First, a bit of context:
Josh and I have decided that we haven't seen nearly enough movies. I wish I could consider myself as a sort of 'expert of film' - movies have been the one constant passion in my life ever since my earliest memory. But the truth is... I'm nowhere close to being a qualified expert. Especially when I still haven't seen classics like 'Bridge Over The River Kwai' or 'Philadelphia Story' or 'Joe Vs. The Volcano' (Okay, so that last one doesn't quite fit. But only because I HAVE indeed seen it. Yes, it should be considered a classic.)
Where was I?...... Right. Josh and I are devoting more time to watching movies, and the creation of this blog is an attempt to keep us focused on our quest.
Here's how it works:
One of us will watch a movie per the choosing of the other. The primary goal is to explore films that we haven't yet opened ourselves up to... but we're not entirely limited to that. Essentially the only rule is that we choose a film for the other to write about. So hypothetically if Josh gets in my doghouse for whatever reason, he may have an obligatory screening of 'Battlefield Earth' ahead of him.
Once we view the movie, we blog our musings over what we just experienced, then volley a subsequent assignment to the other partner.
So we're all clear? Good. Time for some cinema!
I can't fully articulate why I have purposefully avoided 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory'. It could have something to do with growing up as a "Disney Kid". Children's programming that didn't include the Disney seal usually didn't get a fair shake for my prepubescent affection. And not to mention... Ooompaloompas? WTF?
None of these reservations infected a young Joshua Lewis Cox, however. He has often mentioned that 'Willy Wonka' is his favorite childhood movie... Although it might be tied with 'The Princess Bride'... Not sure, you'll have to ask him. Either way, he loves this goofy flick.
So when we sprang the idea for this blog, Josh was handing off his 'Wonka' DVD before I could even ask, "Who should go first?"
So what did I think?
It was a rocky start. The dialogue was broad and theatrical, the kids were intrinsically annoying, and the whole set-up seemed to drag. The film felt dated. But then something happened... Enter the brilliance of Gene Wilder.
I started to perk up by the dry wit and deadpan, black humor of Willy. I love Wilder's work in my favorite Mel Brooks film 'Young Frankenstein', but I was surprised by an understated contrast in his performance as Willy Wonka. He teeters a brilliant line between sarcastic prankster and disturbed sociopath. He is creepy yet charming at once.
And then he starts killing people. Count me hooked.
Wonka's persona actually reminded me of one of MY childhood favorite characters, Beetlejuice, which makes me extremely curious now to see Burton's approach to Roald Dahl's twisted humor. If I remember correctly, Josh detests Burton's 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.' Hmm... Now my curiosity is building.
Glad I finally gave 'Wonka' the chance that it deserved. I doubt I'll watch it again (unless mind-altering substances are somehow involved), but at least now I can proudly recommend it to anyone else who may have been a "Disney snob" and missed out on a great childhood experience.
Thumbs up.
Okay, so I did my part. Now it's Josh's turn.
Before I left his apartment in St. Charles, IL this Sunday, Josh also hooked me up with some entertainment for the road, the audiobook of Steve Martin's partial autobiography 'Born Standing Up'. It was a genius listen, and in it, Martin mentions that many of the stories and anecdotes told in the book are chronicled in the 1991 film in which he stars, 'L.A. Story'.
Josh, you served - now I have volleyed. Watch 'L.A. Story' and let us know what you think. The DVD is in your court.
-Heath
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