REVIEW: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Released in 1971) [50th Anniversary]

DIRECTOR: Mel Stuart

PRODUCER: Satn Margulies & David L. Woper

WRITER: Roald Dahl (screenplay by / based on book) PERFORMERS: Gene Wilder Jack Robertson Roy Kinnear Denise Nickerson Leonard Stone

Julie Dawn Cole Paris Theemen Dodd Denney and introducing Peter Ostrum

I was fortunate enough to have seen his film at one point in my life as an adult. Growing up, I always heard and knew about it... I just never saw it for myself firsthand. Then I finally did and what I saw was a rather surprisingly satisfying experience. That's what makes a good film: one that's bound to leave a long lasting impression on you. With a good script, good cast and exotic settings, Screenwirter and author Roald Dahl's world of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is brought to life on the big screen. Released in 1971, at a time where moviemaking was done with practical effects and actual props, this gem of a classic celebrates 50 years of perseverance, faith, and reward.

This is not your average fantasy story, but rather a rags to riches story. The main character is Charlie, played with vulnerability by a young Peter Ostrum, his performance in this film is so convincing that you buy into his portrayal. Jack Albertson plays his grandfather, who's the only positive figure in his life, and even he is an exception. I just remember him being in every scene with Ostrum, I thought this was the one person who kept convincing him to go on, especially when the contest begins. It's not until we are introduced to the man himself that the rest of the film starts tickling your sweet tooth. In one of his most memorable performances, the late Gene Wilder plays Wonka to the core of perfection and the essence of humanity. He can't stand kids, but makes an exception for them with the winners including Charlie. When I think of Gene Wilder, I think of his part in this film because he's just pure gold here. The suit matches his presence as a businessman, his personality aligns with his manic behavior and he really carries the film from the time you first see him to the last scene. He reminded me of Christopher Lloyd in Back to the Future with his hairstyle and big bright eyes, like he always had something on his mind you just never knew what.

I wasn't expecting something like this to be appealing to me, but that's what happened later on. Most stories from Dahl are adapted to the film for a younger audience, but this was aimed at adults young at heart as well as kids... which is what made this film work in the first place. When the film gets to the factory, I found myself wondering what it would be like to be in a place like that. Getting to see an actual facility where your favorite candy bar or products are made is very intriguing. This even reminded me of an episode on The Simpsons where Bart misses a field trip to the local candy factory and the kids (minus Bart) are having reckless fun with no one is supervising them. I never had that opportunity to visit a facility like that myself, but judging from this film's depiction I see what that experience could have been like. I think that anyone who's been to a chocolate facility before when they were young, must have had a positive observation from it. If anything this was a story about a race, except you weren't running to be the first in line full of other competitors; but rather about a young group of ticket holders who could be the next owner of this grandiose location, but only one of them was going to be the true winner after finishing the race by proving himself worthy (1st CORINTHIANS 9:24).

What surprised me about this film was it's ability to touch adults as well as kids. I know I certainly was when I watched it. As the factory doors to this review come to a close, I can honestly say this film actually was quite memorable. Viewing it when I did made me feel like a kid again and seeing just how popular it was. Because of Wilder's acting, the character is very much appealing; because of Ostrum's acting as well, you thought you were in his shoes when he goes from struggling to gaining and it all comes full circle when least anticipated. Much like his character, you get more than you bargained for by the film's end. 50 years later who would have thought something like this could soar as far as it did? Roald Dahl must have been very proud because a lot of adaptations of his work in books followed after this... like Matilda, The Indian in the Cupboard and The BFG. Happy 50th Anniversary to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory!! Highly Recommended if you haven't seen it yet!

#anniversaryreviews #WWATCF50 #willywonkaandthechocolatefactory #filmsof1971