ebickell

I read Roald Dahl's books over and over as a child (and still return to them once in a while as an adult). I love his writing. I was worried that the movie would be a departure from the classically weird British humour of the book, but Burton did a great job! Depp was perfectly strange as Wonka; in fact, the whole movie was incredibly well cast! The sets were stunning (I read that the 'chocolate river' was really made of a toothpaste base with bean paste thickener - ugh)and the oompa-loompas.... added a whole other element of weirdness. This is a very appealing film, visually. I loved it.

Now if only someone would make a movie of Dahl's The Witches...!

There was something captivating about this movie, despite (or maybe because of?) the amateurish production values. Or, maybe it was delicious Graham Gavine who played Sherman as the kind of nice guy we all know and like. A bit short on plot but I liked the down-to-earth camera work and perfectly real city scenes. I have been to Mexico City and to Spain and yes, they are just like that. Maybe the predictable plot and stiff dialogue were on purpose, to make the viewer look at their own life and see the predictability and cliche of real life. Or maybe I am just willing to give the movie the benefit of the doubt. You'll like this movie if you want to see some sweet (and chaste) romance. Sounds like I'm down on it but I actually did like it!