Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

All Critics (41) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (37) | Rotten (4) | DVD (30)

Great fun, with Wilder for once giving an impeccably controlled performance as the factory's bizarre owner.

January 26, 2006 Full Review

Time Out

Top Critic

It's Gene Wilder, at the top of his form, who makes this uneasy amalgam work, but [Mel] Stuart must surely deserve some of the credit...

May 4, 2012 Full Review

Sean Axmaker

GreenCine

A polarizing, but classic piece of children's entertainment filled with whimsy, horror, comedy and imagination.

January 29, 2012 Full Review

R. L. Shaffer

IGN DVD

When the movie does actually reach the factory, and Gene Wilder takes the stage, the movie is saved.

October 21, 2011 Full Review

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

... that rare breed: an imaginative live-action kid's film that engages and delights adults.

October 19, 2011 Full Review

Sean Axmaker

MSN.com

Starring Gene Wilder, this offbeat comedy-fantasy for children has achieved a status in pop culture

July 25, 2011 Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

This is Gene Wilder's legacy. He was perfect for the role, and it was his mixture of childlike wonder and bitter, deserved vengeance that made the character so compelling.

June 26, 2011 Full Review

Kevin Carr

7M Pictures

Pure, sweet imagination for both kids and adults.

January 1, 2011 Full Review

Ed Grant

Common Sense Media

The Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Blu-ray is a charming presentation of an overrated childhood benchmark.

December 22, 2009 Full Review

Chuck Bowen

Slant Magazine

The passages in the mysterious factory, which should be Charlie's and our release from the oppression of the earlier scenes, are just as ugly as everything that's come before, so there's no contrast.

December 22, 2009 Full Review | Comments (8)

Chuck Bowen

Slant Magazine

Who can deny that the film's overall intention is positive, playful fun. The film is a joy. (40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition, Blu-ray)

October 5, 2009 Full Review

John J. Puccio

Movie Metropolis

It's all wonderfully colorful and imaginative, and filled with a multitude of references and jokes that will be understood only by adults.

July 22, 2008 Full Review

Steve Biodrowski

ESplatter

...filled with good humor, good acting, and good songs...and it's just off kilter enough to keep everyone's attention.

October 14, 2006 Full Review | Comments (9)

John J. Puccio

Movie Metropolis

Ainda que um ou outro número musical comprometa o ritmo, o clima de fantasia e a atuação calorosa de Wilder conquistam o espectador.

July 20, 2005

Pablo Villaca

Cinema em Cena

Aspires to the whimsy and fantasy of The Wizard of Oz but doesn't really capture the magic… more a fond tribute to 'pure imagination' than a triumph of it.

July 16, 2005 Full Review | Comments (20)

Steven D. Greydanus

Decent Films Guide

• 1. Charlie: Mr. Wonka, they won't really be burned in the furnace, will they?
  2. Willy Wonka: Hm, well, I think that furnace is only lit every other day, so they have a good sporting chance, haven't they?
  – Submitted by Brett G (40 days ago)
• 1. Mrs. Gloop: Don't just stand there, do something!
  2. Willy Wonka: Help. Police. Murder.
  – Submitted by Brett G (40 days ago)
• 1. Willy Wonka: Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker.
  – Submitted by Michael B (5 months ago)
• 1. Willy Wonka: Strike that! Reverse it!
  – Submitted by Frances H (7 months ago)
• 1. Mr. Salt: [about the chocolate river] It's polluted!
  2. Willy Wonka: It's chocolate!
  – Submitted by Alan Torres Dwyer B (8 months ago)
• 1. Willy Wonka: We are the music makers and we are the dreams of the dreams.
  – Submitted by Dan S (8 months ago)

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