Charlie's Chocs

Another film review! God, I'll be turning this site into a movie blog! I did say I had a few to catch up on.

Our usual gang went to go see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Wednesday evening. We were all quite interested to see it, but only one of us had seen the first film version; I went with a clear mind and almost no expectations. Well, ok, I expected Johnny Depp to be at least 'ok' as Willy Wonka. He was. I don't know how much more than that I can posit though.

So what did I think of it? Really, I'm not quite sure. It's been two days and I still don't quite know how much I liked it. I can quantify it by saying it'd score somewhere between 6 and 8 out of 10 (as per IMDB's voting system), but I can't be any more precise than that. Sorry.

Should you go see it? Maybe. It's got the Oompa Loompas, not the same as the first movie at all according to my esteemed mate though. It's got Depp as a little-bit-crazy Willy Wonka who almost breaks into dance with the Oompas (or should I call them Loompas???), then remembers one of his guests has gone and has to look disapproving. It's got lavishly designed and almost Tim-Burton-esque-in-ways sets in the chocolate factory and rather a good effect for the elevator. Very colourful, realistic chocolate rivers and scenery. The other children are indeed despicable and it's easy to hate them and empathise with Charlie (very well cast). And... And... I'm running out of things to say.

I very much enjoyed the two books (choc. factory and great glass elevator) when I was growing up, and I hope Roald Dahl would be happy with this rendering of his story; he wouldn't turn in his grave but I don't know how excited he'd get. If you're keen to see it by all means go, if you've got kids they might enjoy it more than you if they're not looking for anything deeper; but don't put it top of your schedule. That's my opinion anyway.

Tags: films