Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Yesterday I went and saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I wasn't sure what to expect since while I had never read the book, I had seen the 1971 version, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and the screenwriter for Charlie had not seen the 1971 version, and was instructed not to see it.

It's a pretty good movie. Depp's Wonka is rather creepy, supposedly based on Marilyn Manson though he reminds me of Michael Jackson. Comparing "Wonka" and "Charlie" isn't easy. They are rather different movies even if they have the same plot and characters and events. I'm not sure I'd say one was better than the other, though it's plain from seeing "Charlie" that it is closer to the book, even if I haven't read it.

I doubt I could spoil any of the film, but there are differences I won't mention in specific. There are a good number of cultural references that me laughing (that kids in the theater didn't seem to get) but it didn't depend on them. The music was impressive. Danny Elfman did well in scoring and samples of the tunes can be found here. Unlike the 1971 film, only the Oompa Loompas sing, and they aren't really creepy. It's Wonka that's creepy in this movie. I'm debating seeing the movie again - in the theater. I'll probably get the DVD someday. It'd be interesting to watch both versions.

There is one minor thing bugs me, and it probably shouldn't:

( Overanalyzing )