I don’t really have a Christmas break, but years and years of studenthood have created within me this expection for some sort of Christmas vacation. So what do I want to do this Christmas during my non-existent break? Watch movies! We don’t get out to the theaters very often these days but I’m just dying to go several times over Christmas, uh, break. There’s something magical about the big screen and popcorn and a room full of strangers all laughing or crying about the same moment. I love it.
I’ve been creating a short list of movies I’d like to see soon… which involves surfing around my old haunts like Movies.com and The Movie Box.net… which then reminded me to watch the teaser for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Has anyone else seen this? Huh. I do not in anyway consider myself a fan of Tim Burton films (that would be my husband), so it shouldn’t surprise me that I find the teaser a bit frightening. And Johnny Depp! So girly looking. I will try to withhold judgement until I see more, but this quick peek made me long for the Willy Wonka of old.
16 Comments
Anne Dec 14, 2004 11:48 AM
Hmm. I just watched the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory trailer, and I am intrigued. I am a fan of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, but I wonder if this is maybe a bad idea. How can you top Gene Wilder? And the song on the trailer (after hearing it once) is much more annoying than the Oompa Loompa song in the old one. But… I want to trust Timmy and Johnny. Bad idea? I’m not sure what to think.
I do know that Johnny Depp’s hair in this movie was a bad idea. Girly-looking is correct.
bethany Dec 14, 2004 12:36 PM
I think the trailer rules. I know the comparisons to the first movie with Gene Wilder are inevitable, and even natural, but I can’t help feeling they’re a bit moot as the Burton film is not a remake of the Wilder one, but an adaptation of the book by Roald Dahl (as the Wilder one was as well). And as such, I think the Burton one looks like it captures the tone of Dahl’s book much better than the Wilder one. That shot where they’re all standing in a row in the white room with the goggles on is just so Dahl-ian….I love it.
Plus I thought Freddie Highmore was brilliant in Finding Neverland, so I can’t wait to see him as Charlie.
Renae Dec 14, 2004 1:07 PM
I’m with Bethany. I hadn’t seen a trailer yet, but this looks thoroughly delightful. And I’m holding off judgment on Johnny Depp’s hair for now–girly, perhaps, but inevitably the hotness still comes through. :)
Jeremy Dec 14, 2004 2:04 PM
Burton (swoon). Depp (double swoon). I didn’t particularly enjoy the Wilder version, but this one has promise—I’m drooling with anticipation.
RT Dec 14, 2004 3:28 PM
Geesh. Got any love left for me? ; )
Jeremy Dec 14, 2004 4:43 PM
Rebecca (sextuple swoon)—Damn, I love that “movie!”
RT Dec 14, 2004 6:22 PM
I think it deserves an Oscar. But that’s just me.
RT Dec 14, 2004 9:22 PM
Tim Burton is SO overrated. (Wink, wink, B! Sorry, just couldn’t resist this opportunity.)
bethany Dec 14, 2004 11:04 PM
*shakes fist*
;)
bethany Dec 14, 2004 11:05 PM
By the way, what movies are on your short list? Other, of course, than THE LIFE AQUATIC which should be on everyone everywhere’s short list. ;)
Anne Dec 14, 2004 11:34 PM
Bethany, thanks for keeping us (me) in line. I almost made a comment about how I probably have no right to judge either of these because I haven’t actually READ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but I thought people wouldn’t listen to what I had to say if I came right out with that information… :o)
And I am actually optimistic about this movie. Reading through my previous comment, I guess it doesn’t really come off that way, but I like Burton and Depp. I’m sure it will be worth seeing.
I do stand by my statement, though, that the song playing during the trailer is really annoying.
Jason Dec 15, 2004 9:31 AM
“The Life Aquatic”… mmm… I know what *I’m* doing Christmas day.
The Ross is getting a spate of really interesting movies in the next 2 months or so… “The Machinist”, “Undertow” (new one from the guy who did “George Washington”), “House Of Flying Daggers” (new one from the director of “Hero”), “Tarnation”, and “A Very Long Engagement” (new one from the “Amelie” folks).
Let’s not forget “Batman Begins” and “Constantine” for us comic book folks.
And “Shaun Of The Dead” comes out on DVD next week!!! *squeals like a little schoolgirl who just saw Justin Timberlake walk by*
RT Dec 15, 2004 6:26 PM
I’d like to see “Finding Neverland”, “Oceans 12” (Andrew says it’s a $2 theater pick), “The Life Aquatic”, “Phantom of the Opera”, “The Incredibles” and who knows what else.
I find myself getting more and more tightwadish and don’t like to spend $16 to go to the movies with my husband… So renting is a much more commonplace activity in the Tredway household. I’d really like to see “The Incredibles” on the big screen — it looks like a lot of fun and has received great reviews. Even if it stinks, I’ll probably see “Phantom” at the theater as well.
Jason Dec 16, 2004 11:35 AM
Don’t worry… you *will* get your money’s worth with “The Incredibles”.
dena Dec 20, 2004 10:21 AM
um, and what about NAPOLEAN DYNAMITE coming out on DVD Tuesday as well???
If people are going to movies in the next few weeks, please don’t forget to call me :) I would love to see my friends and see some films.
RT Dec 30, 2004 9:23 AM
Alright. The movie list has been revised yet again… No “Life Aquatic” (I didn’t like “The Royal Tennebaums,” though apparently I should try it out a second time). I’ll probably rent “Finding Neverland” — and watch it with an enormous box of kleenex nearby. Still want to see “The Incredibles” on the big screen.
A surprise entry to the list… “Spanglish.” Jeremy and I saw it last night and really liked it a lot. Thanks again to Andrew and Liz for watching the Pookie. Y’all rock.