Review of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) by Paige T — 15 Dec 2013

Although not fully appreciated at first, director Mel Stuart's "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" is a wonderfully made film that stretches the boundaries of fantasy and reality. From the outstanding cast to the extraordinary visuals of the candy factory, there is hardly anything disappointing to be found. While the target audience was initially children, this movie is enjoyable for people of all ages.

The aspects of this film that make it particularly unforgettable are its visuals, actors, and music. As a musical, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" features many catchy and compelling songs. Paired with the stunning imagery of colorful and textural candies and inventions throughout the factory, this movie does not fail to keep your attention. Still, the best factor is Willy Wonka himself.

Played by Gene Wilder, Willy Wonka is an eccentric and whimsical chocolate factory owner who comes across as crazy, yet likeable and entertaining. He is a character that could not have been played as perfectly by any other actor in Hollywood. Johnny Depp's creepy and just plain horrible performance as Wonka in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," a remake of the film in 2005, is proof of this. Although the newer version of the movie was closer to the plotline of the original story by Roald Dahl, it was so awful that Dahl was probably turning in his grave. Even me, who was just eight years old when the remake was released, could tell which movie was superior. It was as clear as day.