What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that overall this is an excellent, imaginative family film. While it doesn't have any content that would be considered inappropriate for kids, author Roald Dahl's signature dark humor is evident. There are a few scary/tense scenes that may disturb younger or more sensitive children. Slugworth is a creepy character (who turns out OK in the end). When Wonka takes the kids on a wild boat ride through a tunnel, some icky images appear and the kids on the boat are terrified. All of the ticket-winning kids end up in some kind of peril (some wind up in more dangerous situations than others), but they all turn out safe and sound in the end.
- Families can talk about the different kids' choices as they go along on the tour. What would you do if you were one of the kids? When has being honest been rewarded for you?
- Compare this version to the more recent Johnny Depp version. Which do you prefer, and why?