Fishbait

I stare with utter disbelief at the high rating given to this piece of cinematic flotsam. Making serious animation is a good idea, but I believe that this movie helped ruin any chances for it being taken seriously. There is no single protagonist, as this movie goes through several generations. None of the characters are remotely likable despite all of the depressing tortures the movie unleashes upon them. This movie delights in causing pain to it's characters in a vain attempt to make the audience care one iota about the characters. The plot is stolen from (in this order) old gangster films, WWII films, James Dean movies, and, finally, "The Rose." Even worse is the horrible, horrible animation which is painful and unbearable to watch. Worst yet is it's disrespect for the "popular music" which the movie claims to be about. Jimi Hendrix is animated horribly, and Bob Segar songs are somehow considered punk. Deep hurting, definitely on my list of top 10 worst films.

Everyone has already commented about this film, but I'm here for one reason: A plea. Please, someone tell me what exactly was going on? There's obviously some sort of embryo of a plot that isn't mentioned to the audience. Just trying to sort things out makes my head hurt. Only watch this movie in the MST3K version, and even then be careful not to pay too much attention to the movie, just the wise-cracks. Oh yes, and take breaks and get some sugar in you. Treat the movie like a series of unrelated, boring scenes. You've been warned.

"Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" is an unconventional children's story that refuses to become watered-down or P.C. It manages to be great family entertainment without too much watering down of Raul Dahl's disturbed ideas (although Mr. Dahl did not enjoy the film version.) The child actor isn't too annoying, which puts it ahead of most children's movies, and the songs are pretty good. What gives it the extra edge is the LSD inspired visuals and Gene Wilder's brilliant performance of the eccentric Willy Wonka. There are a few moments that only adults will get, a few moments only a kid could love, and a few scenes which are rather disturbing (The legendary "Boat Scene"). All in all a great movie (but make sure your kids are old enough, this film can cause some serious mental health issues late in life, I should know!)