As fans of Mel Stuart's 1971 film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" can likely tell you, author Roald Dahl hated the film. His original 1964 novel, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," was, he felt, not a whimsical, sentimental story, but a Dickensian odyssey into a surreal landscape. Additionally, Dahl hated the casting of Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, preferring British actor Spike Milligan. Too much was changed from his original text. Why adapt a book to screen, Dahl felt, if you're going to alter everything?
Despite the author's objections, Stuart's film became deeply beloved among the children who saw it in the '70s and '80s, and many grew up holding the film -- which has plenty of Dahl-like bitterness and horror regardless -- very close to their hearts. "Willy Wonka" eventually became part of the ever-churning nostalgia machine, and decades after its release, aging Gen-Xers were suddenly able...
Despite the author's objections, Stuart's film became deeply beloved among the children who saw it in the '70s and '80s, and many grew up holding the film -- which has plenty of Dahl-like bitterness and horror regardless -- very close to their hearts. "Willy Wonka" eventually became part of the ever-churning nostalgia machine, and decades after its release, aging Gen-Xers were suddenly able...
- 1/28/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Scott Thompson on Wbgr-fm on January 4th, 2024, comparing “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) with “Wonka” (2023), which is currently in theaters.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
In the 1971 “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” young Charlie (Peter Ostrum) must find a golden ticket to take a tour of the reclusive Willy Wonka’s (Gene Wilder) magical chocolate factory. As the world searches for the tickets, five kids get lucky through various means. But when one ticket turns out to be fraudulent, Charlie opens a chocolate bar he possesses to reveal that he has found the last elusive gold. He and his grandfather (Jack Albertson) are about to take the tour of a lifetime.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
In 2023, Timothée Chalamet takes on the Willy role in ‘Wonka.’ In this prequel to the story above, Willy Wonka comes to London after traveling the world to create his brand of chocolate magic.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
In the 1971 “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” young Charlie (Peter Ostrum) must find a golden ticket to take a tour of the reclusive Willy Wonka’s (Gene Wilder) magical chocolate factory. As the world searches for the tickets, five kids get lucky through various means. But when one ticket turns out to be fraudulent, Charlie opens a chocolate bar he possesses to reveal that he has found the last elusive gold. He and his grandfather (Jack Albertson) are about to take the tour of a lifetime.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
In 2023, Timothée Chalamet takes on the Willy role in ‘Wonka.’ In this prequel to the story above, Willy Wonka comes to London after traveling the world to create his brand of chocolate magic.
- 1/6/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Wonka, the phantasmagorical musical starring Timothée Chalamet as the world’s most famous chocolatier, opens in cinemas in time for the holiday season this week. The film, directed by Paul King of Paddington fame, arrives on the big screen with a lot of audience skepticism. We already have two very popular adaptations of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s most beloved novel, and the idea of a prequel following young Willy Wonka feels unnecessary given that the book isn’t exactly about him. Still, there is a reason that Dahl adaptations remain popular, even as the author long faced pushback for some of his more bigoted views.
People love Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, first published in 1964, because it’s as delicious as the confectionaries made by Wonka. The story of five varied children who win a contest to tour a secretive factory is cheeky, strange, occasionally grotesque,...
People love Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, first published in 1964, because it’s as delicious as the confectionaries made by Wonka. The story of five varied children who win a contest to tour a secretive factory is cheeky, strange, occasionally grotesque,...
- 12/13/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
In the film industry, there are many cases of people who have transitioned from being actors to other unrelated fields. Peter Ostrum is one of such people. Ostrum was a child actor who was mostly known for his work on the 1971 version of the popular children’s film Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Peter Ostrum would then go on to stop acting after his one big role. There are a number of reasons why this happens. In this article, we cover why Ostrum made the decision to stop being an actor and chose to become a Veterinarian. Peter Ostrum Had...
- 9/15/2023
- by Nkem
- TVovermind.com
Child actors sometimes continue on the Hollywood path, continuing to seek acting roles as they grow from cute kids to teens to adults.
Not all of those former child stars make the difficult transition to adult roles — and not all of them even want to.
For proof, take a look at the unique, outside-of-Hollywood jobs that these recognizable child stars now hold.
Frankie Muniz: Race Car Driver
In early January, the “Malcolm in the Middle” star announced on Instagram that he was ready to begin pursuing his dream of becoming a NASCAR driver.
“Ever since childhood, it’s been my dream to pursue racing in NASCAR,” Muniz told Yahoo! Entertainment.
Read More: Frankie Muniz Places 11th In Arca Racing Debut At Daytona Speedway
During his first professional race in February, Muniz placed a respectable 11th in the stock car racing division’s Menards Series at the Daytona International Speedway.
Not all of those former child stars make the difficult transition to adult roles — and not all of them even want to.
For proof, take a look at the unique, outside-of-Hollywood jobs that these recognizable child stars now hold.
Frankie Muniz: Race Car Driver
In early January, the “Malcolm in the Middle” star announced on Instagram that he was ready to begin pursuing his dream of becoming a NASCAR driver.
“Ever since childhood, it’s been my dream to pursue racing in NASCAR,” Muniz told Yahoo! Entertainment.
Read More: Frankie Muniz Places 11th In Arca Racing Debut At Daytona Speedway
During his first professional race in February, Muniz placed a respectable 11th in the stock car racing division’s Menards Series at the Daytona International Speedway.
- 7/5/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched the Season 9, episode 8 of “The Masked Singer,” which aired April 5 on Fox.
We’re not gonna take it. No, we ain’t gonna take it. Dee Snider’s not gonna be on “The Masked Singer”… anymore!
That’s right, the Twisted Sister frontman was the next celebrity to be revealed on Wednesday’s edition of “The Masked Singer,” as the Doll.
Snider had won the previous week as Doll, but his journey ended here. For Doll, no one got it right. Panelist Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg thought it was Iggy Pop. Robin Thicke went with Gene Simmons, Nicole Scherzinger named David Lee Roth and Ken Jeong guessed Austin Butler.
Like last season, “The Masked Singer” has once again adopted a “Champion of Masked Singer” format. Each episode, three costumed celebrities will perform, but only one will win and move on...
We’re not gonna take it. No, we ain’t gonna take it. Dee Snider’s not gonna be on “The Masked Singer”… anymore!
That’s right, the Twisted Sister frontman was the next celebrity to be revealed on Wednesday’s edition of “The Masked Singer,” as the Doll.
Snider had won the previous week as Doll, but his journey ended here. For Doll, no one got it right. Panelist Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg thought it was Iggy Pop. Robin Thicke went with Gene Simmons, Nicole Scherzinger named David Lee Roth and Ken Jeong guessed Austin Butler.
Like last season, “The Masked Singer” has once again adopted a “Champion of Masked Singer” format. Each episode, three costumed celebrities will perform, but only one will win and move on...
- 4/6/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
It’s nearly impossible to become a household name faster than Haley Joel Osment did in the late ’90s. The critical and commercial success of The Sixth Sense catapulted him into the limelight as a child actor worthy of being considered alongside adult peers in major award categories.
Osment seemingly managed to avoid the dark side of young stardom despite his entrance into the entertainment industry coming in a way that can only be described as creepy Af.
Haley Joel Osment | Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images Osment’s career started after strangers took pictures of him at an Ikea
When Osment was four years old, he went to an Ikea in Burbank, California, with his mother, Theresa. That shopping trip would change the course of his and his family’s life. When the Osments went passed the child’s play area, two women took pictures of Haley Joel, something they did...
Osment seemingly managed to avoid the dark side of young stardom despite his entrance into the entertainment industry coming in a way that can only be described as creepy Af.
Haley Joel Osment | Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images Osment’s career started after strangers took pictures of him at an Ikea
When Osment was four years old, he went to an Ikea in Burbank, California, with his mother, Theresa. That shopping trip would change the course of his and his family’s life. When the Osments went passed the child’s play area, two women took pictures of Haley Joel, something they did...
- 1/30/2023
- by Produced by Digital Editors
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
On June 30, 2021, the beloved family film Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory celebrates its 50th anniversary. Peter Ostrum (“Charlie Bucket”), Paris Themmen (“Mike Teevee”), Julie Dawn Cole (“Veruca Salt”) and Michael Bollner (“Augustus Gloop”) recently sat down together to reflect on 50 years of the perennial family classic.
Originally released on June 30, 1971, directed by Mel Stuart and starring Gene Wilder as the legendary Candy Man Willy Wonka, this splendiferous movie brings to the screen the endlessly appetizing delights of Roald Dahl’s cherished book. Coated with flavorful tunes and production designs that are a visual treat for the eyes, this effervescent musical never fails to enchant young and old. On a whirlwind tour of Willy’s incredible, edible realm of chocolate waterfalls, elfish Oompa-Loompas and industrial-sized confections, a boy named Charlie (Peter Ostrum) will discover the sweetest secret of all: a generous, loving heart. And viewers will rediscover all the timeless...
Originally released on June 30, 1971, directed by Mel Stuart and starring Gene Wilder as the legendary Candy Man Willy Wonka, this splendiferous movie brings to the screen the endlessly appetizing delights of Roald Dahl’s cherished book. Coated with flavorful tunes and production designs that are a visual treat for the eyes, this effervescent musical never fails to enchant young and old. On a whirlwind tour of Willy’s incredible, edible realm of chocolate waterfalls, elfish Oompa-Loompas and industrial-sized confections, a boy named Charlie (Peter Ostrum) will discover the sweetest secret of all: a generous, loving heart. And viewers will rediscover all the timeless...
- 6/30/2021
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Paris Themmen, the actor who played Mike Teavee in the Gene Wilder-led 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, says Timothée Chalamet is “a talented actor,” but that the 25-year-old star doesn’t “have to be as good” as Wilder for Warner Bros.’ planned prequel Wonka.
Themmen shared his thoughts during an interview with Yahoo Entertainment as part of a virtual reunion celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary. He appeared alongside Willy Wonka co-stars Peter Ostrum, Julia Dawn Cole and Michael Bollner, who played Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt and Augustus Gloop, respectively.
“One nice thing for them is they don’t have ...
Themmen shared his thoughts during an interview with Yahoo Entertainment as part of a virtual reunion celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary. He appeared alongside Willy Wonka co-stars Peter Ostrum, Julia Dawn Cole and Michael Bollner, who played Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt and Augustus Gloop, respectively.
“One nice thing for them is they don’t have ...
- 6/29/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Paris Themmen, the actor who played Mike Teavee in the Gene Wilder-led 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, says Timothée Chalamet is “a talented actor,” but that the 25-year-old star doesn’t “have to be as good” as Wilder for Warner Bros.’ planned prequel Wonka.
Themmen shared his thoughts during an interview with Yahoo Entertainment as part of a virtual reunion celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary. He appeared alongside Willy Wonka co-stars Peter Ostrum, Julia Dawn Cole and Michael Bollner, who played Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt and Augustus Gloop, respectively.
“One nice thing for them is they don’t have ...
Themmen shared his thoughts during an interview with Yahoo Entertainment as part of a virtual reunion celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary. He appeared alongside Willy Wonka co-stars Peter Ostrum, Julia Dawn Cole and Michael Bollner, who played Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt and Augustus Gloop, respectively.
“One nice thing for them is they don’t have ...
- 6/29/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Burbank, CA – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced today that the perennial family classic Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory will be released on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital on June 29. Called a “genuine work of imagination” by Roger Ebert, the film stars Gene Wilder in one of his most famous roles.
Directed by Mel Stuart from a screenplay by Roald Dahl, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory was produced by Stan Margulies and David L. Wolper. The film is an adaptation of Dahl’s 1964 novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory stars Gene Wilder as Wily Wonka, Jack Albertson as Grandpa Joe, Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket, Roy Kinnear as Mr. Salt, Julie Dawn Cole as Veruca Salt, Leonard Stone as Mr. Beauregarde, Denise Nickerson as Violet Beauregarde, Dodo Denney as Mrs. Teevee, and Paris Themmen as Mike Teevee.
Ultra HD* showcases 4K resolution...
Directed by Mel Stuart from a screenplay by Roald Dahl, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory was produced by Stan Margulies and David L. Wolper. The film is an adaptation of Dahl’s 1964 novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory stars Gene Wilder as Wily Wonka, Jack Albertson as Grandpa Joe, Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket, Roy Kinnear as Mr. Salt, Julie Dawn Cole as Veruca Salt, Leonard Stone as Mr. Beauregarde, Denise Nickerson as Violet Beauregarde, Dodo Denney as Mrs. Teevee, and Paris Themmen as Mike Teevee.
Ultra HD* showcases 4K resolution...
- 5/14/2021
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Warner Bros. would appear to be moving along swiftly with their newest remake of a classic, Willy Wonka. The likes of Donald Glover, Ryan Gosling and even Ezra Miller are currently at the top of their most wanted list to play the zany chocolatier.
Paddington helmer, Paul King is currently slated to direct the film which has been penned by Simon Rich. King’s Paddington partner, David Heyman is set to produce the film.
The 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was a musical fantasy film directed by Mel Stuart, and starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. The film was adapted from the 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. The film told the story of Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) as he receives a Golden Ticket and visits Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory with four other children from around the world.
Also in the news – Doug Liman enters...
Paddington helmer, Paul King is currently slated to direct the film which has been penned by Simon Rich. King’s Paddington partner, David Heyman is set to produce the film.
The 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was a musical fantasy film directed by Mel Stuart, and starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. The film was adapted from the 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. The film told the story of Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) as he receives a Golden Ticket and visits Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory with four other children from around the world.
Also in the news – Doug Liman enters...
- 6/6/2018
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Paris Themmen has fulfilled his Willy Wonka character’s obsession with getting on television.
The former actor, 58, who played young TV and cowboy-enthusiast Mike Teevee in the classic 1971 film, kept his Hollywood past a secret when he appeared on Tuesday’s episode of Jeopardy!
During the portion of the show when host Alex Trebek asks contestants about their personal lives, Themmen was introduced as an “entrepreneur” and “avid backpacker.” While he revealed that he’s traveled to 61 countries, he did not mention his role in the movie.
Jeopardy!" /> Willy Wonka." />
But it didn’t take long for sharp-eyed viewers to...
The former actor, 58, who played young TV and cowboy-enthusiast Mike Teevee in the classic 1971 film, kept his Hollywood past a secret when he appeared on Tuesday’s episode of Jeopardy!
During the portion of the show when host Alex Trebek asks contestants about their personal lives, Themmen was introduced as an “entrepreneur” and “avid backpacker.” While he revealed that he’s traveled to 61 countries, he did not mention his role in the movie.
Jeopardy!" /> Willy Wonka." />
But it didn’t take long for sharp-eyed viewers to...
- 3/14/2018
- by Mike Miller
- PEOPLE.com
Author: Zehra Phelan
Paddington helmer, Paul King can do no wrong after the latest adventures of the Marmalade scoffing bear, so to hear the latest news that he is currently in final talks with Warner Bros to direct the reimaging the age-old classic Willy Wonka makes us very happy.
The 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was a musical fantasy film directed by Mel Stuart, and starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. The film was adapted from the 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. The film told the story of Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) as he receives a Golden Ticket and visits Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory with four other children from around the world.
We spoke to Paul recently at the Critics Circle Awards about the success of the Paddington movies
In 2005, Tim Burton took the helm on the remake which starred Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka.
Paddington helmer, Paul King can do no wrong after the latest adventures of the Marmalade scoffing bear, so to hear the latest news that he is currently in final talks with Warner Bros to direct the reimaging the age-old classic Willy Wonka makes us very happy.
The 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was a musical fantasy film directed by Mel Stuart, and starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. The film was adapted from the 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. The film told the story of Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) as he receives a Golden Ticket and visits Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory with four other children from around the world.
We spoke to Paul recently at the Critics Circle Awards about the success of the Paddington movies
In 2005, Tim Burton took the helm on the remake which starred Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka.
- 2/14/2018
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
It's fairly common knowledge that Roald Dahl despised Mel Stuart's Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, the 1971 film adaptation of his classic children's book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Not only was he averse to Wilder's performance as eccentric candy-peddler Willy Wonka (the author wanted Spike Milligan for the role), he was irritated that it placed more emphasis on Wonka at the expense of the book's good-hearted hero Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum). (For the record, Dahl allegedly hated most adaptations of his books, at one point terming Nicolas Roeg's big-screen interpretation of The Witches "utterly appalling.") So perhaps it's fitting that Tim Burton, who directed the 2005 re-adaptation of Dahl's novel, similarly found the 1971 version lacking, telling BBC News in an interview: "I don't want to crush people's childhood dreams, but the original film is sappy." But while Burton's film proved very successful both critically and commercially -- it grossed...
- 8/30/2016
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
Peter Ostrum, who played Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, mourned his late co-star Gene Wilder in an interview with Variety.
"It's kind of like losing a parent," he said. "You know it's going to happen, but it's still a shock. He was not in good health at the end and it was not unexpected by any means, but when it happens, it hits you like, 'Gene is gone and there will never be anyone like him again.'"
Wilder died Monday of complications from Alzheimer's disease,...
"It's kind of like losing a parent," he said. "You know it's going to happen, but it's still a shock. He was not in good health at the end and it was not unexpected by any means, but when it happens, it hits you like, 'Gene is gone and there will never be anyone like him again.'"
Wilder died Monday of complications from Alzheimer's disease,...
- 8/30/2016
- Rollingstone.com
No one has more vivid, Technicolor memories of Gene Wilder's mad genius than Peter Ostrum, who was chosen at age 12 from a pool of thousands of young hopefuls to play Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, the 1971 adaptation of Roald Dahl's dark children's story. "I have very fond memories of Gene," says Ostrum of Wilder, who died Sunday at age 83. "Even though I was a youngster, he treated me with respect, like a fellow actor. He expected me to be professional, which I thought that I was. He was a great teacher." Now 58
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- 8/30/2016
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Julie Dawn Cole, the child actor who so perfectly embodied the spoiled, vitriolic Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory that a '90s alternative rock band named themselves after her, has weighed in on the death of her former co-star Gene Wilder on Twitter with a few simple, heartfelt words: Such very sad news. Words not enough. Treasured memories ???? — Julie Dawn Cole (@realverucasalt) August 29, 2016 While none of the other Wonka kids have yet spoken out on Wilder's death, we'll keep you updated if and when more of them pay tribute. Cole, for the record, has continued to act since starring in the 1971 classic and even paid homage to her most famous role in a show at the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe festival entitled Willy Wonka Revisited: The Veruca Salt Sessions. Two years ago she reunited with Wonka co-stars Paris Themmen (Mike TeeVee), Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde), Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop...
- 8/29/2016
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
What makes a great actor great? When I watch a performance, there are certain things I look for, and the biggest of those things is whether or not the actor is making choices about their work. There are plenty of actors who get through a scene just fine and who deliver their lines nicely and who never ever connect beyond that for me because it doesn’t feel like they’re bringing anything to the process aside from their physical presence. There are certain actors, though, who I am immediately drawn to because you can see how they’re taking the raw material of the script and they’re putting it through their personal filter so that the end result is something the writer couldn’t have imagined, that the director couldn’t have asked for, and that the actor never would have reached on his own. Gene Wilder was one of those actors,...
- 8/29/2016
- by Drew McWeeny
- Hitfix
Gene Wilder, the comedian known to a generation as Willy Wonka and an icon thanks to his works with Mel Brooks on The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, has died from complications due to Alzheimer’s Disease, according to Variety. He was 83.
Wilder's nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman revealed the actor died following a private three-year battle with Alzheimer's. "The choice to keep this private was his choice, in talking with us and making a decision as a family," Walker-Pearlman wrote. "We understand for all the emotional and physical challenges this...
Wilder's nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman revealed the actor died following a private three-year battle with Alzheimer's. "The choice to keep this private was his choice, in talking with us and making a decision as a family," Walker-Pearlman wrote. "We understand for all the emotional and physical challenges this...
- 8/29/2016
- Rollingstone.com
American treasure and crown jewel in Gene Wilder's spectacular oeuvre Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory turns 45 this week. To celebrate, not only have we justly singled out the crime that was Gene Wilder getting passed over for an Oscar, but we're also giving fans an anniversary-based roundup of obscure facts and trivial bits about everyone's favorite vaguely sinister candy factory. 1. Wilder only accepted the role on one condition In a letter to director Mel Stuart, Wilder wrote that he'd read the script and would take the part on the condition that, "When I make my first entrance, I'd like...
- 6/30/2016
- by Alex Heigl, @alex_heigl
- PEOPLE.com
American treasure and crown jewel in Gene Wilder's spectacular oeuvre Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory turns 45 this week. To celebrate, not only have we justly singled out the crime that was Gene Wilder getting passed over for an Oscar, but we're also giving fans an anniversary-based roundup of obscure facts and trivial bits about everyone's favorite vaguely sinister candy factory. 1. Wilder only accepted the role on one condition In a letter to director Mel Stuart, Wilder wrote that he'd read the script and would take the part on the condition that, "When I make my first entrance, I'd like...
- 6/30/2016
- by Alex Heigl, @alex_heigl
- PEOPLE.com
“So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it. Thank you.”
Hold your breath, make a wish, count to three and visit a world of pure imagination on the silver screen this June as Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory returns to cinemas for two special days, 45 years after it first astonished audiences as part of the Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series.
Starring Gene Wilder as famed candy man Willy Wonka, the film transformed Roald Dahl’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory into a motion-picture classic with dreamy landscapes, cleverly choreographed musical numbers and indelible performances.
This delicious cinematic confection includes all-new commentary from TCM host Ben Mankiewicz both before and after the feature. As the Golden Ticket itself says, “do not be late,” because there will be four screenings only — two each day, on June 26 and June 29 at 2pm and 7pm.
Hold your breath, make a wish, count to three and visit a world of pure imagination on the silver screen this June as Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory returns to cinemas for two special days, 45 years after it first astonished audiences as part of the Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series.
Starring Gene Wilder as famed candy man Willy Wonka, the film transformed Roald Dahl’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory into a motion-picture classic with dreamy landscapes, cleverly choreographed musical numbers and indelible performances.
This delicious cinematic confection includes all-new commentary from TCM host Ben Mankiewicz both before and after the feature. As the Golden Ticket itself says, “do not be late,” because there will be four screenings only — two each day, on June 26 and June 29 at 2pm and 7pm.
- 6/20/2016
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Discover the stuff that dreams are made of. Hold your breath, make a wish, count to three. Take a day off with Ferris Bueller. Survive a winter in the Overlook Hotel. Movie lovers will be able to do all of this and more in 2016 as Fathom Events partners with Turner Classic Movies (TCM) for the biggest-ever “TCM Big Screen Classics” series.
The not-to-miss lineup begins in January and continues monthly throughout the year as Fathom Events and TCM bring some of the greatest titles ever back into movie theaters, each for just four showings. These classics will each be accompanied by specially produced commentary from TCM hosts Robert Osborne or Ben Mankiewicz.
The series will include “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “Planet of the Apes” and “The King and I” from Twentieth Century Fox; “The Maltese Falcon,” “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and “The Shining” from Warner Bros.; “The Ten Commandments,...
The not-to-miss lineup begins in January and continues monthly throughout the year as Fathom Events and TCM bring some of the greatest titles ever back into movie theaters, each for just four showings. These classics will each be accompanied by specially produced commentary from TCM hosts Robert Osborne or Ben Mankiewicz.
The series will include “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “Planet of the Apes” and “The King and I” from Twentieth Century Fox; “The Maltese Falcon,” “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and “The Shining” from Warner Bros.; “The Ten Commandments,...
- 12/8/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Remakes have been a big part of the film industry ever since the silent era. As part of our ongoing series, Cinelinx looks at the remake of a beloved classic kid’s film to see how it compares to the original. This week, we look at Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) on its tenth anniversary.
In the last article, we talked about how the choice of actors can improve a remake. Sometimes it’s not even a question of a good actor or a bad actor. It’s about the right actor, and the choices he/she makes in the role. In this week’s article, we focus on how the wrong actor can spoil a remake.
Ronald Dahl’s 1964 children’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is the tale of a poor boy named Charlie who is one of several kids to win a golden...
In the last article, we talked about how the choice of actors can improve a remake. Sometimes it’s not even a question of a good actor or a bad actor. It’s about the right actor, and the choices he/she makes in the role. In this week’s article, we focus on how the wrong actor can spoil a remake.
Ronald Dahl’s 1964 children’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is the tale of a poor boy named Charlie who is one of several kids to win a golden...
- 11/29/2015
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Rob Young)
- Cinelinx
It has been over forty years since the release of the Gene Wilder-led "Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory," a film which became a staple for a whole generation of filmgoers.
Now, a bunch of the film's surviving cast members reunited on "The Today Show" this morning to commemorate the 44th anniversary of the film. The group includes actors Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Rusty Goffe (an Oompa Loompa), Pairs Themmen (Mike Teevee), Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloope), Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde) and Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket).
It seems many of the cast have remained friends over the years with their constant appearances at conventions helping them stick together. Themmen says: "We think of ourselves as part of a family. Maybe a bit of a dysfunctional family, but a family really."...
Now, a bunch of the film's surviving cast members reunited on "The Today Show" this morning to commemorate the 44th anniversary of the film. The group includes actors Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Rusty Goffe (an Oompa Loompa), Pairs Themmen (Mike Teevee), Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloope), Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde) and Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket).
It seems many of the cast have remained friends over the years with their constant appearances at conventions helping them stick together. Themmen says: "We think of ourselves as part of a family. Maybe a bit of a dysfunctional family, but a family really."...
- 11/12/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory cast has reunited for the classic film’s 44th anniversary. Willy Wonka Reunion All of the child stars in Willy Wonka – Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde), Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee) and Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop) sat down for an interview on NBC’s […]
The post ‘Willy Wonka’ Cast Reunite For Film’s 44th Anniversary appeared first on uInterview.
The post ‘Willy Wonka’ Cast Reunite For Film’s 44th Anniversary appeared first on uInterview.
- 11/12/2015
- by Chelsea Regan
- Uinterview
It’s not exactly a milestone celebration, but this year marks 44 years since the release of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the classic musical adaptation of Roald Dahl‘s classic book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. To celebrate the occasion, the five golden ticket winners (Peter Ostrum, Paris Themmen, Julie Dawn Cole, Michael Bolner and Denise […]
The post Votd: ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ Kids Reunite for 44th Anniversary appeared first on /Film.
The post Votd: ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ Kids Reunite for 44th Anniversary appeared first on /Film.
- 11/12/2015
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Forty-four years after Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory's theatrical premiere, six original cast members – five golden ticket winners, one Oompa Loompa – reunited for an interview with Today, reminiscing about their life-changing roles. "We think of ourselves as a family," says Paris Themmen, who played the hot-headed, cowboy-obsessed Mike Teavee. "Maybe a bit of a dysfunctional family. But a family, really."
Themmen, Julie Dawn Cole (bratty Veruca Salt), Michael Bollner (gluttonous Augustus Gloop), Denise Nickerson (gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde), Peter Ostrum (wide-eyed protagonist Charlie Bucket) and Rusty Goffe (the head Oompa...
Themmen, Julie Dawn Cole (bratty Veruca Salt), Michael Bollner (gluttonous Augustus Gloop), Denise Nickerson (gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde), Peter Ostrum (wide-eyed protagonist Charlie Bucket) and Rusty Goffe (the head Oompa...
- 11/11/2015
- Rollingstone.com
It's been 44 years since "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" hit theaters, and this morning the "Today" show staged a reunion of the five kid cast members (and one Oompa Loompa) just in case you were curious what they look like as middle-aged people. Not that it was much of a reunion: the group has kept in close touch over the years and regularly attend conventions together in places like Orlando, Florida. Among the startling "True Hollywood Story"-style revelations: Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde) doesn't chew gum! Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket) grew up to become a veterinarian! Oh, and Veruca Salt (Julie Dawn Cole)? Still flawless. See the before and after magic below. Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures...
- 11/11/2015
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
It's been 44 years since Willy Wonka first hit theaters in 1971, and although we as viewers feel lucky to have experienced the film, it's the cast of kids—some of them grandparents now!—from the musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic novel who really feel like they've been blessed. Sitting down with the Today show on Wednesday, Peter Ostrum (Charlie Buckets), Paris Themmen (Mike Teavee), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Rusty Goffe, Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde) and Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop) couldn't help but gush about being part of the film and how they're all still connected by it. "We think of ourselves as a family, maybe a bit of a dysfunctional family, but...
- 11/11/2015
- E! Online
Quick…name a favorable film where the landscape is run by (or at least partially include) the demographic of little people as part of the instrumental storyline? C’mon…it should not be that difficult, okay? If you want to mention say Darby O’Gill and the Little People then that would fine. How about Bad Santa or Poltergeist for that matter?
In That’s Good Enough, Short Stuff: Top Ten Films Featuring Little People we will take a look at some of the mini megastars that inhabited these movies and contributed their fair share of entertainment value to the on-screen proceedings. The debate as to whether some of these selected films featuring these pint-sized performers are considered positive, exploitative or dismissive are not up for discussion (although one of these considerations could apply in the minds of a few folks). Instead, we want to celebrate the inclusion of...
In That’s Good Enough, Short Stuff: Top Ten Films Featuring Little People we will take a look at some of the mini megastars that inhabited these movies and contributed their fair share of entertainment value to the on-screen proceedings. The debate as to whether some of these selected films featuring these pint-sized performers are considered positive, exploitative or dismissive are not up for discussion (although one of these considerations could apply in the minds of a few folks). Instead, we want to celebrate the inclusion of...
- 1/26/2015
- by Frank Ochieng
- SoundOnSight
10. Deliverance (1972)
Scene: Squeal Like a Piggy
Video: http://youtu.be/WqNMjZpSbnU
Word to the wise: just because someone plays a mighty fine banjo, it doesn’t mean he or any of his kin should be invited to your family picnic. Based on the James Dickey novel of the same name, Deliverance follows four businessmen as they decide to spend a weekend canoeing down a fictional river before it needs to be flooded. Lewis (Burt Reynolds) leads the crew as the most experienced, followed closely by Ed (Jon Voight). The two novices Bobby and Drew (Ned Beatty, Ronny Cox) also join them. So, in remote Georgia, the four men set out to take in the beauty of nature. Before setting off, they come across a group of mountain men, all of which appear to be inbred. Drew engages in a banjo duet with one of the teenagers, but he doesn’t...
Scene: Squeal Like a Piggy
Video: http://youtu.be/WqNMjZpSbnU
Word to the wise: just because someone plays a mighty fine banjo, it doesn’t mean he or any of his kin should be invited to your family picnic. Based on the James Dickey novel of the same name, Deliverance follows four businessmen as they decide to spend a weekend canoeing down a fictional river before it needs to be flooded. Lewis (Burt Reynolds) leads the crew as the most experienced, followed closely by Ed (Jon Voight). The two novices Bobby and Drew (Ned Beatty, Ronny Cox) also join them. So, in remote Georgia, the four men set out to take in the beauty of nature. Before setting off, they come across a group of mountain men, all of which appear to be inbred. Drew engages in a banjo duet with one of the teenagers, but he doesn’t...
- 10/31/2014
- by Joshua Gaul
- SoundOnSight
Part of the list provides a few Best Picture nominees, a number of Oscar winners, and a childhood favorite that still pops up now and again. In reality, this list could be half-full of music documentaries, but for that reason, I stayed away from them. Plus, I did my best to include only films that really are musicals in every sense of the word. Plenty of films have lots of musical components, but only true musicals have performances in the film that truly drive the story forward. The songs in movie musicals have a purpose, if there could be a true definition.
courtesy of ew.com
40. Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)
Directed by Michael Apted
Signature Song: “Coal Miner’s Daughter”
Michael Apted certainly has a dicey filmography, this probably being his best: a biographical piece featuring a breakout adult role from Sissy Spacek, winning her the Oscar for Best Actress.
courtesy of ew.com
40. Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)
Directed by Michael Apted
Signature Song: “Coal Miner’s Daughter”
Michael Apted certainly has a dicey filmography, this probably being his best: a biographical piece featuring a breakout adult role from Sissy Spacek, winning her the Oscar for Best Actress.
- 5/5/2014
- by Joshua Gaul
- SoundOnSight
Every once in a while, an actor will come on the scene with impact, impressing everyone with a powerhouse debut performance. But sometimes a great freshmen performance fails to lead to a good follow up, and the person who made the impressive debut starts to fade from the scene. It’s always sad when such potential is unmet. Here are 10 actors who started with a bang but faded with a whimper.
Heather Donahue (The Blair Witch Project-1999) She came on the scene in a big way, starring in the low-budget hit film that became such a sensation and started the ‘hand-held-camera’ style of film making (Used in Paranormal Activity, Cloverfield and others). She seemed poised to be the new Jamie Lee Curtis, the horror film “it girl”. She got a lot of offers to do other horror films but turned them down, in order to prevent type casting. Since then,...
Heather Donahue (The Blair Witch Project-1999) She came on the scene in a big way, starring in the low-budget hit film that became such a sensation and started the ‘hand-held-camera’ style of film making (Used in Paranormal Activity, Cloverfield and others). She seemed poised to be the new Jamie Lee Curtis, the horror film “it girl”. She got a lot of offers to do other horror films but turned them down, in order to prevent type casting. Since then,...
- 1/3/2014
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Rob Young)
- Cinelinx
"Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" has been terrorizing kids for over 40 years (the boat scene still gives us nightmares). And while the classic 1971 movie has inspired quite a few theories about what's really happening on-screen, there was apparently a lot going on off-screen, too.
In the above video, Wgn Morning News reveals some delicious tidbits about "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," including:
- Peter Ostrum, who played Charlie, went through puberty during the film. His voice is high when he wins the golden ticket and is noticeably lower in the bubble scene.
- Gene Wilder was memorably zany as Willy Wonka, but other candidates for the role included Peter Sellers and the members of Monty Python. (How funny would it have been for Wonka to tell Violet, "It's just a flesh wound"?)
- The Oompa Loompas were German and couldn't speak English.
- One of the Oompa Loompas was a woman!
In the above video, Wgn Morning News reveals some delicious tidbits about "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," including:
- Peter Ostrum, who played Charlie, went through puberty during the film. His voice is high when he wins the golden ticket and is noticeably lower in the bubble scene.
- Gene Wilder was memorably zany as Willy Wonka, but other candidates for the role included Peter Sellers and the members of Monty Python. (How funny would it have been for Wonka to tell Violet, "It's just a flesh wound"?)
- The Oompa Loompas were German and couldn't speak English.
- One of the Oompa Loompas was a woman!
- 8/28/2013
- by Kelly Woo
- Moviefone
Gene Wilder doesn't think he's funny -- at least not in real life.
"[People] say, 'What a comic, what a funny guy,' and I'm not -- I am really not -- except in a comedy film," said the actor, who made a rare public appearance Thursday night (June 13) at the 92Y in New York City. "I also make my wife laugh once or twice in the house, but nothing special."
It's a bit odd to hear Wilder, known for playing comedic roles in films, including "Blazing Saddles," "The Producers," and "Young Frankenstein," to say something like this. Then again, Wilder always was a dramatic actor at heart, studying at renown institutions the Old Vic, in England, and Lee Strasberg's Actors Studio, in New York, before earning acclaim in his now classic comedies.
Last night, Wilder spoke about his career in and outside of show business, with Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osbourne.
"[People] say, 'What a comic, what a funny guy,' and I'm not -- I am really not -- except in a comedy film," said the actor, who made a rare public appearance Thursday night (June 13) at the 92Y in New York City. "I also make my wife laugh once or twice in the house, but nothing special."
It's a bit odd to hear Wilder, known for playing comedic roles in films, including "Blazing Saddles," "The Producers," and "Young Frankenstein," to say something like this. Then again, Wilder always was a dramatic actor at heart, studying at renown institutions the Old Vic, in England, and Lee Strasberg's Actors Studio, in New York, before earning acclaim in his now classic comedies.
Last night, Wilder spoke about his career in and outside of show business, with Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osbourne.
- 6/14/2013
- by Alex Suskind
- Moviefone
As any moviegoer knows, charismatic heroes of the screen often personify what we wish we could be or what we aspire to do. Legendary but believable heroes of film include Atticus Finch, Clarice Starling or Rick Blaine, for example. But when it comes to the films of the last few decades, contemporary leading characters generally leave much to be desired from the Hollywood formulas that produce them. This is especially disappointing given the gloom and doom that has engulfed the United States — and much of the world — over the last several years.
As passé as it might sound, Willy Wonka as portrayed by Gene Wilder in Mel Stuart’s 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” has always stood out to me as one of the most fascinating and inspiring movie characters of all time. While the picture has an air of timelessness from its storybook ambiance, some may view it as dated.
As passé as it might sound, Willy Wonka as portrayed by Gene Wilder in Mel Stuart’s 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” has always stood out to me as one of the most fascinating and inspiring movie characters of all time. While the picture has an air of timelessness from its storybook ambiance, some may view it as dated.
- 7/23/2012
- by Charles H. Wade
- The Moving Arts Journal
What makes a leading man a hero? Is it good looks, brains, someone who can win a fight or take down the bad guy, saving the day? What if your leading man doesn’t possess those qualities, is he still considered the hero of the hour if he has his flaws whether they be his own making or not… Inspired by the release of Jo Nesbo’s Headhunters, we take a look at some of the least likely heroes to ever triumph on film.
Roger, Headhunters (2011)
In Jo Nesbo’s Headhunters, the Nordic noir thriller based on the best-selling novel, the film’s leading man the charismatic Roger Brown played by Aksel Hennie is your typical anti-hero. Standing at 5.5”, he is a successful corporate headhunter by day and a prolific art thief by night. Brown himself has a ‘small man ‘chip on his shoulder as although he has a beautiful home and a stunning wife,...
Roger, Headhunters (2011)
In Jo Nesbo’s Headhunters, the Nordic noir thriller based on the best-selling novel, the film’s leading man the charismatic Roger Brown played by Aksel Hennie is your typical anti-hero. Standing at 5.5”, he is a successful corporate headhunter by day and a prolific art thief by night. Brown himself has a ‘small man ‘chip on his shoulder as although he has a beautiful home and a stunning wife,...
- 4/18/2012
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Roald Dahl is a beloved children's book author who scares the hell out of me. I don't want to know where he lived, who raised him, or why he decided to address kids as an occupation, because the man is so, so disturbing. His Matilda is grim, his James and the Giant Peach is twisted, and his most beloved novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a frightening, cruel morality tale set in a candy-colored dystopia. I'm happy to report that Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the 1971 film adaptation of Dahl's sugary absinthe dream starring Gene Wilder, Oscar winner Jack Albertson, and a crew of unknowns, is just as frightening and cruel as the source material. And it has a secret gay relevance that I figured out only last night! Hooray! Now it's the Best Movie Ever.
I'm sure you know the story, but I'll dutifully recount it: Charlie...
I'm sure you know the story, but I'll dutifully recount it: Charlie...
- 4/11/2012
- by virtel
- The Backlot
Here’s our rather random post of the day and it comes in the form of a remixed version of some quotes from the 1971 movie, Willy Wonka And the Chocolate Factory. Surprisingly it isn’t of the Oompa Loompas but instead features Gene Wilder (Willy Wonka), Jack Albertson (Grandpa Joe) and Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket) rapping the news that Charlie Buckets ‘Gets Nothing’ in this fantastic re-mixed version of the original dialogue.
It comes from the talented people at QuadJacks.com via our pals at The Huffington Post.
Check out the video below and tell your friends! Black and White, Black and White, you get Nothing!
Iframe Embed for Youtube...
It comes from the talented people at QuadJacks.com via our pals at The Huffington Post.
Check out the video below and tell your friends! Black and White, Black and White, you get Nothing!
Iframe Embed for Youtube...
- 3/12/2012
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Chicago – One of the great children’s films is “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” released in 1971. As the movie celebrates its 40th Anniversary with a lavish new Blu-ray package, the main child star of film, Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), made an appearance at the 2011 Chicago Wizard World Comic Con.
Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket was the focus character in the film, finding the “Golden Ticket” that led him through the magical chocolate factory of Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder). He was 13 years old during the filming, and famously never acted again. He appeared at the Chicago Comic Con with fellow cast members Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop), Denise Nickerson (Violet), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt) and Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee).
Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket in ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’
Photo Credit: Warner Home Video
HollywoodChicago.com was there, and got a quick interview with the now grown-up Charlie Bucket. Ostrum...
Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket was the focus character in the film, finding the “Golden Ticket” that led him through the magical chocolate factory of Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder). He was 13 years old during the filming, and famously never acted again. He appeared at the Chicago Comic Con with fellow cast members Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop), Denise Nickerson (Violet), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt) and Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee).
Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket in ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’
Photo Credit: Warner Home Video
HollywoodChicago.com was there, and got a quick interview with the now grown-up Charlie Bucket. Ostrum...
- 12/26/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – The holidays are a perfect time to remember some of 2011’s great entertainment events, and one of them was the Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, which took place August 11th-14th. Celebrities such as Anthony Michael Hall, Lou Gossett Jr., LeVar Burton, Peter Tork and Bruce Campbell were there.
HollywoodChicago.com photographer Joe Arce turned his lens to the event, and captured the following slide show. Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All images © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.
Comicon1: Anthony Michael Hall, star of ‘The Breakfast Club’ and ‘Sixteen Candles’ Comicon2: Mimi Rogers of ‘The Rapture’ and ‘World Poker Tour’ Comicon3: Oscar Winner Lou Gossett Jr. of ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ Comicon4: Vivica A. Fox of ‘Kill Bill’ and ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Comicon5: Hey,...
HollywoodChicago.com photographer Joe Arce turned his lens to the event, and captured the following slide show. Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All images © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.
Comicon1: Anthony Michael Hall, star of ‘The Breakfast Club’ and ‘Sixteen Candles’ Comicon2: Mimi Rogers of ‘The Rapture’ and ‘World Poker Tour’ Comicon3: Oscar Winner Lou Gossett Jr. of ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ Comicon4: Vivica A. Fox of ‘Kill Bill’ and ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Comicon5: Hey,...
- 12/26/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Warner Bros. is unmatched when it comes to repackaging their beloved films for holiday season Blu-ray gift sets. Every season brings a handful of new limited edition gift sets with physical collectibles, HD transfers, and fan-centric packaging. Past releases include “A Christmas Story,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” and “Elf.” One of this year’s most beloved gifts under the Christmas tree will surely be the Limited Edition (100,000 numbered copies) release of “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory,” a film already available on Blu-ray but in a more bare-bones edition. This is the one for true fans.
Blu-Ray Rating: 4.5/5.0
Two years ago, I complained about the Blu-ray release for “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” that didn’t play well enough to fans, merely transferring previously available special features and not being an exciting enough edition for the hardcore followers of this beloved film. Warner Bros. must have been reading since...
Blu-Ray Rating: 4.5/5.0
Two years ago, I complained about the Blu-ray release for “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” that didn’t play well enough to fans, merely transferring previously available special features and not being an exciting enough edition for the hardcore followers of this beloved film. Warner Bros. must have been reading since...
- 10/26/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none By David Savage
If someone had informed this obsessive fan of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, 40 years ago, that I could hold a real Wonka Golden Ticket in my hands, watch behind-the-scenes footage and read a book on the making of my favorite film, examine script correspondence, listen to cast commentaries and dive into all sort of Wonka memorabilia in one big box, I probably would not have come up for air for weeks. In fact my reaction would probably have been a lot like Charlie’s when he discovers the last Golden Ticket.
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none
Fans of Willy Wonka – rejoice! Has Warner Bros. Home Video got a golden treat in store for you, just in time for the holidays. The 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition has just been released in one, big, heavy purple box, the...
If someone had informed this obsessive fan of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, 40 years ago, that I could hold a real Wonka Golden Ticket in my hands, watch behind-the-scenes footage and read a book on the making of my favorite film, examine script correspondence, listen to cast commentaries and dive into all sort of Wonka memorabilia in one big box, I probably would not have come up for air for weeks. In fact my reaction would probably have been a lot like Charlie’s when he discovers the last Golden Ticket.
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none
Fans of Willy Wonka – rejoice! Has Warner Bros. Home Video got a golden treat in store for you, just in time for the holidays. The 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition has just been released in one, big, heavy purple box, the...
- 10/20/2011
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
While it is considered a classic today, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" was not a hit upon its 1971 release and was even criticized by some people who thought it was mean to children.
But in directing the adaption of the Roald Dahl book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," director Mel Stuart crafted a tale for adults, not kids. That is probably a big reason why it has endured and influenced everyone from "The Simpsons" to Marilyn Manson, on top of the brilliant performance from Gene Wilder as the eccentric yet calculating candy maker. And let's face it, kids love it too. They get it.
The imaginative story about five children who win a tour of Willy Wonka's top secret confectionary plant -- and the chaos they create with subsequent consequences they did not foresee -- is filled with all sorts of great characters, from Wonka to the irrepressibly bratty...
But in directing the adaption of the Roald Dahl book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," director Mel Stuart crafted a tale for adults, not kids. That is probably a big reason why it has endured and influenced everyone from "The Simpsons" to Marilyn Manson, on top of the brilliant performance from Gene Wilder as the eccentric yet calculating candy maker. And let's face it, kids love it too. They get it.
The imaginative story about five children who win a tour of Willy Wonka's top secret confectionary plant -- and the chaos they create with subsequent consequences they did not foresee -- is filled with all sorts of great characters, from Wonka to the irrepressibly bratty...
- 10/18/2011
- by Bryan Reesman
- NextMovie
This year marks the 40th anniversary of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” possibly the finest children's film of the 20th century. Based on the children's book by Roald Dahl and directed by Mel Stuart, it's the story of a young boy named Charlie (Peter Ostrum) who wins a tour of a magical chocolate factory owned by the mysterious Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) after finding a golden ticket in a ...
- 10/18/2011
- indieWIRE - People
This year marks the 40th anniversary of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” possibly the finest children's film of the 20th century. Based on the children's book by Roald Dahl and directed by Mel Stuart, it's the story of a young boy named Charlie (Peter Ostrum) who wins a tour of a magical chocolate factory owned by the mysterious Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) after finding a golden ticket in a ...
- 10/18/2011
- Indiewire
This year marks the 40th anniversary of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” possibly the finest children's film of the 20th century. Based on the children's book by Roald Dahl and directed by Mel Stuart, it's the story of a young boy named Charlie (Peter Ostrum) who wins a tour of a magical chocolate factory owned by the mysterious Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) after finding a golden ticket in a ...
- 10/18/2011
- indieWIRE - People
Your Weekly Source for the Newest Releases to Blu-Ray Tuesday, October 18th, 2011
Attack On Leningrad (2009)
Synopsis: When in 1941 Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union, their troops quickly besieged Leningrad. Foreign journalists are evacuated but one of them, Kate Davies, is presumed dead and misses the plane. Alone in the city she is helped by Nina Tsvetnova a young and idealist police officer and together they will fight for their own survival and the survival of the people in the besieged Leningrad. (blu-ray.com)
Special Features: Unknown.
Baaria (2009)
Synopsis: Peppino, the nickname of the boy at the story’s heart, is a tough little kid in the 1930s, used to the rough-and-tumble world of Baaria (local slang for Tornatore’s native Bagheria), a hot and dusty Sicilian village with one main street. His adventures are many and his memories singular: men gambling in the local square, goats eating his schoolbooks, and...
Attack On Leningrad (2009)
Synopsis: When in 1941 Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union, their troops quickly besieged Leningrad. Foreign journalists are evacuated but one of them, Kate Davies, is presumed dead and misses the plane. Alone in the city she is helped by Nina Tsvetnova a young and idealist police officer and together they will fight for their own survival and the survival of the people in the besieged Leningrad. (blu-ray.com)
Special Features: Unknown.
Baaria (2009)
Synopsis: Peppino, the nickname of the boy at the story’s heart, is a tough little kid in the 1930s, used to the rough-and-tumble world of Baaria (local slang for Tornatore’s native Bagheria), a hot and dusty Sicilian village with one main street. His adventures are many and his memories singular: men gambling in the local square, goats eating his schoolbooks, and...
- 10/18/2011
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
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