Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the modern adaptation of the beloved children’s novel. Charlie is a young boy whose life of poverty and obscurity is dramatically transformed when he is thrust into an adventure beyond any of his wildest dreams. For years, the mysterious Willy Wonka, maker of the world’s finest chocolates, has deliberately remained hidden from the world, his chocolate factory a very secretive and shadowy place. Smoke comes out of the factory’s chimney stacks and chocolates are shipped to stores—but no one is ever seen going into the factory or coming out. When the announcement is made that five golden tickets have been placed in a few special Wonka candy bars, the entire world runs amuck trying to find the valuable treasures that will gain them entrance into the wonderful chocolate factory—guided by the genius chocolatier himself. Charlie lives with his mother and father and two sets of grandparents in a little ramshackle house. The seven of them live happily together on love, family, and cabbage soup. Charlie has a fascination for Willy Wonka and his wonderful chocolate factory, and when he finds out about the golden tickets, he dreams of being one of the five lucky children who will get to tour the factory. Things start to look pretty grim for Charlie when one by one, the tickets are being found by others. The film follows the book in addressing the cardinal sins of children, including gluttony (Augustus Gloop, played by Philip Wiegratz), being a spoiled brat (Veruca Salt, played by Julia Winter), gum chewing (Violet Beauregarde, played by Annasophia Robb) and television/video game addiction (Mike Teevee, played by Jordan Fry). But Charlie’s luck takes an unexpected and wonderful turn. The rest of the film follows the children and their families as they tour the factory. People who loved the original version of the film will find Tim Burton’s version very different, although the basic premise remains the same. Johnny Depp’s role as the eccentric and vulnerable Willy Wonka is genius, and Freddie Highmore plays an adorable Charlie whom the audience will feel an attachment for right from the beginning. There are a few elements that should be noted when considering taking young children to the film—there is one profanity and some mild body humor. Some elements of the film seem darker than the light-hearted version with Gene Wilder—but those who love the novel by Roald Dahl should enjoy this film version. Added story lines that emphasis the importance of family also add to the strength of the film. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is entertaining, colorful, and engaging. Many parents may find themselves sighing with relief at some of the lessons the film teaches as it condemns children’s misbehavior in a way that is understandable to young minds. The film creates and maintains its own charm separate from the original film version, and is a fun film that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
|
Movie Search
|
|||||||||||||||
 | ||||||
