Comments on: Books on Screen: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

By: Veronika

Veronika — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:26:52 +0000

Wilder was good, but nothing like the book. He was too … “sane” for one. I always got the feeling whenever I read the book that Wonka had a bit of a kid-ish craziness and high energy to him, and I just never got that from Wilder’s version. Depp was much, much better, even if he sometimes did the exact opposite and went a little TOO kid-ish.

I was pleasantly surprised and very satisfied with the new version. My sis and I bought it when it came out, and indulge ourselves in it whenever we’re in a “zany” mood.

This looks like an awesome site, ladies. I’ll definitely be coming back often!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:14:31 +0000

Love the book, love the original movie, LOVE the Johnny Depp remake!

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:55:43 +0000

I never liked the original version because of the ending. I liked the way the book ended, and the whole stealing candy sub-plot plus letting Charlie misbehave never worked for me.

The new version is different and odd. I’m not sure I got beyond that completely, but I do prefer it over the original.

Having said that, I’ve loved the book since we were read it in 3rd grade.

By: Melissa P.

Melissa P. — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:39:46 +0000

My kids actually really like both movies. I do think the second one is a bit truer to the book, but they are both good. I love Gene Wilder, so maybe I like the movie because of him.

As an aside–did you know that in the original printing of the book, Dahl portrayed the Oompa-Loompas as “black pygmies” and was very highly criticized for it? So much so that he changed it in the future printings. I actually found a first edition at my local library sale a few years ago. It was very interesting to compare it to the later version that I also own (especially the pictures).

By: Shauna

Shauna — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:49:40 +0000

I have a sentimental attachment to the original and prefer Gene Wilder’s Wonka, but I actually like the second movie better, especially Charlie.

By: Adventures In Babywearing

Adventures In Babywearing — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:03:28 +0000

I LOVE Johnny Depp’s version. In my opinion it is the best and I don’t think I’m saying that just because it’s Johnny Depp!

Steph

By: Stacy

Stacy — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 03:26:25 +0000

We generally like Johnny Depp, but didn’t even finish his version of the movie. His portrayal of Willy Wonka made us both think of Michael Jackson. I love Gene Wilder’s version, and of course the book is the best of all.

By: Ginny

Ginny — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:54:31 +0000

You know, I don’t think I have ever read the book. I will have to add that to my list. I did enjoy the Depp version, I really like him though. He plays his characters SO well, no matter what he does.

Honestly I like both versions the same but for different reasons. I am happy with the remake though, I think it adds to the whole package. Usually remakes are awful.

I will have to read the book though, I have always preferred the book, so I’m sure it is good. I never really thought about the time period the book was written in, you are right though it is a timeless topic & he really had an idea of how things would turn out!