Johnny Depp in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"
courtesy of Warner Home Video
"Johnny Depp Goes Overboard"

When my son Sean was a small child his favorite movie was "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." He loved that movie and he still talks about it till this day. I always thought the Gene Wilder movie was a little silly - okay sweet, but silly. 

When I learned Tim Burton and Johnny Depp were going to join forces on a remake of this movie I thought uh-oh, that will be a strange mix. And it was. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is out now on DVD and all of those who missed the movie can now feed their sweet tooth at home.

Burton's version of the Roald Dahl book is a skewed one, as we all knew it would be. Johnny Depp's portrayal of Willy Wonka comes across as a lecherous man who is too keen on the children. Honestly folks, it creeped me out. His Michael Jacksonesque performance ruined the entire movie for me.

Still I know people who liked this version better than the Gene Wilder one, and thought the performance by Freddie Highmore as "Charlie" was perfect. So to each his own.

Audiences have also been divided over "Christmas With the Kranks." This movie came out almost a year ago and is just now making it to DVD. Based on John Grisham's novella SAVING CHRISTMAS, the film stars Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis as the Kranks, a couple who decide to take a vacation cruise at Christmastime rather than do at home festivities.

When their friends and neighbors hear of their abandonment of Christmas they rise up in revolt. The Kranks are shamed and shunned. And most of these actions were very funny to me. 

I liked this movie and I plan to watch it again before Christmas. It may be silly in spots, but a little silliness is fun every now and then. I may even pull out my copy of "Elf" and make it a double feature.

Another film I highly recommend is "Millions." This is a movie directed by Danny Boyle of "Trainspotting" fame. The two movies are nothing alike for "Trainspotting" was a very adult movie and this one is aimed at a family audience.

The story is focused on two little boys, ages 9 and 7. They stumble across a suitcase full of money and have to learn lessons about what it means. Is it easy wealth and a road to happiness or does happiness lie elsewhere and through other means?

Alex Etel and Lewis McGibbon are great in their roles of the two boys. They act naturally, without fake pretense. The film is focused almost entirely on them so if they weren't good the movie would be a waste of time. 

"Heights" is one of my favorite kinds of movies. It tells the story of five characters during one 24-hour period. The locale is New York City and the setting is the fall. The movie shows how these five lives touch, intertwine, and influence each other. 

To make something like this work you have to have strong actors and Glen Close anchors this group. She gets strong support from James Marsden, Elizabeth Banks and George Segal.

"Nashville" was the first movie I recall having a plot of this type, and several more have followed it. "Heights" carries on the tradition.

This year "Alias" has not been at its best. Blame Jennifer Garner's pregnancy or whatever, the magic has been diminished. But if you want to see what made the series a fan favorite, pick up the DVD of "Alias Season Four."

You get all twenty-two episodes plus tons of extras. I always like the "blooper reel" and there is one of those included here, plus solid commentaries that enhance the enjoyment of the episodes.

So don't forget how great "Alias" has been. Take a walk down memory lane with Season 4, and enjoy it all over again.

For parents there is a new "Baby Einstein" DVD. This one is titled "On the Go: Riding, Sailing, Soaring." This film is recommended for nine months and older as it educates and entertains by using movement.

There is classical music in the background and puppet shows on the screen. They combine to grab attention and hold it. And for a song to cap the experience, how about "The Wheels On the Bus Go Round and Round"?

Doctors, educators and all in between have praised the "Baby Einstein" series. Get this latest DVD today!

Also for kids is Playhouse Disney favorites "Jo Jo's Circus," "Higglytown Heroes" and "Shanna's Show." All three are aimed at smaller children and are intended to be a teaching tool of sorts. Whether it is the Higgglytown kids, JoJo the clown girl, or six-year-old Shanna the adventures in which they are involved will hold your kids rapt for hours on end.

 

 

 

 

 

©2005 Jackie K. Cooper

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