Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Johnny Depp (Actor). (2005). Warner Brothers Pictures. Rated PG. B000BB1MI2

PLOT SUMMARY

Willy Wonka is a reclusive candymaker who opens his doors to his factory one day to entertain five lucky winners who found golden tickets in his candy. His rules are strict and if anyone disobeys, they must leave immediately, and with the rowdy kids who have gained entry, it doesn't take long to begin the eliminations. Finding someone to take over the factory is going to be a difficult job indeed.

CRITICAL EVALUATION

Many people defend the original Gene Wilder version as the better one, and I have to admit I'm in that camp. This version directed by Tim Burton is truer to the Roald Dahl book, and definitely has a darker feel than the original. Visually it was stunning, and Depp's portrayal of Willy Wonka was great, incorporating not only a quirkiness, but also a sadistic bent as is seen when each of the children has done something wrong and is taken away from the factory.

This one would definitely have more appeal to the tweens because of Johnny Depp, but also because of the over the top effects onscreen.

READER'S ANNOTATION

The search for a golden ticket in the candies of famous reclusive candymaker Willy Wonka is underway and the winners will get to tour the factory which no one has entered for years. When Charlie wins a spot as one of the five to get in, he does what he can to obey the strict rules of the factory lest he get tossed out like the other kids who have no respect for boundaries.

GENRE

Fantasy

CURRICULUM TIES

English

Compare/contrast movie to the book. How do they differ? What elements changed?

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

8 and up

CHALLENGE ISSUES

Updated version is a little edgier than the original, and there might be an issue with language.

CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS

Refer to library policies for checkout. Library can not restrict materials for a certain age because they must be available for everyone.

WHY INCLUDE THIS MOVIE

The effects are wonderful and it would have an enormous appeal to any Tim Burton fan, Johnny Depp fan, anyone who has seen the original, read the book or is a Roald Dahl fan.