Because of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," the 1971 Gene Wilder version. The best version.
This was my jam back in those days, that and "Annie". This movie was just so darn good! Now I can't remember if I used to watch it before or during the time when I got sick, which was in the age 3-4 bracket. But this movie, along with the town that I lived in at the time, are my favorite flashbacks. Gosh, I love my old town.
Usually, when you go through Cancer, you don't want to remember anything about that time....and I don't. Somehow I erased a lot of those bad memories (although a lot of them still stick) but managed to keep the golden ones that happened right before I got sick. So watching this is one of my favorite memories from those days.
The Johnny Depp remake does not stack up. The only thing right that they did about it was the tunnel scene. The original was creepy, the new one, not so much.. But the new one is just creepy all over. Besides, I like Gene Wilder a lot better then Johnny Depp.
Yes. 16 in 2015 and I am a Johnny Depp nay sayer. In the words of Shania Twain, "That Don't Impress Me Much." Gene Wilder, darn it.
Plus the original had different people playing those Oompa Loompas, whereas they only had one fella and CGI to do the job in the remake.
And how can one go wrong with "Cheer Up Charlie"?
I got to see it again today after not having watched it in a few years, I had completely forgotten how it made me feel, happy and nostalgic!
The closing line is the best ever:
“Mr. Wonka: "Don’t forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he wanted."
Charlie Bucket: "What happened?"
Mr. Wonka: "He lived happily ever after.”
Makes me teary.
I miss being four.
The version with Gene Wilder is my favorite too, although I watched the newer one a few months ago and liked it better than when I watched it the first time. But still, like you, I didn't like that one guy represented all the Oompa Loompas -- that didn't work for me either. Have you read the book? It's wonderful and funny!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that you were sick, but I thank God that you got through it. And you're well!
Thank you so much! I am doing better! ;) oddly enough, I liked the newer version when it came out, but not so much anymore. I think one of the most magical things about the original, was that they did not have or use CGI! Oh, yes, I did read the books, they were indeed funny! Did you know that Roald Dahl did not even like the movie? Wonder what he would have thought of the remake.
DeleteYes, my son told me that. The Dahl's estate had total artistic control over the new one, so perhaps it would of been more to his liking. :)
DeleteNow *I* want to re-watch "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." :-) The original, that is. I agree with you and Deborah that it's much better than the remake.
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of Gene Wilder... Have you seen "Blazing Saddles"? It's one of my husband's favorite movies, and another movie I'd like to see again.
Not yet! I should!
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