Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Released 1971
Reviewed April 19, 1998
Stars Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear
Directed by Mel Stuart

"A little nonsense now and then
is cherished by the wisest of men." -- Willy Wonka quoting William Shakespeare

"Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" was ignored when it was released in 1971, and now it's a classic. I think it was too dark for the critics who expected a cheery movie for small children, and that's not what this film is intended to be. It's a fairy tale that's intended for both adults and children who are a little older, probably at least seven. It's peppered with many inside jokes, asides, references, and quotes (see above).

It's the story of a reclusive man, Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder), who owns the world's most famous chocolate factory. As the film opens, he announces a contest. He will ship five golden tickets randomly in his chocolate bars, and the finders of the tickets will get a tour of his factory and a life-time supply of chocolate. The entire world goes Wonka-crazy.

Willy Wonka has been hidden from the world for several years, and the director said he wanted the audience to feel the anticipation of finally meeting him. So, the first half of the film is spent hearing how wonderful Wonka is and watching everyone search desperately for the tickets. During this time, we meet a boy named Charlie Bucket. He lives with his mother and four invalid grandparents in a one-room hovel. Charlie is so poor, they have cabbage water to eat every night. He wants to win more than anyone, but he's too poor to buy candy. By the time the fifth ticket is found, he's only been able to buy two chocolate bars. Does Charlie get a ticket? You bet he does.

The five tickets are found by five children, who are each allowed to bring one person. Charlie brings his grandfather (Jack Albertson), and the other four bring a parent. Charlie and Grandpa Joe have a great relationship, and they provide the movie's moral high ground. The other four children are somewhat odious, in that they each have one bad habit they've developed to the extreme. Worse yet, their parents have actually encouraged them to do so.

In the second half of the movie, we finally meet Willy Wonka. Everything from then on is a surprise. One of the funnest scenes is shortly after we enter the factory, and Wonka escorts the guests to his chocolate room. The room is decorated in wild, psychedelic colors, and there's a chocolate river with a waterfall (that's how he mixes his chocolate). Best of all, everything is edible (the trees, flowers, mushrooms, etc). While the guests frantically explore the fanciful room, Wonka sings one of the best songs of the movie: "Pure Imagination." I'm sure 27 years ago, the special effects in this scene were cutting-edge, but today they look dated. They still work, though. Fortunately, pre-teen children aren't as jaded as adults, and they still get enthralled.

What makes the movie work so well is Willy Wonka, who's not at all what we expect. The characters expect a kind, benevolent, possibly shy man. Instead, he's unpredictable and mischievous: a modern day pan (he even plays some type of flute). He's also malevolent. He enjoys frustrating the parents and especially enjoys watching the bad children meet their fates. The children are insufferable, and we want them to be taught a lesson. What makes the movie so fun is Wonka feels the same way. His enjoyment of their predicaments and lack of concern for their safety is infectious, and it gives the movie the dark edge that originally scared the critics. But the dark edge is what makes it fun for adults, and I think children enjoy seeing the bad kids get their dues as well.

One of the highlights of the film are the Oompa-Loompas. They are orange-faced, green-haired dwarves that Wonka employs to make his chocolate. After each child runs into trouble due to his over-developed anti-social trait, the Oompa-Loompas appear to clean up the mess and to sing a lecture. "Oompa Loompa, zippadee dee, if you are wise, you will listen to me..."

The main reason to see this movie, however, is for the nostalgia you feel as an adult. "Willy Wonka" was an annual event in my household while I was growing up. It wasn't intentional, that's just how often the networks showed it. My brothers and I would always watch it, and sometimes my parents would as well. When I see it now, I'm transported back to our living room. I remember the big tub of popcorn we made every Sunday night, and I remember where everyone sat in the room. Never underestimate the power of nostalgia...

My daughter's only four, and it doesn't hold her attention yet. When she gets to be six or seven, she should be old enough to enjoy it. Passing a family tradition down to your children is one of the funnest things a parent gets to do, and I'm looking forward to passing this one on.

Reviewed by Bill Alward  Home

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