Back to the Chocolate Factory - WinthorpeIII

Films/DVD Asylum

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Back to the Chocolate Factory

Posted by WinthorpeIII on July 23, 2005 at 11:43:49

In Reply to: Review: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory posted by jbmcb on July 16, 2005 at 19:52:57:

I saw this yesterday afternoon.

A good friend of mine has a problem with classics being remade. It generally does not bother me and I try to enjoy the new film for what it offers -- even if very little. This was a case where the impression of the original was so strong and memorable that the comparison was inevitable and problematic.

I'm a big fan of the original and even occasionally listen to the soundtrack on LP. The score and songs were truly classic material. The new movie came up with its own songs, but nothing too memorable or moving.

I considered the new movie conceptually flawed in a few ways and thought it was a shame to put such a dark twist on a movie for kids. Some of the actors were decently cast, though I didn't feel there was enough differentiation between Veruka Salt and Violet Beauregarde. The movie was not without humor and entertainment value though.

Still, I thought it was a shame and thought "Why bother?" Tim Burton must have signed on to the sure money maker to have a sure money maker for himself. I've never been much of a fan of his.
For me:

original: 4 stars and a true classic
new film: 2 1/2 stars and forgettable

Depp was certainly interesting, but the character didn't create the kind of joy and wonder that Gene Wilder did. No comparison there either.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Review: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - jbmcb 19:52:57 07/16/05 (12)

Back to the Chocolate Factory - WinthorpeIII 11:43:49 07/23/05 (0)

Re: Review: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - HOK 11:52:36 07/17/05 (0)

Wilder was magical, Depp was dark. * - mr grits 09:48:46 07/17/05 (5)

Re: Wilder was magical, Depp was dark. * - Bolt 20:39:44 07/20/05 (0)

Depp had the correct take on the character, which should be dark. Wilder was just goofy (over the top). - Audiophilander 16:42:01 07/17/05 (3)

Re: Check out his wonderful - Jeff Starrs 08:12:09 07/18/05 (2)

Excellent! And in Spain it was being played as an "appetizer" to ... - orejones 08:25:16 07/18/05 (1)

Re: That's it! - Jeff Starrs 08:47:38 07/18/05 (0)

Did you have a problem.... - Cetaele 20:12:37 07/16/05 (3)

Re: Did you have a problem.... - Bolt 20:43:29 07/20/05 (0)

I bet Ebert to that punch. With the "Neverland" title of his last movie, - tinear 10:36:24 07/17/05 (0)

Willy Wonka & Michael Jackson? - jbmcb 20:18:43 07/16/05 (0)

Follow Ups

Back to the Chocolate Factory - WinthorpeIII 11:43:49 07/23/05 (0)

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