Thursday, December 06, 2007

Mr. Pink's Twelve Posts of Christmas: One


I’m aiming to write a short blog every day over the Christmas season. To get the ball rolling, the 5 best Christmas films ever. Part one.


5. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: Ok, so it doesn't have a Christmas theme, but for adults of a certain age, this 1971 adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic story is as much a part of Christmas as turkey, mistletoe and Santa thanks to RTE's annual screenings for most of the 80s and 90s.


The film tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a little boy with no money but a good heart who dreams of being like other kids and having enough money to buy chocolate and sweets. Charlie enters into a magical world when he wins one of five golden tickets to visit the mysterious chocolate factory run by recluse Willy Wonka and his helpers the Oompa-Loompas.


Infinitely better than the 2005 remake, star Gene Wilder gives an edgier and at times almost sinister performance. Pure imagination.


11 comments:

  1. You're right, the original is so much better!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the original too, when they are in the factory the butter cups the lollypop trees.....as a sweet crazed child (and adult) I had dreams like that.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I always get flithy looks/general abuse when I say this.......but I never liked Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I think it stems from the fact that growing up my brother and I were more inclined to watch the action/slapstick movies like Naked gun/lethal weapon than happy kids ones.

    I also blame my schooling, my 4th class primary teacher showed us Aliens in school as a treat one afternoon and I'll never forget it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wizard of Oz an dBedknobs and Broomsticks meed to eb p there too.
    There's loads more, but I miss them EVERY year because I'm alway in the boody kitchen!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. And don't forget the boat ride ML. Very "Tales of the Unexpected". Sorry Jo, "Willy Wonka" is the only non Christmas themed film in my little countdown. Both "Wizard of Oz" and "Mary Poppins" could be included for for the same reason this is but there's something a little bit more Christmasy (maybe it's the Selection Box chocolate connection) that gives "Wonka" the upper hand.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Star Wars, and marathon Lord of the Rings sessions are mine...on a projector with loads of turkey sandwiches!

    ReplyDelete
  7. oh Jesus, that scary boat ride! I have to say even a ride on the 46A would be scary if you were with Gene Wilder....freaky man!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jesus Voodoolady! Cool school.

    The Tim Burton version is great, really among the best things he's done but this one will always have a special place in my heart. I bought the soundtrack from the US a few years ago cause I love Anthony Newley and Lesley Bricusse songs.

    ReplyDelete
  9. The new Willy Wonka didn't need to be made.

    Top chrimbo film is THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

    How could ye forget it.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sorry Milan, but "the Sound of Music" falls into the same category as "Wizard of Oz". It's just not Christmas-y enough. Now if I were compiling my list of the best ever camp classics... (Hmm, that's actually not a bad idea. Maybe in the New Year).

    How about sharing your personal best Christmas films ever when I've reached my number 1?

    ReplyDelete

Sitemeter