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Now this is strange. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" succeeds in spite of Johnny Depp 's performance, which should have been the high point of the movie. Depp, an actor of considerable gifts, has never been afraid to take a chance, but this time he takes the wrong one. His Willy Wonka is an enigma in an otherwise mostly delightful movie from Tim Burton , where the visual invention is a wonderment.

The movie is correctly titled. Unlike " Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory " (1971), which depends on Gene Wilder's twinkling air of mystery, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is mostly about -- Charlie. Young Charlie Bucket ( Freddie Highmore ) is so plucky and likable, and comes from such an eccentric and marvelous household, that the wonders inside the chocolate factory are no more amusing than everyday life at the Bucket residence.

The Buckets live in a house that leans crazily in all directions, and seems to have been designed by Dr. Caligari along the lines of his cabinet. The family is very poor. Charlie sleeps in a garret that is open to the weather, and his four grandparents all sleep (and live, apparently) in the same bed, two at one end, two at the other. His mother (Helena Bonham Carter) maintains the serenity of the home, while his father ( Noah Taylor ) seeks employment. Grandpa Joe ( David Kelly ) remembers the happy decades when he and everyone else in the neighborhood worked in the chocolate factory.

Alas, 15 years before the story begins, Willy Wonka dismissed his employees and locked his factory gates. Yet the world still enjoys Wonka products; how does Willy produce them? One day, astonishingly, Wonka announces a contest: For the five lucky children who find golden tickets in their Wonka Bars, the long-locked factory gates will open, and Willy will personally escort them through the factory. A special surprise is promised for one of them. Of course Charlie wins one of the tickets, not without suspense.

This stretch of the film has a charm not unlike " Babe " or the undervalued " Babe: Pig in the City ." A metropolis is remade to the requirements of fantasy. Tim Burton is cheerfully inventive in imagining the city and the factory, and the film's production design, by Alex McDowell, is a wonder. David Kelly, as Grandpa Joe, is a lovable geezer who agrees to accompany Charlie to the factory; you may remember him racing off naked on a motorcycle in " Waking Ned Devine " (1998). And young Freddie Highmore, who was so good opposite Depp in " Finding Neverland ," is hopeful and brave and always convincing as Charlie.

The problem is that this time, he finds Neverland. Johnny Depp may deny that he had Michael Jackson in mind when he created the look and feel of Willy Wonka, but moviegoers trust their eyes, and when they see Willy opening the doors of the factory to welcome the five little winners, they will be relieved that the kids brought along adult guardians. Depp's Wonka -- his dandy's clothes, his unnaturally pale face, his makeup and lipstick, his hat, his manner -- reminds me inescapably of Jackson (and, oddly, in a certain use of the teeth, chin and bobbed hairstyle, of Carol Burnett ).

The problem is not simply that Willy Wonka looks like Michael Jackson; it's that in a creepy way we're not sure of his motives. The story of Willy and his factory has had disturbing undertones ever since it first appeared in Roald Dahl's 1964 book (also named after Charlie, not Willy). Nasty and frightening things happen to the children inside the factory in the book and both movies; perhaps Willy is using the tour to punish the behavior of little brats, while rewarding the good, poor and decent Charlie. (How does it happen that each of the other four winners illustrates a naughty childhood trait? Just Willy's good luck, I guess.)

We see the wondrous workings of the factory in the opening titles, a CGI assembly-line sequence that swoops like a roller-coaster. When the five kids and their adult guardians finally get inside, their first sight is a marvel of imagination: A sugary landscape of chocolate rivers, gumdrop trees and (no doubt) rock candy mountains. Behind his locked doors, Willy has created this fantastical playground for -- himself, apparently. As the tour continues, we learn the secret of his work force: He uses Oompa Loompas, earnest and dedicated workers all looking exactly the same and all played, through a digital miracle, by the vaguely ominous Deep Roy . We're reminded of Santa's identical helpers in " The Polar Express ."

It is essential to the story that the bad children be punished. Their sins are various; Veruca Salt ( Julia Winter ) is a spoiled brat; Violet Beauregarde (Annasophia Robb) is a competitive perfectionist; Mike Teavee ( Jordan Fry ) approaches the world with the skills and tastes he has learned through video games, and Augustus Gloop ( Philip Wiegratz ) likes to make a little pig out of himself.

All of these children meet fates appropriate to their misdemeanors. I might be tempted to wonder if smaller children will find the movie too scary, but I know from long experience with the first film that kids for some reason instinctively know this is a cautionary tale, and that even when a character is suctioned up by a chocolate conduit, all is not lost.

Charlie and his grandfather join wide-eyed in the tour, and there are subplots, especially involving Violet Beauregarde, before the happy ending. What is especially delightful are the musical numbers involving the Oompa Loompas, who seem to have spent a lot of time studying Hollywood musicals. The kids, their adventures and the song and dance numbers are so entertaining that Depp's strange Willy Wonka is not fatal to the movie, although it's at right angles to it.

What was he thinking of? In "Pirates of the Caribbean" Depp was famously channeling Keith Richards , which may have primed us to look for possible inspirations for this performance. But leaving " Pirates " aside, can anyone look at Willy Wonka and not think of Michael Jackson? Consider the reclusive lifestyle, the fetishes of wardrobe and accessories, the elaborate playground built by an adult for the child inside. What's going on here? Bad luck that the movie comes out just as the Jackson trial has finally struggled to a conclusion.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Film credits.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

Rated PG for quirky situations, action and mild language

115 minutes

Noah Taylor as Mr. Bucket

Julia Winter as Veruca Salt

Deep Roy as Oompa Loompa

Helena Bonham-Carter as Mrs. Bucket

Jordan Fry as Mike Teavee

AnnaSophia Robb as Violet

Philip Wiegratz as Augustus Gloop

James Fox as Mr. Salt

Christopher Lee as Dr. Wonka

Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka

Freddie Highmore as Charlie Bucket

David Kelly as Grandpa Joe

Missi Pyle as Mrs. Beauregarde

Directed by

Based on the book by, latest blog posts.

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Trailer Bulletin: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Moviefone.com brings us the first peek at the theatrical trailer for Tim Burton ‘s " Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ." The first teaser trailer caused a lot of buzz among fans of Roald Dahl ‘s original story and the 1971 Gene Wilder adaptation, and the new trailer delivers a whole lot more sweet & sticky insanity.

Screenwriter John August (" Big Fish ") penned the adaptation of Mr. Dahl’s highly esteemed story. Featuring Johnny Depp as the mysterious Willy Wonka, " Charlie and the Chocolate Factory " on July 15th. (Hint: Choose the X-Large trailer from the Moviefone page for the quickest and coolest look at the goods.)

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Metacritic reviews

Charlie and the chocolate factory.

• 100 Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman Those Oompa-Loompas are the beat, and soul, of Burton's finest movie since "Ed Wood": a madhouse kiddie musical with a sweet-and-sour heart.
• 100 Chicago Tribune Michael Wilmington Chicago Tribune Michael Wilmington A peach of a story delightfully imagined by Dahl and lushly realized by Burton. It's full of witty or awesome scenes, flights of fancy and characters either totally, lovably sweet or outrageously, humorously rotten.
• 80 The Hollywood Reporter Kirk Honeycutt The Hollywood Reporter Kirk Honeycutt Here's a film about kids and for kids that has not lost touch with what it is like to actually be a kid.
• 80 Dallas Observer Bill Gallo Dallas Observer Bill Gallo A perfect marriage of author and director.
• 75 ReelViews James Berardinelli ReelViews James Berardinelli Lovers of Dahl's book will almost certainly appreciate what Burton has wrought.
• 75 Rolling Stone Peter Travers Rolling Stone Peter Travers Depp and Burton fly too high on the vapors of pure imagination. But it's hard to not get hooked on something this tasty.
• 70 Variety Todd McCarthy Variety Todd McCarthy Entertaining and fabulously imaginative in many ways, this second bigscreen rendition of the late author's modest morality tale on the wages of unbridled excess sports excesses of its own.
• 70 The A.V. Club Scott Tobias The A.V. Club Scott Tobias There's little wrong with Charlie, but it needs the Burton of old to animate its candy-colored universe with mischief and awe. Instead, he remains trapped like Wonka in a hermetic house of wonders, and the movie suffocates along with him.
• 70 Village Voice Ed Park Village Voice Ed Park Fun and nourishing, Charlie's the topsy-turvy equivalent of a three-course dinner in a single stick of gum.
• 60 Time Richard Schickel Time Richard Schickel This is rather a thin tale, not much thickened by Burton's direction or Depp's playing. There's a distance, a detachment to this film. It lacks passion.
• See all 40 reviews on Metacritic.com
• See all external reviews for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Review

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is quite simply, wonderful; a brilliantly imagined story that will win old fans and new fans alike.

“ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ” is like the everlasting gobstopper it so gleefully describes. It never loses it flavor and gets a little dangerous. Director Tim Burton and his favorite muse, the awesomely talented Johnny Depp, hit the honey pot with their version of the Roald Dahl beloved children’s book. This accomplishment is no easy feat. Gene Wilder immortalized the character of Willy Wonka in the classic 1970 film adaptation; to say that Depp had big shoes to fill is an understatement. Comparisons would inevitably be drawn between the two films and remakes rarely live up to the original. Here is an exception. Burton and Depp strike the perfect balance between paying tribute and being creative. They add a different, more complex tone to the film without losing anything. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is quite simply, wonderful; a brilliantly imagined story that will win old fans and new fans alike.

Freddie Highmore, reuniting with Depp from “Finding Neverland”, plays the good hearted Charlie. He lives with his parents and both sets of grandparents in a shack near Willy Wonka’s massive factory. They’re dirt poor with holes in their mittens and cabbage soup for every dinner. Each night, Charlie listens to his Grandpa Joe (David Kelly) tell him of working in the great candy factory before Willy Wonka shut it down. Competitors had stolen his secrets and everyone lost their jobs. But soon the factory started running again with seemingly no new workers. Willy Wonka vanished from sight and became a great mystery. Then comes the stunning declaration that Willy Wonka will allow five extremely lucky children a day’s visit to his factory. The children would be picked by winning a golden ticket hidden in a Wonka chocolate bar. Four spoiled and rotten youngsters, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregard, and Mike Teavee claim the golden tickets. Charlie has almost given up hope when he wins the final ticket. The five children meet in front of the factory gate for their tour with the mysterious Willy Wonka. Who has also promised an incredible prize to the child he deems most worthy.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ’s success is due to the parts adding up perfectly. Everything clicks together so well. The production design is amazing, gigantic sets dripping with detail. The characters wear these goofy costumes and are plastered in make-up to reflect the artificial candy look of the film. Danny Elfman’s score, along with the hilarious Oompa Loompa songs, flawlessly meshes with the action on screen. Tim Burton gets the lion’s share of credit for orchestrating everything. He had a unique vision for this story and really does a magnificent job realizing it. Burton has directed some terrible films in recent years, who could forget “Planet of the Apes”, but returns to his early career brilliance with this film. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory easily rivals “Beetlejuice” and “Edward Scissorhands” as his best work. Burton proves that he’s still got what it takes to make a great movie.

Johnny Depp takes the character of Willy Wonka and makes it his own. He plays him as a spectacularly bizarre genius incapable of normal behavior. Willy Wonka has been cooped up inside his factory for twenty years. There are some very funny scenes where he has to refer to flash cards to hold a simple conversation. Without revealing too much, the main difference between this film and the 70’s version is the addition of a back story about Wonka’s childhood. It gives him a lot more depth and we can see why he became the man he is. I thought the flashback scenes were cleverly done and defined his motivations. Depp continues to prove he’s one of the best. It’s tragic that he’s never won any major awards for his work. He continually pushes himself as an actor and the role of Willy Wonka is a prime example.

I was surprised by how heartfelt and honest the movie was. It delivers a good message and does it in an entertaining, different way. There are going to be some people who will criticize the film for its dark tone. Yes, it is much darker than the other film but is also a lot funnier. It has an edge to it and that’s a part of the charm. Every good children’s story has a part that gets a little creepy. I think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is balanced in its approach. It’s a great film on every level and not to be missed in the theater.

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‘Wonka’ Review: Willy When He Was Young and Oh So Sweet

Timothée Chalamet stars as the chocolatier in this musical origin story, playing a wide-eyed innocent instead of an eccentric mad-hatter.

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By Manohla Dargis

Younger, sweeter and significantly less weird than his prior screen incarnations, the latest Willy Wonka — played by Timothée Chalamet — sets off on his adventure with a dream and a smile. For the next two hours, he keeps smiling, while sometimes singing, kind of dancing and concocting idiosyncratic treats like chocolates salted with, as Willy explains, “the bittersweet tears of a Russian clown.” Called hoverchocs, this particular delectable sends its nibblers flying. Alas, they weren’t given out at the press screening so I remained earthbound.

Movie franchises live forever, it seems, hence “Wonka,” a new musical origin story set in an earnest key about the first business ventures of the young Willy. It’s a bright, light movie — in palette and temperament — that’s stuffed with talented performers who seem to be having a pleasant time, even when pretending to be meanies. Its most distinctive quality is that it’s nice , with scarcely a hint of the misanthropy that burbles through Roald Dahl’s “ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ,” the 1964 best seller that generated adaptations in assorted media, including two earlier films and a Broadway musical . (This movie has different music.)

Dahl’s novel and its two film adaptations feature an impoverished boy, Charlie, “a good sensible loving child” who pays a life-changing visit to a chocolate factory owned by the mysterious Willy Wonka. Directed by Paul King, “Wonka” turns back the clock to when Willy was a striver with near-empty pockets and a suitcase filled with enchantments. After years of sailing the world, he pursues his toothsome dreams in a Euro-ville pastiche, with a vaulted shopping arcade and a plaza large enough to hold big musical numbers. He soon encounters hurdles in the form of a cartel and a hotelier, Mrs. Scrubbit (Olivia Colman), who — in a plotline that mirrors one in the novel — hoodwinks guests into servitude.

“Wonka” has songs, old and new (the most memorable are from Mel Stuart’s 1971 film), dance numbers, a river of chocolate and no surprises. Among its least surprising attractions is Chalamet, an anodyne dreamboat who delivers an enthusiastic performance with a reedy tenor and awkward kicks, his floppy hair shimmying under Willy’s top hat. As the title suggests, Willy is decidedly the star: He enters perched atop a ship’s mast, an elevated position that he retains throughout. And while he soon has a child sidekick, a regulation charmer called Noodle (Calah Lane), the youngest of Mrs. Scrubbit’s indentured minions, it is Willy who now effectively has the role of the wide-eyed innocent once played by Charlie.

Willy’s affability makes this iteration of the character less like Dahl’s eccentric mad-hatter and more spiritually akin to the gentle ursine protagonist in King’s live-action movies “ Paddington ” and “ Paddington 2 .” Like that Paddington the bear, this Willy the candymaker soon finds a supportive community in his digitally enhanced new digs as well as maternal warmth from Sally Hawkins, a scene-stealing foil in Hugh Grant (here as an Oompa-Loompa) and various whimsical escapades that suggest King is as much a fan of Rube Goldberg machines as of storybook confections. The movie is overly busy, as these kinds of eager-to-please diversions tend to be, and at two hours it overstays its welcome.

Written by King and Simon Farnaby, “Wonka” could use more tart notes; at times it’s borderline saccharine. That isn’t surprising given how King has reconceptualized Wonka’s personality (there’s no shiver of menace here) and given too the Disney-fication of children’s entertainment. In the years since the book first hit, Wonka World has changed, notably in the conception of the Oompa-Loompas, the factory’s diminutive workers. Dahl originally made them African Pygmies who Wonka smuggled, but, per one biographer , after the N.A.A.C.P. complained, he ditched their origin story and made them “rosy white.” The 1971 film with Gene Wilder, in turn, gave them orange skin and green hair, a makeover that Tim Burton ditched for his 2005 movie starring Johnny Depp and that King has restored.

One of the trickier problems that Dahl presents for contemporary filmmakers is finding a way to tap into the pleasures of his work without reproducing its ugliness. The movie skirts some of this simply because it predates Willy’s fame, and maybe by the time the presumptive sequel arrives, the Oompa-Loompas will have formed a trade union. By then, I hope that Dahl’s contempt for fat characters, which the movie echoes in some unfunny business with a gluttonous police chief (Keegan-Michael Key), will also be a thing of the past.

Those bits are seriously unfortunate in a movie that otherwise embraces niceness with unforced sincerity as it invites you to let your imagination run loose, never more amusingly than with the idea that one day Timothée Chalamet will turn into Depp or, if we’re lucky, Gene Wilder.

Wonka Rated PG for refined sugar. Running time: 1 hour 56 minutes. In theaters.

Manohla Dargis is the chief film critic of The Times, which she joined in 2004. She has an M.A. in cinema studies from New York University, and her work has been anthologized in several books. More about Manohla Dargis

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CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

"virtue is its own reward".

What You Need To Know:

(BBB, CapCapCap, C, V, M) Very strong moral worldview with very strong pro-capitalist message that is pro-family, favors good parenting, rebukes bad habits in children, and warns against letting children watch too much television and playing violent video games; some redemptive elements; no foul language, but song twice says Willy Wonka is the “best darn guy who ever lived,” gosh darn is said a couple times, and double entendre joke is made about squirrels and the nuts they are trained to inspect; comical, slapstick violence includes a couple pratfalls, little girl karate chops three men and knocks them down (played for laughs), boy who can't swim falls into river of chocolate and struggles, pipe sucks boy from chocolate stream, squirrels throw two people down garbage chute, glass elevator crashes through glass ceiling and roof, character blows up like a blueberry, angry boy plays violent video game and yells, “Die! Die!” while shooting creatures, watching too much TV and playing violent video games has made boy too aggressive and he smashes a large candy egg with his feet in one scene, man in jungle kills giant flying wasp-like bug when it chases him, and mechanical dolls catch fire; no sex, but Willy Wonka mentions that chocolate releases endorphins that make people feel as if they’re in love and woman gives him a romantic facial expression; no nudity; no alcohol; no smoking; and, bad habits rebuked, some talk about luck, one rich father spoils his daughter, father won’t let young Willy Wonka have any candy and Willy runs away from home to become a chocolatier, but reconciliation eventually occurs.

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CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY is a wondrously quirky and, ultimately, heartwarming adaptation of the popular classic children’s book. It has a very strong pro-family message with many moral messages. It’s also a lot of fun.

In the story, based on Roald Dahl’s book, Charlie Buckets lives with his parents and grandparents in a poor, dilapidated shack on the edge of town. The shack is so small that his grandparents have to sleep in the same bed. His Grandpa Joe used to work at Willy Wonka’s large candy factory nearby, but Willy Wonka fired all of his workers when some of them stole some of his recipes and sold them to his three rivals. No one knows how Willy Wonka makes his candy now.

One day, Willy Wonka inserts five golden tickets into his Wonka chocolate bars. The tickets allow five special children, and one of their parents as chaperone, to take a tour of Willy Wonka’s factory. At the end of the day, one of the children will receive a special surprise, the best surprise of all.

Charlie and his family waits anxiously while the tickets are found. Charlie’s parents are so poor, however, that they can only afford one candy bar for their son. The bar has no golden ticket, and neither does the candy bar that Grandpa Joe buys for Charlie with his Grandpa’s meager savings. Charlie just happens to find some money on the street one day, and the candy bar he purchases for himself has the last of the five golden tickets.

Unlike Charlie, the four other winning children are mean and/or greedy. One by one, they get into trouble in Willy Wonka’s factory, and Willy Wonka’s big surprise falls within Charlie’s grasp.

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY won’t stop people from fondly remembering the Gene Wilder version from 1971. For one thing, its songs are not as catchy and memorable as the Oompa Loompa song in the original movie or the famous Candyman song. The new movie has plenty of charms of its own, however, not the least of which is Johnny Depp’s performance as Willy Wonka the candy maker. Freddie Highmore also does an excellent job as young Charlie, as does David Kelly as Charlie’s Uncle Joe. Tim Burton, the director, lavishly films Willy Wonka’s magical factory with all the imagination it deserves. Best of all, Charlie’s family seems more heartwarming in the new film. The love they display toward Charlie and toward one another adds to the movie’s strong pro-family message.

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY has many other positive moral lessons to impart.

For example, the character of Willy Wonka presents a strong capitalist role model, despite his quirky behavior. Willy Wonka cares deeply about the products he makes, and about serving the consumers who buy them, even though he could care less about their private lives. Wonka learns through the course of the movie that, if you don’t feel happy about the products you make, then you probably won’t make very good products. The story also teaches capitalism based on meritocracy. Only the very best and nicest child will receive Willy Wonka’s special surprise at the end of the tour.

Eventually, Charlie teaches Willy Wonka that having a loving family is more important than being rich and successful. The movie also rebukes bad habits like constantly chewing gum, extols good parenting skills and warns parents about letting their children watch too much television and play violent video games.

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY is a deliciously delectable delight that will please many children of all ages.

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Charlie & the chocolate factory 2005 vs. 1971: differences explained.

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Charlie And The Chocolate Factory: 10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Oompa Loompas

All 3 willy wonka movies, ranked worst to best, dark theory claims willy wonka is performing the cabin in the woods ritual.

• The 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a beloved classic that captures the imagination with vibrant sets, memorable songs, and a heartfelt narrative.
• The 2005 film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory offers a different take on the source material, delving deeper into Willy Wonka's backstory and emphasizing the peculiar and sometimes macabre aspects of the story.
• Burton's version is more faithful to the original book, with songs directly lifted from the novel and characters and their flaws staying truer to their descriptions.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been adapted twice, and Willy Wonka vs . Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a commonly heated debate given their drastically different portrayals. 1971's Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory has etched itself into the hearts of audiences worldwide, becoming a cultural touchstone that transcends generations. Starring Gene Wilder as the eccentric candy manufacturer, the whimsical tale captures the imagination through its vibrant set designs, memorable musical numbers, and a heartfelt narrative that explores themes of innocence, greed, and the sheer joy of wonder.

In stark contrast, the 2005 movie directed by Tim Burton , Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, offers a distinctly different vision that delves deeper into the source material's more eccentric elements. Starring Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka, this version is noted for its closer adherence to Dahl's original narrative, including some exploration of Wonka's backstory and a heightened emphasis on the peculiar and sometimes macabre. While both films share the same foundational story, Burton's approach reinterprets the material through a lens that blends the fantastical with the bizarre, leading to the Willy Wonka vs . Charlie and the Chocolate Factory debate.

2023 prequel Wonka fills in the story of Willy Wonka's early years, though isn't directly adapting any Roald Dahl novel. It is, however, canonically set before 1971's Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Watch Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory on Max

Theory: Snowpiercer Is A Sequel To Willy Wonka

Snowpiercer is a sequel to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory some are saying, and, despite their differences, it may not be as crazy as it sounds.

Willy Wonka In the Original Movie & Tim Burton’s Remake

Burton's version of wonka is more faithful to the novel.

Wonka’s reputation as a candymaker is unlike any other, as he’s known for creating truly unique candies that are a whole experience rather than just a regular sweet. The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory book describes Wonka as a man with a black top hat, a purple jacket, silver gloves, bottle-green pants, and a cane. Both big-screen versions of Willy Wonka are different from the one in the book, but they keep some characteristics. Wilder’s portrayal of Wonka is eccentric and more subtle , but there’s also a lot of anger in him and a touch of evil at times.

On the other hand, Depp's performance is over the top and childlike, which is funny when seeing how much Wonka dislikes children. Depp’s version also has an evil side , and because he is not subtle like Wilder’s, it’s perceived by most viewers as a psychotic version of the character, though they both have that quality — it’s just portrayed in different ways. Depp’s is also more tragic as he was given a backstory , which explains (in part, at least) why he acts the way he does and why he isn’t fond of children and families in general.

Watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Max

Tim Burton's Charlie & The Chocolate Factory: 10 Good Changes To The Original Willy Wonka Movie

Here are 10 good changes in Tim Burton's Charlie & The Chocolate Factory that make it better than Mel Stuart's original Willy Wonka movie from the 70s

The Oompa-Loompas

The oompa-loompas in the 1971 movie are more mysterious but have less relevance.

In early editions of the novel, Oompa-Loompas were described as African Pygmies, but they were changed to be white-skinned and golden-haired, and their country of origin was Loompaland. When Willy Wonka found them , they lived in huts in the trees to escape from various creatures and were struggling to get food. Each film has had its own version of the Oompa-Loompas: in the 1971 version, they were orange-skinned, with green hair, and wore brown shirts with striped wrists and collars, and baggy lederhosen-like pants.

They were all played by different actors, whereas in Burton’s version, they were played by Star Trek 4's Deep Roy , who also played the female Oompa-Loompa, Doris. In this film, the Oompa-Loompas wore uniforms of different colors, depending on the area they worked in. Their roles were the same (as Wonka Factory workers), but they were given more relevance in Burton’s film , as they also served as Wonka’s confidants.

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory: 5 Differences Between The Book & The 1971 Film (& 5 From The 2005 Film)

There have been two popular Charlie and the Chocolate Factory adaptions made. Here are some differences between the book and the two movies.

The Chocolate Factory

Both movies feature practically built chocolate rivers.

The sets and effects in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory may now look outdated, but they’re actually quite impressive when considering the limitations in special effects at the time. Its effects are practical, and the factory is as colorful and unreal as expected. Burton’s version, on the other hand, is more spectacular as the auteur has always put an emphasis on spectacle in his movies, and also because the technology was already advanced enough to allow him to bring heavily detailed and colorful scenarios to life.

Additionally, Burton had the technology to make horrific chocolate factory scenes like Violet blowing up into a giant blueberry and Mike getting trapped in a TV look more believable, even if some argue that Burton relied too much on CGI. It’s worth noting that the Chocolate River was a practical effect on both movies , but a bigger budget helped the production crew of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory make it look better than in the first film.

Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory: 10 Facts About Willy Wonka The Movie Leaves Out

Roald Dahl's novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is beloved, as is the 1971 film. But there are a few fun Willy Wonka facts the movie leaves out.

Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory Feels More Like A Charlie Bucket Story, & Vice Versa

Both films follow the book's central idea: Willy Wonka hid five golden tickets in chocolate bars, and the children who found them were granted entrance to the factory. Throughout the tour, various mishaps resulted in the group being reduced more and more until only one child was left, who got a big prize at the end. Willy Wonka included scenes from the book (some of them with a couple of changes, like the “fizzy lifting drink”), and added elements that weren’t that necessary, such as turning Slugworth into a spy (who, in the book, is only a minor character).

A significant addition to the story in Burton’s version was Willy Wonka's backstor y, which explained in part why he’s so dedicated to candy, why he doesn’t like children, and why he has trouble with parents and the whole concept of “family.” To some, Willy Wonka feels more like a Charlie Bucket story and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory like a Willy Wonka one, while others think it’s the other way around.

Charlie And The Great Glass Elevator Updates: A Sequel Is Happening (On Netflix)

Charlie And The Great Glass Elevator has never been adapted, but Netflix are planning to finally bring Roald Dahl's novel to life.

The 2005 Movie Directly Lifts Its Songs From The Novel

One of the most significant differences between Willy Wonka and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is that the first one is a musical, with Wonka himself and other characters breaking into songs (such as “Pure Imagination” and “The Candy Man”). In contrast, in the second film, only the Oompa-Loompas have their musical numbers. In the 1971 film, the Oompa-Loompas’ songs are puzzles, and Burton’s version was more faithful to the book as Danny Elfman took the songs directly from the novel . However, as a result, the 2005 movie's songs a far less memorable and iconic.

The Oompa Loompas from Charlie and the Chocolate factory aren't given much focus in the films, but we've got a list of 10 facts and trivia of them!

Tim Burton’s Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Is More Faithful To The Book

Roald dahl even disowned the 1971 version because of its creative liberties.

When discussing Willy Wonka vs. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , it's worth noting that the 2005 movie is more faithful to the book. While Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factor y added many scenes from the book, many were changed for narrative and visual purposes. Both omitted some scenes from the book that weren’t important (such as the square candies that look ‘round), but the characters and their flaws (including Wonka himself), their appearance, the songs, and the factory are truer to the book’s descriptions in Burton’s version.

In addition, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory author Roald Dahl disowned the 1971 version for a number of reasons, mainly because he thought it placed “ too much emphasis on Willy Wonka and not enough on Charlie ”, and he wasn’t happy with Gene Wilder being cast instead of Spike Milligan (via Yahoo ). Dahl also wasn’t on board with making Slugworth a spy, the way the “fizzy lifting drink” scene was written, the inclusion of music other than the Oompa-Loompa compositions, and the ending dialogue.

Thanks to the book and the movie adaptations, Willy Wonka has become a classic character. With three films having been released, we compare them.

Which Version Of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Is Better

Both movie adaptations excel in different areas.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is more of a family film than Burton’s version (even if the tunnel scene was the source of nightmares for many) and is a true classic, but Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a better version of Roald Dahl’s book . Burton’s version is more faithful to the book: the songs come directly from the source material, the children and their flaws are as described in the book, and Johnny Depp’s performance as Wonka , though with his own quirks and style, is more like the one in the book.

Burton modernized the scenarios and stories so they could connect with the audience, and even though Charlie and the Chocolate Factory omitted scenes from the book, it expanded on Willy Wonka’s backstory and gave other characters more screen time. Burton’s production design, accompanied by a score by Danny Elfman and the performances of Johnny Depp help make a fantasy world like the one inside Wonka’s factory believable. Highmore’s portrayal of Charlie Bucket is more moving and believable than the 1971 portrayal, as he genuinely managed to play the part of an innocent kid who comes from a humble home.

One dark and clever theory suggests that Willy Wonka's tour may have actually been a perfect cover for a Cabin in the Woods-style ritual sacrifice.

Source: Yahoo

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

In this movie based on the Roald Dahl novel, Charlie Bucket's life changes forever when he finds a Golden Ticket, allowing him to tour the famous Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory along with four other contest winners.

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“Wonka,” a sugary prequel to Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” delivers not so much a world of pure imagination as a land of constant cuteness.

Of course it does. The affable musical film is directed by Paul King, the King of “Aww”s, who made heart-warming hits out of “Paddington” and “Paddington 2.” 

But as similarly likable and visually exciting as his “Wonka” can be, a question nags:

Running time: 116 minutes. Rated PG (some violence, mild language and thematic elements). In theaters Dec. 15.

Is it right to turn Dahl’s eccentric chocolatier, who in the original tale (that inspired the 1971 film) probably murdered several children, into another cuddly teddy bear?

I’m not so sure. Timothée Chalamet’s impish charm and oddball quirks in the title role notwithstanding, that’s what he is — a huggable cartoon.

Absent of any edge or layered characters, “Wonka” is at its most enjoyable when you forget the novel and classic Gene Wilder film and strap in for routine pleasantness.

High expectations ruin everything, after all. Just ask Veruca Salt.

Setting aside our cherished memories is not too hard, considering “Wonka” makes few attempts to specifically connect to what came before it outside of piping in the song “Pure Imagination” here and there (unwisely) and adding in a tear-jerker golden ticket throwback. 

Thankfully, that disregarded past also includes Johnny Depp’s creepy Michael Jackson impersonation.

However, it’s a shame that in this origin story the viewer doesn’t leave with any deepened understanding of who Willy is.

I certainly don’t now know why a cold Wonka will years later let Augustus Gloop drown in a river of molten chocolate, or how he could so nonchalantly send Violet Beauregarde off to be “juiced.”

Even the familiar is unrecognizable.

The Oompa Loompas are back, but have been tweaked. The one we meet (a petite but pompous Hugh Grant ) has been reworked into a crafty, chatty, upper-crust Brit, obviously to erase those pesky imperialism critiques about previous portrayals of the captured Loompaland natives.

And, while there are plenty of shady adults, there are no frightening Dahlian lessons for kids about the perils of bad behavior, a la “The Witches,” “Matilda” and “Charlie.”

“Wonka” is its own, totally unchallenging confection. A Nestle Crunch bar of a movie.

In King’s telling, Wittle Willy isn’t a troubled recluse yet, but a bright-eyed dreamer who arrives in an all-purpose European city with the goal off opening up the world’s best chocolate shop. 

But he faces stiff competition from a trio of ne’er-do-well candymakers who are threatened by the newcomer: Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Wonka’s nemesis who tried to steal his creations in the original, Prodnose (Matt Lucas, unfunny as it gets) and Fickelgruber (Mathew Baynton), who gags whenever he hears the word “poor.” A poor gag, indeed.

They bribe the corrupt chocoholic police chief (Keegan-Michael Key) to stop him.

Willy is also tormented by the villainous Mrs. Scrubbit (Olivia Colman) and Bleacher (Tom Davis), his landlords who trick him and others into indentured servitude. With cockney accents and sleazy upcharges, they’re pretty much the masters of the house from “Les Misérables.” 

The baddies have five others trapped in their house washing clothes, including Abacus (Jim Carter), Piper (Natasha Rothwell) and Noodle (Calah Lane), a young orphan. In trying to escape, for some reason they steal a giraffe from the zoo.

Like the last two on-screen takes, “Wonka” is a musical, this time with absentminded toe-tappers by Neil Hannon. 

The seven songs are nice enough, with an “Oom pah pah!” thrust and upbeat names like “You’ve Never Had Chocolate Like This” and “A World of Your Own.” But Hannon is no Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. This candy man can just barely.

What of Timothée? He’s perfectly fine. A Wonka you’d like to have a hot chocolate with. All told, the family film is a smart move for Chalamet, who tends to land in more brooding parts, be they indie ingenue cannibals or outer-space heroes who summon giant sandworms. For once, he’s refreshingly happy and funny. 

Still, if you want to view paradise, simply look around for the Gene Wilder movie.

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The Literary Edit

Review: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl

As with all Roald Dahl’s books, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a quaint and charming tale with a strong moral undertone. The book tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a young boy who lives in a cramped house with his parents and both his paternal and maternal grandparents. The family is a poor one; the four grandparents share a bed and they all live on a diet of boiled potatoes and cabbage. The town in which they live is famous for the landmark chocolate factory, maker of tantalising treats a-plenty, and the tale was inspired by Dahl’s experience of chocolate companies during his school days.

When the owner, the elusive Willy Wonka, decides to invite five children inside the majestic gates of his chocolate factory, children far and wide are desperate to find one of the golden tickets hidden inside the wrappers of Wonka chocolate bars. And thus the winners are announced; Augustus Gloop – a greedy young boy who eats constantly, Veruca Salt – a horribly spoilt girl whose father buys her everything she asks for, Violet Beauregrade who chews gum all day and Mike Teavee, a boy whose favourite pastime is to watch TV.

With just one remaining Charlie can’t believe his luck when he finds a ticket; knowing that the life-time supply of chocolate he’ll be given at the factory will see an end to his family’s poverty. And so, the five children’s adventure begins as Willy Wonka leads them through his magical factory, with chocolate rivers, caramel lakes and a never-ending supply of the sweetest of treats. The day, however, doesn’t run smoothly as each of the children’s faults sees an early demise to their day. Augustus Gloop, consumed with greed starts drinking from the chocolate river and falls in; Violet Beauregrade tries some gum despite being warned of potential side effects and swells up like a blueberry, Veruca Salt attempts to steal a sorting squirrel and is thrown down the garbage chute and Mike Teavee is shrunken to six inches after trying to use the Television Chocolate Machine.

Consequently only Charlie remains and Wonka then makes an announcement; Charlie is to inherit the Chocolate Factory. And thus becomes apparent that the golden ticket really was the key to the door of happiness.

Darkly sarcastic and hugely entertaining, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory deals with themes of sin and temptation and sees a triumphant and moral conclusion that spells the end of a life of poverty for Charlie and his family.

About Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory is opening at last!

But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger; Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, Our Hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life!

About Roald Dahl

The son of Norwegian parents, Roald Dahl was born in Wales in 1916 and educated at Repton. He was a fighter pilot for the RAF during World War Two, and it was while writing about his experiences during this time that he started his career as an author.

His fabulously popular children’s books are read by children all over the world. Some of his better-known works include James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox, Matilda, The Witches, and The BFG.

He died in November 1990.

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2 comments on “Review: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl”

Excellent choice for one of the books to read for the challenge. But i would have recommended the Witches or the Twits over Charlie, Not that Charlie and the chocolate factory isn’t amazing, but The Witches and The Twits seem to be slightly lesser known, but are equal in their brilliance.

Saying that, almost every Roald Dahl books are unique and wonderful (Not to mention weird). For people who haven’t read many of his books, look-up lists like this one – Roald Dahl books list – for recommendations!

Hi Kelly, thanks for stopping by! I’m actually planning on reading either The Twits or Witches for my August book challenge so check back soon for my review 🙂

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The 14 Best Kids and Family Movies on Max This May

Films on HBO Max that are fun for the whole family!

When it comes to movies that the whole family can enjoy, there's a plethora of options both live-action and animated on HBO Max. Home to timeless favorites such as the Harry Potter series, the works of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki , or those treasured films of your youth, Max has hours upon hours of family-friendly entertainment that’s perfect to pop in and enjoy both as an adult and as a child! Here are some of our favorite kid and family movies on HBO Max.

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best kid movies on Netflix , Hulu , and Prime Video , or browse our picks for the best movies on HBO .

‘Wonka’ (2023)

Rotten tomatoes: 82% | imdb: 7.0/10.

The third film adaptation of Roald Dahl ’s 1964 novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , Wonka focuses on the early days of the quirky chocolatier. Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, Wonka also features an impressive supporting cast, including Olivia Colman , Keegan-Michael Key , Matt Lucas , Sally Hawkins , Rowan Atkinson , and Hugh Grant . Directed by Paul King , who co-wrote the screenplay with Simon Farnaby , Wonka is a strikingly vivid feature that allows audiences to dive deeper into the background of the famous titular character. Highlighted by stunning production design and catchy musical numbers, Wonka showcases the elite star power it gathered, resulting in a visually engaging gem.

Watch on Max

‘Inkheart’ (2009)

Rotten tomatoes: 38% | imdb: 6.1/10.

Adapted from Cornelia Funke 's German novel, Inkheart is an enchanting fantasy film geared towards audiences of all ages. Inkheart brings together Brendan Fraser , Paul Bettany , Helen Mirren , and Andy Serkis for an epic story brimming with action, magic, and family. Directed by Iain Softley , Inkheart centers on a teenage girl and her father as they find themselves on an amazing adventure where storybook characters come to life in the real world — as well as the real world becoming part of the storybook. Cheered for its whimsical core, Inkheart overlooks heavy messaging to provide an entertaining journey that will encourage viewers to seek out the books on which it was based.

‘The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie’ (2004)

Rotten tomatoes: 68% | imdb: 7.2/10, the spongebob movie.

Slather on the sunblock and dive under the sea for the full length SpongeBob Squarepants Movie from series creator Stephen Hillenburg in his hilarious feature directorial debut. In addition to the original television series voice cast, which includes Tom Kenny , Bill Fagerbakke , Clancy Brown , and Rodger Bumpass , The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie also has guest voices Alec Baldwin and Scarlett Johansson , with a live-action appearance from David Hasselhoff . Feeling like an extra special episode of the series, The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie unites all the Bikini Bottom favorites for an epic adventure filled with hijinks, shenanigans, and Krusty Krab treats.

‘Robots’ (2005)

Rotten tomatoes: 64% | imdb: 6.4/10.

Robots is a silly computer-animated film directed by Chris Wedge that explores themes of growing up and finding yourself. Robots follows Rodney Copperbottom, voiced by Ewan McGregor , an ambitious inventor leaving his home in a small town for the big city in hopes of finding his idol, Bigweld ( Mel Brooks ). Upon arrival, he meets the mischievous Fender Pinwheeler ( Robin Williams ), who assists in stopping an evil plot from the menacing and arrogant Phineas T. Ratchet ( Greg Kinnear ). Robots delightfully showcases the comedic talents of its stars with an endearing journey of self-discovery wrapped in a bundle of laughs for viewers of all ages.

'Spirited Away' (2001)

Rotten tomatoes: 96% | imdb: 8.6/10, spirited away (2001).

Without any hyperbole, Spirited Away is one of the most beautiful films ever made, and perhaps the crowning achievement of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki ’s career. The story of young Chihiro Ogino as she travels to a mystical land that her parents can’t see still continues to be a delight for viewers both old and young, and for those looking to dive in Miyazaki’s filmography for the first time, there’s no better place to start. Nothing computer-generated can top the beauty of the Studio Ghibli hand drawn animation. HBO Max thankfully has a great Studio Ghibli collection, and after watching Spirited Away , you’ll surely be hooked. — Liam Gaughan Watch on Max

'Because of Winn-Dixie' (2005)

Rotten tomatoes: 55% | imdb: 6.4/10, because of winn-dixie.

Based on the novel of the same name by Kate DiCamillo , Because of Winn-Dixie is the story of a friendship between a lonely young girl and a mischievous dog who changes her life. India Opal Buloni ( AnnaSophia Robb ) and her father ( Jeff Daniels ) move to a new town filled with unfriendly locals, and she wishes that she could find just one friend. Her wish is granted in the most unexpected way as she saves a stray dog from the pound and adopts it into her family — much to her father’s chagrin. This southern small-town tale is a pleasant stroll through the ways that connection and compassion can soften those around us. Watch on Max

'Tooth Fairy' (2010)

Rotten tomatoes: 17% | imdb: 5.0/10, tooth fairy.

Tooth Fairy is an early installment in the acting career of Dwayne Johnson ( The Game Plan ) and lives in a uniquely late-90s-to-early-2000s space that occupies two separate tropes: a mean and skeptical man reluctantly becomes a mythical figure and learns a lesson like in The Santa Clause and big tough guy learns to empathize with children like in The Pacifier . The story follows Johnson as a hot-shot hockey player that’s forced to become a tooth fairy in order to rid him of his curmudgeonly dream-crushing ways and show him the importance of wonder. It’s a pretty whimsical affair that’s fun for kids of all ages. – Tauri Miller Watch on Max

'Daddy Day Care' (2003)

Rotten tomatoes: 27% | imdb: 5.6/10, daddy day care.

Eddie Murphy ( Shrek ) and Jeff Garlin ( WALL·E ) star in this wild and wacky family comedy about two dads who start a makeshift daycare after losing their jobs. Daddy Day Care is a cute film that, although it plays into the trope idea of men being incompetent caregivers, is a wonderful journey for the two main characters as they find comfort with being the homemakers and child care providers instead of the breadwinners — a message that is rarely seen in modern media. Plus, Murphy delivers a charming performance as always, making the film a must-see for any fans of his work in the family-friendly space. – Tauri Miller Watch on Max

'The Wizard of Oz' (1939)

Rotten tomatoes: 98% | imdb: 8.1/10, the wizard of oz.

One of the most iconic and inventive films of all time, The Wizard of Oz is more than just a work that holds up all these decades later as it continues to be just as glorious as it was when it first came out. It centers on young Dorothy ( Judy Garland ) who is swept away to the magical world of Oz after a tornado descends on her home in Kansas. Seeking to return home, she will have to undertake a journey where she will meet a whole host of friends while trying to avoid the clutches of a terrifying witch. Full of vibrant colors and wondrous songs, it is a classic for a reason, as it managed to push the medium of cinema forward even with its notoriously troubled production. There is nothing quite like it, making it always worth going over the rainbow to see it once more. - Chase Hutchinson Watch on Max

'Kiki’s Delivery Service' (1989)

Rotten tomatoes: 98% | imdb: 7.8/10, kiki's delivery service (1989).

Compared to some of the more emotionally grueling films in the Studio Ghibli filmography, Kiki’s Delivery Service is a heartwarming love story of magical outsiders. Hayao Miyazaki drew inspiration from the classic children’s story of the same name by author Eiko Kadono . The titular protagonist is a young witch who uses her newfound mystical abilities to land a job delivering toys, and as always Miyazaki subtly incorporates a meta-commentary about the state of capitalism. The natural beauty of the Japanese landscapes come to life in vivid detail during the flying sequences, which are among the most beautiful hand drawn visuals of the entire Studio Ghibli outlet. — Liam Gaughan Watch on Max

'Ponyo' (2008)

Rotten tomatoes: 91% | imdb: 7.6/10.

If you’ve never seen a Hayao Miyazaki movie, Ponyo is the perfect starter – it features all of the legendary animator’s hallmarks (magical realism, environmental themes, a strong female hero, luscious animation) while also being more palpable and easily digestible as some of his other, knottier work. Essentially his incredibly weird version of The Little Mermaid , Ponyo is a kind of mermaid-esque sea creature who loves ham and dreams of living as a human on the surface world. She befriends a young boy on land and helps a small coastal village after a tsunami (see! Environmentalism!) One of the master filmmaker’s most underrated fantasies, Ponyo is deeply felt and effervescently told – the kind of movie that is too strange and dangerous to be produced by Disney, but feels like one of their animated classics just the same. – Drew Taylor Watch on Max

'Harry Potter Series' (2001-2011)

Rotten tomatoes: 81% | imdb: 7.6/10, harry potter and the sorcerer's stone.

Based on the highly successful book series, the Harry Potter series of films is one of the most successful franchises to ever grace the screen and for good reason: these stories are highly original and have some of the strongest world-building of any franchise. The film follows orphan Harry Potter ( Daniel Radcliffe ) who is whisked away from his cruel relatives to learn how to become a wizard at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There he meets new friends such as Ron and Hermione ( Rupert Grint , Emma Watson ) and learns his connection to the evilest wizard of them all: Lord Voldemort ( Ralph Fiennes ). Some films in the franchise are better than others and the prequel series, Fantastic Beasts (which are currently unavailable on HBO Max) leave a lot to be desired, but the original eight films are go-to family entertainment, especially at the end of the year. Watch on Max

'The Lego Batman Movie' (2017)

Rotten tomatoes: 90% | imdb: 7.3/10, the lego batman movie.

Nobody expected The Lego Movie to be any good when it was first announced but when it finally hit theaters in 2014, audiences everywhere were gobsmacked by the film’s brilliance and snarky sense of humor. So much so that the film was a huge box office and critical success. Warner Bros quickly put a sequel and several spin-offs in the development, and while The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part and The Lego Ninjago Movie may not have lived up to the high standards of the first film, The Lego Batman Movie is an absolute riot.

Set in a completely Legofied version of Gotham City the film follows Batman ( Will Arnett ) as he is forced to suddenly take responsibility for himself and learn to work with others after he accidentally adopted Robin ( Michael Cera ), all while the Joker ( Zach Galifianakis ) stages a threatening villain uprising. The Lego Batman Movie will absolutely delight Batman fans of all ages, from its countless in-jokes and snark, to its beating heart. It is also most certainly a romantic comedy between Batman and the Joker. Watch on Max

'My Neighbor Totoro' (1988)

Rotten tomatoes: 93% | imdb: 8.1/10, my neighbor totoro.

Hayao Miyazaki is not only one of the most legendary and revered filmmakers in the world of animation, he’s one of the most gifted cinematic storytellers ever. HBO Max offers every single Studio Ghibli film, but the perfect starting point for any young viewer is My Neighbor Totoro . The film follows two sisters who move to the countryside to be with their ill mother and soon have adventures with various cutesy forest spirits including the adorable Totoro. The film gives young audiences a sense of the creative mind of Miyazaki and his wonderful imagination, but it’ll also win over the hearts of older viewers as well. Watch on Max

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