Review by nbutcher-69458

I would put this "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory" up there closely behind "The Wizard of Oz". There's a great story, a fantastic musical score, and a magical performance from Gene Wilder who really makes you believe in Willy Wonka, but not entirely trust the character - and as Wilder later revealed in an interview - that was entirely deliberate.

I would argue that the film actually improves on it's book source material by making a few changes to the story that actually enhance it's message and appeal. The film works thematically on many levels. As others have mentioned, there is something very primal or even spiritual about the story - even though the moral posturing within the story is very obvious.

I think it is because Wonka is like a deity inviting everyone to heaven. Although many are desperate to receive his invitation (and the film makes Wonka-mania very believable too) not everyone is chosen. Even then for those who are chosen, it's not too hard to get kicked out of Eden either for not following the rules - especially with all the forbidden fruit - or chocolate - in this case.