Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory

Year: 1971
Director: Mel Stuart
Starring: Peter Ostrum, Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson

Synopsis:

Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) is a poor boy, living in the shadow of a chocolate factory, run by the eccentric and reclusive Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder). One day, Willy Wonka announces that golden tickets will be hidden inside 5 candy bars. Charlie finds one of the tickets, winning a tour of the factory along with the four brats that found the other tickets. One by one, mold disasters occur to the other children, leaving Charlie and his Grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson), the only ones remaining at the end of the tour.

Review:

Growing up, I think I saw this movie almost every year. Gene Wilder did a wonderful job with the character of Willy Wonka, gentle, benevolent, and slightly mad. The movie started off a bit slow, but definitely picked up a bit once the children entered the chocolate factory, maybe a bit too much, as parts of it did seem rushed. The special effects definitely can't compare to the 2005 version of the movie, but after all, this was made in 1971. This is one of those movies that was made for children, but still has a definite appeal for adults.

My Rating:
6/10