Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Remember when you were a kid and you thought that getting to tour the inside of the chocolate factory would be just about the coolest thing in the world? Remember how devastated you were to learn that in fact no such place existed, and that Willy Wonka didn't really have an army of Oompa Loompas working for him? Well, now you can relive the magic of Willy Wonka, his Oompa Loompas and the whole chocolate factory with Cineplex Odeon's Classic Film Series presenting Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Doesn't everyone know the story of Willy Wonka, his factory and the lucky little boy named Charlie? Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who lives with his parents and all four grandparents in one small house, dreams of nothing more than meeting the eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka and seeing the inside of his famed chocolate factory. When a gift from fate affords Charlie and his grandfather that very chance, the young boy learns that Willy Wonka may not be that man he has so long idolized. Alongside Violet Beauregarde, Veruca Salt, Augustus Gloop and Mike Teavee, Charlie discovers the magic of the chocolate factory, along with its Oompla-Loompa workers, but also the dangers that lurk in every room.

Gene Wilder is synonymous with his famous portrayal of the eccentric (to say the least) Willy Wonka, and truth be told, the film would lack much of its appeal were it not for his presence on the screen. Wilder is electric on screen, vivacious, energetic and charismatic among other things. Wilder proves that he can not only bring to life one of cinema's most unique characters, but he can do so in a way that lights up screen and story alike.

Alongside Wilder is young Peter Ostrum, a child star who has the chops to bring to life the meek, humble and unassuming Charlie Bucket. Ostrum gets to live out every child's fantasy in Willy Wonka and his joy in the role is palpable on screen. Playing Grandpa Joe to Ostrum's Charlie is Jack Albertson, who perfectly encapsulates the protective yet modest protector of young Charlie.

There is something truly magical about the concept of a child winning a golden ticket to tour the inside of a chocolate factory; perhaps this is what makes Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory a real cinema classic. Willy Wonka is one of those rare films that can be watched over and over and never lose its appeal.

What could be better than watching all the magic of the chocolate factory come to life on the big screen, the way it was meant to be seen? Even as an adult, this story proves to be spectacular, and I urge you to revisit the chocolate factory once more.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is playing on March 25 at 1 p.m. at the Cineplex Odeon at Westmount Mall (755 Wonderland Rd.).

Rating: 5 out of 5