14 Days of Halloween- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

(2005)

Charlie Bucket's family, consisting of he, his parents, and two sets of grandparents, barely has enough money to get by on. Yet each year on his birthday, Charlie's family scrapes up the money to buy him his very own chocolate bar, something he looks forward to all year round. On this particular year, Willy Wonka, owner of the Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, has decided to let five children take a tour of the candy factory. Gold tickets are placed in the wrappers of five select chocolate bars and the world subsequently goes mad, buying all the chocolate bars they can in hopes of obtaining a golden ticket. Charlie Bucket is thrilled at the prospect and hopes against hope that his one chocolate bar of the year will hold one of the golden tickets. Yet alas it does not, though Charlie hasn't given up hope. His Grandpa Joe secretly gives him some money that he's kept hidden for an emergency (and he believes this is an emergency) and tells Charlie to buy another chocolate bar, sure it will contain one of the elusive golden tickets. Yet their efforts are in vain. On a snowy wintery day, Charlie finds some money buried in the snow. He takes it to the candy store for one last chance at a golden ticket, and at last finds success. Charlie and Grandpa Joe along with the four winners and their parents arrive at Willy Wonka's chocolate factory for the big day, where strange things take place at every turn. Yet they do not realize that this day will change the lives of the Buckets forever.

Rating: PG

Cast:

Charlie Bucket- Freddy Highmore

Willy Wonka-Johnny Depp

Mrs. Bucket-Helena Bonham Carter

Mr. Bucket- Noah Taylor

Grandpa Joe- David Kelly

Grandma Georgina- Liz Smith

Grandpa George- David Morris

Grandma Josephine- Eileen Essell

This really is a delightful movie. I love seeing how close the Bucket family is, how well they all get along together even amidst poverty and the hard times their financial state brings. And you really root for Charlie after all that he's been through. It's nice to see the message of perseverance and patience portrayed in this movie. I also love the aesthetic of this movie. All the pretty colors, and Tim Burton's trademark styling come together nicely in this film and makes it so much fun. And, it makes me hungry, haha! Tim Burton and Roald Dahl really do make a great pair.

All in all, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a delightful film to watch this time of year. It's fun, it's quirky, it's heartwarming, and what would Halloween be without all the candy?

I give this movie a 5 out of 5.