Last night, our family (including ellipticcurve) went to go see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
In one word: Yum.
In another word: Deep Roy
In many ways, this movie has the same warped sensibility as the 1971 musical version. In other ways, it is even more warped. The warped sensibility begins with the opening sequence, continues with Johnny Depp’s characterization of Willy Wonka, but is truly embodied in Deep Roy’s characterization of every single Oompa-Loompa. Yes, every single one. None of these folks with orange skin and funny hair. Deep Roy, with his Indian face, plays every single one, male, female, and I’m sure even other genders. This is especially warped in the musical numbers, whose words are taken straight from the original books, but whose style apes everything.
And speaking of apes: the 2001 sequence is hilarious. Too bad most children watching the movie won’t get it. Actually, there are many in-jokes in the movie you have to pay attention to catch… although I was expecting the narrator to introduce a line from a 7-Up commercial.
And then there is Johnny Depp. I haven’t seen all his films, but in the ones I’ve seen, his characterizations are truly unique. This is no different. From the way he says his lines, to his simple facial expressions (watch the one when the mom makes the pass at him)… just remarkable.
Highly recommended.
(P.S.: I also found intriguing the remake of the “I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing” commercial: I’d Like To Teach The World To Chill. Cute.)
(P.P.S.: As to the previews, of what I remember: Harry Potter: Yes!!! Pride and Prejudice: Chick Flick–I sense an expedition for ellipticcurve, gf_guruilla, NSS&F, and ixixlix. Corpse Bride: Interesting. The Disney Golf Movie: Eh. There were one or two others that didn’t stick in my head.)
