Movie reviews

Willy Wonka
Thirty years after its original release, Warner Bros. is once again treating families with the hugely popular sugar coated Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory. Based on Roald Dahl's novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this musical confection proves that one does not necessarily outgrow a sweet tooth.

Our hero Charlie (Peter Ostrum) comes from a home filled with love but little else. While hard-working Mom does laundry for a living, her scanty wage barely supports Charlie and his two sets of bed-ridden grandparents. Faced with having cabbage water yet again for dinner, all are astounded when the young boy brings home a loaf of bread--a perk, complements of his meager paper route.

Charlie's humble world is changed upon learning that local candy-maker Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) is giving away a lifetime supply of chocolate, complete with a tour of his mysterious factory, to five lucky children and their escorts. In order to qualify for passage into candy paradise, Charlie must find one of the winning golden tickets hidden in Wonka products scattered throughout the world. But his dream fades as other contenders, each with their own behavioral neurosis, use greater financial means and influence to gobble up the elusive tickets--until fate lends a hand.

Industrial espionage presents itself when an ominous stranger asks Charlie to smuggle an Everlasting Gobstopper (is there any other kind?). The reward: financial security and comfort for his family. With their character and honesty soon to be tested, and each wondering if they have bitten off more than they can chew, Charlie, his Grandpa and the rest of the contestants embark on the incredible expedition where just desserts are on the menu.

Youngsters may temporarily come down from their sugar highs during some very brief nightmarish scenes during a boat ride, or feel some concern (despite Mr. Wonka's reassurances) when children's disobedience results in some bizarre consequences.

Yet the story serves up some powerful morals, so indulge your taste buds and have a second helping of Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory's timeless tantalizing tale.