Disappointed to see some negative reviews here but also delighted that some saw the same movie I did.
No movie adaptation of Willy Wonka will be better than the original 1971 version starring Gene Wilder. For crying out loud that was one case of the movie being better than the book!
But this is a pretty remarkable redemption for Wonka after 2005's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which was a visually well made movie ruined by Johnny Depp's very annoying performance. I like Depp but he was just bad as Wonka.
Timothy Chalmet is in between the two previous actors. He isn't anywhere near as good as Wilder nobody can replace him but he is much, much better than Depp and his performance is very good overall.
This is a musical which may turn off some viewers but then again so was the beloved 71 film.
That's what I love about this movie. It's really more of an affectionate tribute to the 71 film than it is to the book or 2005 film.
Since the 71 film is my favorite this one is only slightly behind it.
Being a musical if I'm going to like it, the songs have to be well performed and sung.
When I found out this was a musical I was nervous because it's usually my least favorite genre.
However Chalmet and the cast have some good singing voices and the songs if not as memorable as the 71 film are still well written and good in their own right.
Chalmet captures Wilder's Wonka spirit and sticks closer to his performance and thankfully abandons the creepy unpleasantness and unlikeable qualities that Depp brought to his version of the character.
Also Hugh Grant is very good as the Oompa Loompa. It's some of his best work up there with Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill.
Also like the 71 film and what was missing from the 05 Depp version, this movie has lots of heart and that's why I loved it.
The 05 version just got too dark and depressing. This has a lot of heart and warmth behind it like the original all the more reason to love it.
While I can understand it may not be some peoples cup of tea I really enjoyed it overall and highly recommend it.
Is it as good as the 1971 film? No, but how many movies really are.
This actually gives me hope movies nowadays can still be good if attention to detail is given and quality time is spent on the production.
The cast and crew have done that with this movie and it has paid off very well overall.
I do hope many people go and see it and it makes a lot of money. After the surprisingly good Barbie also a Warner Bros film this is the most fun I have had at the movies in 2023.
Thank you Warner Bros. And everyone involved for taking time to make a good entertaining musical and affectionate warm tribute to an all time classic story.
No movie adaptation of Willy Wonka will be better than the original 1971 version starring Gene Wilder. For crying out loud that was one case of the movie being better than the book!
But this is a pretty remarkable redemption for Wonka after 2005's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which was a visually well made movie ruined by Johnny Depp's very annoying performance. I like Depp but he was just bad as Wonka.
Timothy Chalmet is in between the two previous actors. He isn't anywhere near as good as Wilder nobody can replace him but he is much, much better than Depp and his performance is very good overall.
This is a musical which may turn off some viewers but then again so was the beloved 71 film.
That's what I love about this movie. It's really more of an affectionate tribute to the 71 film than it is to the book or 2005 film.
Since the 71 film is my favorite this one is only slightly behind it.
Being a musical if I'm going to like it, the songs have to be well performed and sung.
When I found out this was a musical I was nervous because it's usually my least favorite genre.
However Chalmet and the cast have some good singing voices and the songs if not as memorable as the 71 film are still well written and good in their own right.
Chalmet captures Wilder's Wonka spirit and sticks closer to his performance and thankfully abandons the creepy unpleasantness and unlikeable qualities that Depp brought to his version of the character.
Also Hugh Grant is very good as the Oompa Loompa. It's some of his best work up there with Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill.
Also like the 71 film and what was missing from the 05 Depp version, this movie has lots of heart and that's why I loved it.
The 05 version just got too dark and depressing. This has a lot of heart and warmth behind it like the original all the more reason to love it.
While I can understand it may not be some peoples cup of tea I really enjoyed it overall and highly recommend it.
Is it as good as the 1971 film? No, but how many movies really are.
This actually gives me hope movies nowadays can still be good if attention to detail is given and quality time is spent on the production.
The cast and crew have done that with this movie and it has paid off very well overall.
I do hope many people go and see it and it makes a lot of money. After the surprisingly good Barbie also a Warner Bros film this is the most fun I have had at the movies in 2023.
Thank you Warner Bros. And everyone involved for taking time to make a good entertaining musical and affectionate warm tribute to an all time classic story.