My Mom: "DON"T take your boys to see Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" !!

[leftchick]

(this was on the phone with my Mother who lives a few states away...)

I said why Mom? She said she just watched a review and it is "TERRIBLE. Nothing little children should be seeing.!

Why Mom, where did you hear this? Fox news? "Why yes they had on a reviewer Bill McCuddy, who said Depp is made up to be a Michael Jackson look alike. He lures children into his world. It is very dark and disturbing."

Mom? Why do you still watch that propaganda channel for the WH like it is really news? She said "Only liberals think that".

Guess what Mom? I am taking Marshall to see it this afternoon.

We actually got into more of a high pitched back and forth about this lying mis administration. It escalated until she hung up on me. She hasn't done that since the last selection.

I called her back and apologized and said I love you don't be mad. She apologized too.

Sheesh all of this over fucking faux news.

[MadisonProgressive]

1. I took my kids to it and they loved it! I didn't see anything nefarious.

[UTUSN]

19. Re-posting in the Correct Place, at the End n/t

[PunkPop]

2. You were, of course, right.

But since it's your Mom I guess it's good everybody made up.

[leftchick]

3. I told her I have seen every movie Tim Burton has made.

Hello! They all are dark but certainly nothing nefarious is going on. Willie Wonka Hates Kids for cripes sakes.

[Cha]

4. Poor thing, your

mom. "Only Liberals think that"? Of course, everyone who watches faux is brainwashed and therefore cannot think.

I read something with Johnny Depp being interviewed and he said he hadn't thought of michael jackson or whomever else they said he was made up to look like..I believe Johnny Depp.

[imenja]

5. I hear it's quite scary

Remember that it's a Tim Burton film, so I'm not sure it's actually meant to be a kids movie. So it depends on your kids and how they respond to scary movies. I know my nephew wouldn't like it. I plan on going myself though. I always loved the Dahl books.

[seabeyond]

15. this is the feel. i didnt know about burton

but the pieces i saw, it just didnt feel like a movie my kids would want. they dont want to go to far out there in odd. lol lol. the world is enough for them. movie they like to be in a safe space. as they age, they go a little further

[EOTE]

20. Good flick, but....

If your kids haven't seen the original, have them see that one first. I'm a big fan of both Burton and Depp, but I didn't like this version nearly as much as the '71 version. I've heard lots of talk about the Dahl family saying that this version is closer to the original than the '71 version, but the only ways I can think that would be is the title and perhaps the songs. Ironically enough, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory had much more to do with Charlie's discovery of himself (as was the case in the book), while Charlie and the Chocolate Factory had much more to do with Willy Wonka's development. That, and as much as I like Johnny Depp, his performance can't hold a candle to Gene Wilder's smart, funny, weird and witty performance as Willy Wonka.

[seabeyond]

25. thanks

my kids dont like cruelness. they just dont find it entertaining. the original, there were hints of it and kids picked up, but sudtle and not throughout. anything beyond that, i dont think the kids would appreciate

[maddezmom]

6. LOL

leftchick...you're so funny. Glad it worked out in the end.

[leftchick]

18. I am going home next week too!

I Have to look at that fucking bush & laura photo framed and sitting on a bookshelf in their living room all week. While watching, what else? FAUX NEWS!!

I am taking meds with me.

[Ishoutandscream2]

37. Oh my God!! Framed pictures of Laura and Dimson?

Even that is worse than my freeper in-laws. You poor thing.

[ElectroPrincess]

43. You're a better and braver woman than me ...

I went home for the last time four years ago. Although I'm in regular phone contact with my parents, I will not return save for death and or terminal illness within my immediate family.

Severe? Yes. Best for all concerned? Definitely yes.

Politics has fractured our family. I do not want to have my daughter socialize with people who think they're "morally above" everyone else because of voting Republican.

Most of all, I couldn't tolerate that damn FOX News channel blaring from the living room 24/7.

The horror ... the horror.

[leftchick]

44. I always change it to HGTV

but somehow it always ends up back on faux when I leave the room.
The photo is just unbearable. I have turned it around facing back wards a few times and threw a towel over it until my mom got pissed.

I have to visit because my Father is quite ill. When he is gone I am sure I won't be going home as much.

[Debi]

I thought he looked more like Judith Miller than Michael Jackson

There's a good message in the movie about family, love and making tough choices that would benefit others not just one selfish person (no wonder FAUX doesn't want people to see it - if kids watch this movie we won't have any more young republicans!)

[MercutioATC]

8. He looks like my stepmonster.

It's scary.

[leftchick]

30. LOL! judy miller!!

perfect!

[Lorien]

33. Actually, I DID think of MJ when I saw the previews

but I think that's due mostly to the makeup job on Depp; such cakeiness is rarely seen on men, lol!

[TeeYiYi]

48. I heard . . .

. . . that his character was a cross between Michael Jackson and Carol Burnett.

TYY

[getmeouttahere]

7. I love my Mother dearly, so I'm glad my Mom...

doesn't feel that way, because if she did she wouldn't hear from me until she got off the kool-aid. The fight over the direction of this country is THAT important to me.

[Avalux]

9. I've also seen the movie with my kids -

it was wonderful. I feel sorry for those who see such things in it. Does your mother know the movie is adapted from a book that was written in 1964 by Roald Dahl? Here's a quote from him (hee hee):

"Parents and schoolteachers are the enemy," Dahl once said. "The adult is the enemy of the child because of the awful process of civilizing this thing that when it is born is an animal with no manners, no moral sense at all."

[seabeyond]

16. so you liked the movie

and thought it was kid approriate. 7 year old?

[leftchick]

21. great quote!

I think I did insult my mother a little by saying "Where have all of you critical thinking skills gone? You believe the blather from some nut on faux rather than see it and make up your own mind?" She is aware of the book but I think she has been so dumbed down she can't remember it.

That is why I apologized, for the snarky remarks. It is so very frustrating.

[jojo54]

10. I don't give two hoots what Faux news says about it.

I've got 4 free tickets to a private showing that my township is providing, so I'm going. (they did this 'cause there was no 7/4 parade).

Besides, Faux news would have us taking our children to see Passion of the christ over and over, even tho the violence is so intense it's frightening. Hhhmmmmm, take you children to a movie that shows christ getting the shit beat out of him, then kill him, rather than to a movie that teaches kids to do as they're told and not be greedy.

Makes sense to me!!!!!

[HereSince1628]

11. I saw it yesterday, I never saw the original so it was all new

If I understood the story at a superficial level it is that ill mannered children get punished while good children are rewarded.

[jojo54]

14. Exactly

So how is this a bad thing, Faux News???

[kenny blankenship]

50. How's it bad for FOX? Because Charlie is poor

And the richer kids are undeserving spoiled greedy grabby and get eliminated. When Charlie is caught stealing he is genuinely sorry. In short he doesn't have a greedy, grabby, undeserving, Republican bone in his body. And that's why FOX would hate the whole story and want to piss on the remake.

[meegbear]

12. Some loser on a blog tries to make his name by trying ...

to connect MJ with Johnny Depp's and it's big news. The guy deserves an online bitchslap.

I'm sure the fcat that Johnny lives in *gasp* France has nothing to do with the faux smear.

[seabeyond]

13. i have kids, i love depp, i love original movie, i hate fox

i saw a clip. and that is the feel. i have wanted to take children, but i was waiting for information if it was kid appropriate. i got exactly the same feel that your mom talked about. it felt like the grinch with jim carey. i didnt like the feel of jim's role in that movie either.

just a parent talking to a parent

tell me what you think after you watch.

[leftchick]

24. I have seen all of Tim Burton's movies

they are always dark but with a certain innocence too. I have always loved everything both he and Depp have done so I am aware of what is ahead. My son is a mature 8 year old. He likes the dark stuff too!

[seabeyond]

26. mine dont. they wont even do potter, lol lol

they are just kinda able to do the star wars dark side, lo llol.

ah well. cool thanks. think we will do fantastic four

[eissa]

17. My son loved the book

I was intending to take the kids to the movie eventually, but once I heard that Faux was telling parents NOT to take them, I have no choice now but to buy some tickets.

[AX10]

22. That is a weird movie.

Didn't like the first one and I'm sure as Hell not going to see the next one.

[Desertrose]

31. The first one was weird...

basically a strange trip (cough)

This one is much closer to the book.....I thought it was really good...but I like Burton & Depp.

[UTUSN]

23. Nothing to Do with Faux/McCUDDY, Just Letting My Ignorance Speak

I haven't read the book, so I don't know what "charm" might be going on there. And I only got through about 3/4 of Gene WILDER's version and was just plain weirded out. Plus, after the 2000 Selection, when President GORE went on SNL and participated in a Wonka-based skit, my take was, "Oh, great, just one more FREAK image to attach to him." I like DEPP and BURTON more than halfway, but this particular vehicle I'll just skip.

[Crankie Avalon]

27. Well, remember FOX viewers can't watch...

...Sponge Bob Square Guy because it promotes secret gay messages. They can't watch the Tinky Winkie, for the same reason. What chance would a Tim Burton movie have?

Nothing is pure enough for their beautiful minds...except maybe NASCAR and Wrassling, YEEEEEHHHAAAAAAH!!!

[Desertrose]

28. good grief (sorry about your Mom episode, leftchick) but its a good movie!

It was really good- course I ove Tim Burton & Johhny Depp. Helluva combination those two...and the Danny Elfman music. Dayam...good stuff.


This was based closely on Dahl's book and was very well done. I loved the way Depp played Willy.

Personally I think there are much much worse movies out there parents take kids to without a second thought.

My sense is that if Faux and fundies say its bad...its probably got a pretty good message...go figure. Does anyone really count on faux For factual reporting aka the truth????????

PS Glad you & your Mom made up

[mrfrapp]

29. Michael Jackson?

Charlie's made up to be a Michael Jackson look-a-like? I assume she meant Willy Wonka but regardless, it's an insane accusation. Willy Wonka hates children and Michael Jackson, errr... doesn't.

[AAARRRGGGHHH]

32. I'm a huge Roald Dahl and Tim Burton fan, but ...

I really didn't like the movie. Although Burton hit most of the points of the book, I think his perspective was waaaaay off; he spent way too much time on little stuff and not nearly enough time on the big stuff. Also, there is a brand new subplot in this movie (having nothing to do with the book) that I thought was a complete bastardization and entirely unforgiveable.

BUTTTTT ... Now that I know that FOKS is against it, I'll be forced to see it 4 more times.

[lectrobyte]

34. If they watch Fox News, then wonder how they feel about the rest of

the Fox line up? Maybe I shouldn't admit it, but I love the Sunday night Fox shows: Simpsons, Malcom, Family Guy, American Dad, King of the Hill...

[Arugula Latte]

35. I'll be sure to take my kids now.

Thanks, Mom/Fox!

[leftchick]

36. Well we are off to the Movies!!

I will give my review when we get back. I will give it to my Mom as well.

[stevietheman]

38. I can't believe all the hits against....

one of the greatest films of all time, and I mean the original "Willy Wonka". "Weirded out" is how I feel about anybody who is weirded out by this charming, witty story--makes me wanna wipe snozzberries on their sleeve! LOL

[alkaline9]

39. haven't seen it but...

...from what I've seen in the previews, it doesn't look nearly as much fun as the original! I have always enjoyed the 1971 version. I think Depp is a great actor, often taking on extremely bizarre roles. And although I haven't seen too much of Burton's work, I appreciate the fact that he was willing to remake this story without a typical disney-like spin. I think I'll wait to see it on HBO and save the $$ that the theaters rip out of my pocket.

Sorry to hear about your mom having a slight case of rupuke-itis. I'm soooooo happy that my parents are die hard liberals, it makes going to see them that much easier. And at least my g/f's parents, although repukes, think BushCo is ruining this country.

I wonder how many liberals get all kinds of pressure from conservative parents? I'd assume more than it appears.

[BiggJawn]

40. The only disturbing thing I saw...(POSSIBLE SPOILER!)

...was when the doors to the factory opened and this little song and dance routine with the puppets started, then the puppets caught fire from some pyro effects, with the attendant melting and eyes dropping out and what have you.

THAT was pretty dark.

Didn't like the scene with Willy and his father, either, but that's MY shit and YMMV...

[leftchick]

46. just saw it

the puppet scene was indeed dark but I liked it. But then I have always appreciated Burton's dark side.

Which scene with his father? The last one where they hug? I thought it was good. Now the first one where he burned his candy was sad.


I love how he had all of the ortho shit wired to his mouth. It certainly explains Depp's PERFECT pearlies!

Over all I enjoyed it a lot. The ending was very sweet and the boy who played Charlie was just too cute!

[Divameow77]

41. Wasn't MJ found Not Guilty?

Anyway, I took my 8 year old son to see the movie and we both liked it, yes it's weird but what do you expect it is Tim Burton. Johnny Depp is a genius and I didn't think of MJ once during the movie.
I will admit that what I was thinking while watching Johnny Depp isn't really appropriate for children

[baby_mouse]

42. Well.

It's a bunch of little morality plays bashing television, greed, selfishness and chewing gum. Of course the RW hates it.

[meganmonkey]

45. Hell, I actually think I may go to the theater to see it!

And I do that once, maybe twice a year for things like LOTR, F9/11, when I really want to see it on big screen and/or show support with $$$.

So few flicks are worth it but this one just may be. Plus it's one of my favorite books of all time, and I love the original movie.

[DanCa]

47. If I had kids I would see the movie first then ....

I would decide to take them to the theater if it was parently acceptable. Thats the only way to do it without prejudging the thing.

[caffeinefwee]

49. bush eating belgium chocolate

[unfrigginreal]

51. You'll enjoy it but don't know about the kids

Read EOTE's response, #20, he/she sums up the movie perfectly. I saw it this weekend and enjoyed it.

[KitchenWitch]

52. Mr KW, little KW and I saw it last weekend

We were entertained. Nothing terribly sinister about the movie...in fact the movie's plot did actually explain why Willy Wonka exhibited some anti-social behaviors...All in all a good time.

[Clark2008]

53. LOL! My Mom took my son to see it just TODAY!

He was bored by it, really. Didn't mention it until I asked. He was kind of disturbed by the child eating his own chocolate fingers. I mean, he's sleeping fine, so it wasn't like he was scared of it - he just thought it was odd.

But, he's 6. I told him I'd rent him Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory for him so he could see what the big deal was about. I think that's more his speed. LOL!

I don't shelter my kid, mind you. He's worked in a presidential primary (coloring signs for Wesley Clark) and has been to NYC twice and London once. No wallflower is he. But, realistically, we live a Beaver Cleaver existance. I'm just a regular tennis shoe Mom with blue tastes.



We had more fun at the "Herbie" movie. Mom likes cars and can sit around and explain that to him, even if I do think NASCAR is a joke.