Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Reviews

This is a hugely enjoyable film, based upon the book by Roald Dahl. The film does have a number of merits, especially the flawless performance of Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, a characterisation that is charming and funny at the same time. Another standout is Jack Albertson as Grandpa Joe, his scenes with Charlie were lovingly realised, but in his song, he was just hilarious, and his singing voice was remarkably good. However, whereas Peter Ostrum is perfectly agreeable in terms of acting as Charlie, he is let down by his lack of any real singing ability. Though the film does look beautiful with excellent cinematography and colourful sets, and the supporting characters like the Oompa Loompas, the odiously spoilt Veruca Salt, television addict Mike Tevee and the rather disgusting Violet Bueragarde, are very well done, and the actors are further advantaged by a wonderful sparkling script. The songs are lovely, especially Oompa Loompa, Imagination and I want it Now, though I will say I felt Cheer Up Charlie was rather tedious and slowed the film down quite considerably. Overall, a beautiful film, and I do think it is underrated. 8/10 Bethany Cox.

(OK) Surprise, an adult musical on childs background, noir touches, so imaginative that yo forgive its predictability. Wilder is elegant and excellent,the boys and girls are functional...

I prefer Tim Burton's version of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' to Mel Stuart's version but some prefer this version. 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' isn't as good as 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' but still a decent classic.

I felt this version had better music and I preferred Gene Wilder's Wonka to Johnny Depp but I thought Tim Burton's Wonka Factory set looked better than Mel Stuart, I heard that one third of Mel Stuart's set was edible (I don't know about Tim Burton's set), and also Tim Burton's version is more like the book, I didn't like how in Mel Stuart's version, they killed off Charlie's father without explanation.

Overall I refer Tim Burton's version but they are still both good

Even though I have never been a fan of Roald Dahl’s book adaptations, since this movie was a classic and arguably the best of these adaptations, I was really eager to check it out. First of all, I have to admit it, it is a pretty cool story, absolutely, I even think I read the book when I was a kid but, still, I wasn’t really blown away by this movie and I would say that I preferred Tim Burton’s version. Indeed, I forgot that it was a musical version and all those songs were pretty boring to me. Then, I’m sorry, but I wasn’t really impressed by Wonka’s factory. I mean, 40 years later, the scale was not really impressive and it didn’t look delicious (apparently, 1/3 of the set was actually eatable, even the chocolate river so they did actually try). Another thing that bothered me was that maybe half of the movie was about looking for those damned golden tickets and the rest of the movie felt pretty rushed. Finally, Gene Wilder gave a really good performance but I felt they only scratched the surface about this mysterious Willy Wonka figure and it would have been nice to learn a little more about him. Still, for a 40 years old feature, it still stand out from the other productions from that time, it remains a nice watch and it is definitely worth a look.

It's sad to see that the only reviews so far on this wonderful classic are negative ones. Well, it's time to balance things out!

I personally, loved this film, yes there's only so many times you can watch it, but I still found it highly enjoyable. I do not, for even a second, believe that it's 'dated', it's anything but. Also, if a film truly is 'dated' how exactly is it the films fault?. They didn't have half as many special affects as they do today, I've never been a fan of Special Affects, such things are usually over-used when a film has absolutely nothing to offer and is quite pretentious. So, sorry to here that it's not 'the now' for you...such a shame, well, do feel free to watch Tim Burton's terrible version that seems to impress the simple-minded and easily pleased. Cheerio.

Now, as you've probably already guessed, yes, I despised Tim Burton's version, and just for the record, I LOVE some of Tim Burton's films, I even think he did the best Batman films, and I can assure you, not many people think that. Oh, and I think Johnny Depp is one of the best actors ever, he's great, but sadly, they both did not redeem that feature for me. Therefore, I believe this film should not have been remade at all. I understand why some people may not have liked this, maybe because it's slightly aimed at a younger audience or because it's about candy, and some people don't like candy?

But, people who say things such as "it's not as good as the book", are nothing but moronic idiot, and I say that politely. A book and a film are two entirely different things, and you can not compare them, sorry. The book was good to read and the film was good to watch. Read and watch; there's a big, big difference folks. But, all in all, it's all opinions, and everyone's entitled to their own. But "not as good as the book" opinions honestly do irritate me. The only thing a film should have in common to the book is that it's true to the book, because if it's not true to the book, then they should re-name the film's title. But, in this case, the film was defiantly true to the book, absolutely. And that's all there is to say about the whole 'book/film' scenario.

On the actual film itself: Gene Wilder does a fantastic job at playing Willy Wonka, he's more believable than Johnny Depp's take, and you really think he's just jumped out the book to the film. Gene Wilder played the part like he was born for it. The kids were great (although I must say, the boy who played Charlie seriously irritated me), the others were well thought out, and again believable and each had their own personality that added to the film instead of some whiny, stereotype kids who just won't shut up. The acting was superb. The visuals were great, what can I say. The whole thing just made you want be there, whether it was to eat and try all that wonderful amazingly, unusual candy or just to tell all them whiny spoilt kids to..."shut the hell up!". That candy world part, was stunning and amazing, it's like another version of paradise, a candy version of paradise, it was truly amazing. ...Unlike Burton's, of course, his candy world seemed to be a gloomy mess. It was more like entering a 15 year old teenager's mind, instead of a magical, beautiful candy world like the one in this film. The directing, well what can I say?, as far as directing goes, it was a job well done. I think this truly was the only decent film Mel Stuart directed. He should be proud of this beautiful and wonderful film. One success is enough. One is better than none. That's for sure. Great directing. Oh, and there's just one more big thing I just can't forget to mention: The Oompa Loompa's songs, my goodness were they ingenious, they were witty, funny and truthful. But...what replaced the songs in Tim Burton's version was horrible, noisy and cheesy songs. No witty, funny and truthful lyrics at all, but just ghastly songs that were easily capable of giving me a thumping headache - which they indeed did. Burton also changed the story, in which it made it just horrible. That film was just a total mess to put it shortly.

Overall, I just think the film is amazing, I really, really do. Wilder steals the show, of course. And everything else just adds to it in a brilliant way. 1+ for the acting, directing, originality and pretty much everything else. It also has a touch of psychological aspects, just great stuff I say. Although I'm giving this an 8, that's only because a fantasy film can only do so much. It can only impress so far, fantasies indeed have a limit of entertainment, but this film keeps kicking at the limit, and it may just one day break that limit, it almost did for me, and I'm sure a bunch of others too. 100% recommended to all!

I never saw this film as a young child so I don't love it half as much as people who have grown up with it. There were some moments of the film that I really liked but there were some moments that I didn't really like. I think the main thing that I liked about this film was the fact that it was a musical, the songs were very catchy and brilliantly written and I could easily tell that it is one of those films that children would grow up with. It did have good effects for its time. The flaws I think it had was the lack of believability. Yes, I realise it is a fantasy film but I think that it lacked a soul. Also, I don't think it was as emotional or thought provoking as the remake.


Gene Wilder's performance as Willy Wonka was really good! I did prefer Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka but one thing that Gene's Wonka had more than Johnny's Wonka: Gene's was more children friendly. Some children might've been a bit freaked out by Willy Wonka in the remake. Both Willy Wonka's in both films are very different despite they're playing the same character. I suppose it could be because of one of the director's style or genre. Peter Ostrum sort of annoyed me as Charlie for some reason. I think it was because of the way he speaks and the way he is with his co-stars. I do love the character, though, just not the actor.


Mel Stuart directed this film quite well. He made like a very child friendly film with some comedy, magic and even inspiration. It was filmed very well. This one as well as the remake has its differences from the novel due to director's style or genre as I have already said. The lyrics for the songs were brilliant especially the Oompa-Loompa songs.


Overall, Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory is a fun family classic that I did enjoy but personally think could've been a bit better. Wish I had seen this film as a child now because I think I would've liked it more!

"There is no life I know to compare with pure imagination. Living there, you'll be free if you truly wish to be."

Many people will possess fond memories of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory being an essential component of their childhood due to the film's status as one of the greatest family films of all time. I will admit that as a child I did view this film a few times and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Of course, that was the time when pretty pictures were all that mattered. This is one of the first times that I've at long last revisited a film from my youth...and hated it! People will call me a "heretic" or say that I have "bad taste" but I frankly don't care - through my eyes, this is a putrid and dull creation that completely destroys the outstanding source material they had to work with.

Author of the original book, Roald Dahl, passionately hated this film. Those rumours are entirely true: in fact he was so dissatisfied that he bluntly refused to ever watch the film in its entirety. Although Dahl actually wrote the screenplay himself, his displeasure with the film is stemmed from the massive script rewrite by David Seltzer. It's a shame that Dahl's legendary source material generated such an appalling film. I'm glad that the author never watched the entire film because it probably would have shortened his life due to severe shock. Reportedly, Dahl was once staying in a hotel when he accidentally tuned into a television airing of the movie...but changed the channel immediately when he realised he was watching his great source material being raped by filmmakers.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory contains a truly legendary story that I'm sure everyone knows. For the record, I will briefly outline the plot...if it's necessary for anyone. Willy Wonka (Wilder) is a mysterious chocolate maker whose products are the most celebrated on the market. Much to Wonka's discontent, unfaithful workers began stealing his unique recipes. Hence, Wonka's recipes that were once uniquely his were no longer one-and-only. In response, he fired all of his workers and closed the factory. After living in complete isolation for several years (during which the factory gates were closed and no-one ever caught a glimpse of Wonka), the chimneys begin producing smoke and new Wonka chocolates start hitting the market. For reasons unknown, Willy Wonka decides to hold a contest. Inside 5 chocolate bars he places a special Golden Ticket that will gain a winner entry to his chocolate factory for one day. On a specified day, the 5 lucky winners will participate in a special tour of the factory and one lucky child will receive a lifetime supply of chocolate. The race to find the Golden Tickets commences. Meanwhile, Charlie Bucket (Ostrum) is a poor boy living with his poor poverty-suffering family. He yearns for a Golden Ticket as he is obsessed with the chocolate factory. Let the predictability and clichés initiate...

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a generally appalling version of Roald Dahl's classic novel. I cannot bring myself to entirely hate this movie due to a limited number of redeeming features, but on the whole it's unfortunately a dreadful film.

Gene Wilder is an average Willy Wonka. At times he's flamboyant and funny; however the darker moments are an unfortunate pratfall that places a burden on the entertainment value. His performance is mainly very enthusiastic with a bit of warmth and a dash of eccentricity. Some moments are more solid than others. Peter Ostrum is a terrible, wimpish embodiment of Charlie Bucket. I never felt anything overwhelming from the actor. Thank God this was his only film! Jack Albertson appears to be exuberant. He was one of the best things to find in the cast. Overall, charm is lacking in many cast members.

So why is this version so dreadful? Its lavish production design is occasionally eye-popping, but feels really dull and no longer looks impressive. The atmosphere is never natural. I felt like the factory was...the inside of a factory. I thought Wonka's factory was supposed to be mind-blowing and otherworldly...unfortunately the special effects just don't hold up in this day and age. Never thought I'd say this, but give me modern visual effects in lieu of old-school effects any day when it comes to this particular story.

The Oompa Loompas look atrocious as well. Their make-up and costumes are exceedingly yucky! And of course the film is a musical that contains an immense quantity of bland musical numbers. These are long, unexciting and grow tedious extremely quickly. There are far too many songs. They may be well known, but the energy is sorely lacking. Even though I was watching the screen, nothing even really caught my attention and I grew bored very quickly. The hollow audio mix doesn't help matters. Frankly, the sound effects sound terribly artificial. So all in all, the film looks mediocre and sounds synthetic. Very little of Dahl's story can be found here, instead there are contemptible sets, cheap songs and some dreadful acting. I have no idea how some people can consider this being good quality as a musical! The musical side of this film is incredibly weak. The original story is completely butchered and hence understandable why Dahl disowned this version. There are also moments of sadism and darkness...in a children's movie?!

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory should never have been made. This is a total mess that has dated severely. Although Tim Burton's 2005 remake ended up being mildly disappointing, it is the version of choice and can safely let us forget this version ever existed.

3.6/10