor.
The music was fabulous and had different tempos such as a Bollywood song, hip-hop and rock. The songs that you’ve heard before are Good Morning Sunshine, the Macarena and Requiem for Soprano, Mezzo Soprano, Two Mixed Choirs and Orchestra plus 6 songs I had never heard of.
The choreography was excellent as the Oommpa Loompas sang and dance.
The Oompa Loompa was played by one actor and I think that it would have been better if they had used one for each Oompa.
Tim Burton’s visual sets are bizarre and sometimes surreal and yet they were beautiful.
To Conclude
Children of all ages will love this film. I preferred the first film.
Thanks for reading my review.
©LL2005