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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory / Roald Dahl - 3***
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I didn't read this as a child, either (but I did read it a few years back). I do believe I saw the movie with Gene Wilder, though, at some point when I was a kid. I've definitely seen parts of it, and I think I've seen the whole thing.
If you are going to watch a movie based on the book, watch the original starring Gene Wilder. The more recent film with Johnhy Depp was terrible and only bore the vaguest resemblence to the book. My son and I watched them together after reading the book, and he was very upset at the liberties the Depp film took. Me too, truth be told.
Although I was past the target audience age when this book first came out, I loved it when I was a teen and read it several times. I can't say that I still love it, and now it's probably more of a 3 star book (I reread it when my kids were younger). I've also seen both movies of it; the first when I was relatively young and the latest a few years ago with my kids. They are both odd.
Audiobook read by Eric Idle
3***
Who doesn’t already know the story of the Golden Tickets hidden in select candy bars, and the tour of the Wonka Chocolate Factory? Me, that’s who. Or at least not before I read this book. Yes, my secret is out; I’ve been living under a rock for the last 50 years.
I never read Dahl as a child, and never saw the movie - or should I say movieS, plural, since I’ve now become aware there was more than one film adaptation. Anyway, I can now safely come out from under my rock and join the world.
I like how Dahl gives us a glimpse of bad behavior and consequences, balanced by the quiet, unassuming Charlie and his devoted family. I loved the Oompa-Loopmas and their clever songs. I liked that good behavior was rewarded – big time! – in the end.
I did think the adults and children who behaved badly were pretty over-the-top, and I never connected to Willy Wonka nor understood the reasons behind his ultimate decision. But, this is a children’s book and I can see the great appeal that this kind of “fairy tale” holds for children.
Eric Idle does a marvelous job of narrating the audio book. All his skill as a voice artist is put to good use creating unique characters. I’d give him 4 stars for his narration. Of course, if you listen you’ll miss the delightful illustrations; I’m glad I had a text copy handy to enjoy those.