A bucket full of goodness

Rating: 9/10 (22 July 2005)

I will say after seeing the teaser I was skeptical, but liked the tune. Then I saw full trailer, and thought, this could be very good.
As a sucker for Burton's skewed and demented theatrical style from the norm, I thought to myself, "This is a PERFECT story for him to do!" Before the movie came out, there were many people with mixed feelings. Not many were hyped about it, but somehow I was. I would try and see the most recent released photos, then the most recent news, and then any previews on it just before the release. Everyone, including my wife, thought I was a little odd about being hyped about the movie. I remember hearing near the end of last year (2004), that the movie would be much closer to the book, so in Janurary I bought the book and read it in a weekend. It was NOTHING like the 1971 movie. The elements were there, the characters and main story line where there, but some of the personalities just didn't seem the same. (being in my 30's and seen the original movie up-teen thousand times, and being 'scarred' for life when I first saw at a very young age, I know the old movie VERY well).
The movie has been out for a while now, but still very fresh on many viewers minds. After seeing it twice now, I can truly saw this movie could become a cult classic in 8 years. Take Wonka's personality, and make it realistic... he hasn't been in contact with the real world in 15 years. Think about that. The kids all do a wonderful performances and show off the needed almost 2 dimensional personalities very well. Take Burton's use of make-up. Then look at the kids as the come on the screen, who looks the most, weather-beaten, labor-worked, unhealthy soul, honest-looking of the bunch. The one with the LEAST amount of make-up. The other kids are made to NOT look real; it's in the make-up and it's done very well. The special effects are astounding for the most part. Deep Roy, has done the impossible playing 26 different parts. This movie, I think has done, what Lucas SHOULD have done for Star Wars Episode II & III. You can not tell where Roy is real or not or duplicated...it's all very nearly seamless perfection tech wise, and really amazing seeing it pulled off so well (compared to some of the fuzziness in Lucas's EFX used in his last 2 Star Wars movies) and saying something.
I really think this is some of Danny Elfman's best work. He's made some really signature music in the past, but nothing can prepare you for this. And at least 4 of the tunes are nearly right out of the original book, and making it work..... on screen with music that was contemporary 17 years ago or more, but hey, that's OK. If it wasn't; it wouldn't have that 'jingle' it needed for a movie of this side of the demented street, and frankly I love it. Augustus Gloop's song is by far my favorite. I understand Deep Roy had a LOT of fun playing all the parts and even the all the different musical scores. Fair warning, this is not a musical. Mr. Salt's line in reference to the music seems already classic. Some of the instrumental score by Elfman, really hark back to his Beetlejuice days, and it's STILL good.
I can't wait for this movie to come out on DVD, but being owned by WB, I'm always worried about commentaries or deleted scenes, or extra stuff left out. WB isn't known for their DVD extras... and Paramount even less. We'll all have to wait to see what was left out of the final movie as well some behind the scenes footage as well. I can't wait. Toys R Us is/was about the only place I've ever seen that sells the Wonka bars, unfortunately, the chocolate and graham crackers don't taste very well together, or something... and now I can't find them anywhere for sell, good enough, considering I don't even like the taste of them, yet I love chocolate, go figure. I haven't spoiled the story, unless you saw the original from 1971 (like I did) then you already know it!
This movie may not be for everyone, and the logic is between being realistic, a little demented, and definitely 'by the book' (Dahl's), I give it a 9 out of 10 for pure fun and quirky atmosphere that looks ready-to-eat. Once you understand Wonka's character better, I'm sure you'll enjoy the movie even more so, just remember what I said... if you've been out of touch with the world for FIFTEEN years and teaching over a hundred people (who barely speak English, yet sing it VERY well...) how to run your factory, how well would you socialize?