Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - G
Common Sense Note
Though a bit slow in its first half, this film has achieved cult status among its adult fans, and remains popular for all ages.
Audiences love watching the bratty kids get their comeuppances. Gene Wilder's impeccably loony lead performance (arguably his best ever) is top-notch, as are the unforgettable songs. This is a magical allegory about the destructive nature of greed and the benefits of honesty, which delivers its message in a non-preachy, highly humorous fashion.
Preschoolers will be dazzled by the film's bright color-scheme and broadly-drawn characters but may be frightened by a few scary moments; an adult should be present when they watch. Five to 8-year-olds will comprehend the film's message, and respond to the memorable songs and snappy dialogue, but older kids and preteens are this film's ideal audience. They will appreciate the film's intelligent, satiric approach, and respond favorably to the Wonka character's sarcastic remarks.
Families who watch this film may want to discuss the different kids' choices as they go along on the tour. What would you do if you were one of the kids? When has being honest been rewarded for you?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Ed Grant
Reclusive candy mogul Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) comes out of hiding to announce a contest: five golden tickets will be enclosed in candy bars to be sold throughout the world. Those finding the tickets will receive a lifetime supply of chocolate and a tour of his mysterious factory.
Impoverished Charlie (Peter Ostrum) finds the fifth ticket, and visits the factory with his beloved Grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson). The four other children, who tour the factory with Charlie, suffer colorful fates when their bratty instincts overcome them. Charlie finds himself as the only child remaining at the end of the tour. At first he's denied the grand prize, but when he passes a final test, Wonka rewards him with the biggest prize of all: the chocolate factory.
Unlike the kind of children's movie that fizzles out, WILLY WONKA actually gets better as it goes along. Unfortunately, scripter Roald Dahl (adapting his book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) devotes nearly the first half of the film to the golden-ticket contest.
Though containing a few choice moments (and the hit song "The Candy Man"), this section of the film pales in comparison to the second half, in which the Wonka character leads us through "a world of pure imagination."
At this point, the film kicks into high gear, and one can easily understand why it's acquired a cult reputation. With the delightfully twisted Wonka (and his orange dwarf assistants, the Greek chorus of "Oompa Loompas"), Dahl and director Mel Stuart hit upon the perfect vehicle to convey the film's message. Willy Wonka functions as a sort of inverse Wizard of Oz in which the eccentric inventor assumes center stage and the travelers are for the most part creepy, self-centered souls who learn by being punished, not rewarded.
The role of Wonka makes terrific use of Wilder's playfulness and manic energy. He is helped along by a memorable supporting cast and the jovial and touching tunes. Though the film's candy-colored sets may seem a bit primitive when compared to today's computer-generated special effects, WILLY WONKA does indeed stand the test of time.
Other movie adaptations of Dahl's whimsical work for children include James and the Giant Peach and Matilda.
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ViolenceFour of the young leads impetuously leap into situations that at first seem fatal, but ultimately aren't. Charlie and Grandpa Joe are almost decimated by fan blades (they escape the situation in short order). Wonka takes everyone on a creepy pseudo-psychedelic boat ride. |
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Social BehaviorVarious character flaws: greed, gluttony and excessive television watching are satirized. That said, Charlie also is rewared for honesty, and he learns that his dreams can come true. |
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