Wonka movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Wonka

This magical and charming prequel movie premieres in theaters in the USA on December 15, 2023.

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 56 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: B+

IN A NUTSHELL:

Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician, and chocolate maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know from the original movie today.

The film was directed by Paul King, who admitted he gained weight from eating all of the chocolate that was on set. Rumor has it that Timothee Chalamet got sick several times during filming due to all of the chocolate he had to eat in his scenes.

People want good and original movies. Movie remakes have been bombing at the box office in recent years, yet this is an original story as a prequel, not a remake. Will audiences feel like it’s a money grab on an IP or embrace it as something new and fresh? Wait, scratch that…reverse it.

THINGS I LIKED:

Academy Award nominee Timothee Chalamet is so charming and popular right now. Did you know he can speak French fluently? I’ve been trying to learn French on Duolingo this year, so I watched an interview Timothee did in France. Sadly, I couldn’t understand everything, but it was fun watching him! I’m on a 350 day streak on Duolingo! We even get to hear Timothee sing and see him dance. His singing isn’t great, but it’s not bad either. He didn’t even have to audition for this role because the director saw his 2013 YouTube video called Lil Timmy Tim: Statistics (Ms. Lawton). The Johnny Depp version of the Willy Wonka story was really crazy and showed us an unhinged, wacky Wonka. This one offers us a kind, sincere, and thoughtful Wonka. Gene Wilder’s whimsical Wonka was amazing in the original film.
The diverse cast is fantastic and includes Academy Award winner Olivia Colman (hilarious in her role) and Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins. We also are treated by Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson), Jim Carter, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Calah Lane, and more.
Hugh Grant has been crushing it in his movie roles lately. His portrayal of an Oompa Loompa was adorable and hilarious.
I’m so glad they kept the same musical theme “Pure Imagination” as in the original. We hear it at the beginning of the movie and at the end.
There is a lot of humor, both spoken and visual. For example, I thought it was cute when Wonka had an idea and the lightbulb above his head turned on. Not all of the jokes land, however.
The old-fashioned European locations and set designs are fantastic. Some of the filming was done in Oxford, England. I’m getting ready to film another movie review for a film called “Surprised by Oxford”, so stay tuned for that one!
I was completely amused by watching Keegan-Michael Key slowly gain weight during the course of the film. I love him in everything he does. If you want to hear him sing and watch his slick dance moves, definitely check out last year’s super fun holiday musical called Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. I’ll queue up that review after this one so you can watch it easily by clicking on the link in the box on the screen. https://moviereviewmom.com/jingle-jangle-movie-review-by-movie-review-mom/
I love that we get insights into the Oompa Loompas. Keep watching during the closing credits to see another cute, singing clip of the Oompa Loompa and another with the enormously talented Olivia Colman.
Just curious…what’s YOUR favorite chocolate? Mine: Lindt chocolate balls (red wrapper). Mmmm…

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The musical numbers aren’t very memorable. The only melody that stuck in my head was the original song from the 1971 movie. For a really fun Christmas movie with fantastic choreography and catchy songs, check out the movie Spirited on Apple TV+! You can see my review at https://moviereviewmom.com/spirited-movie-review/
The plot feels very chaotic with too many characters to keep track of. There is a lot going on here: musical, prison-break flick, chocolate, inventions, evil business cartel…
Some may complain that little people were not cast to play the Oompa Loompa character. Some of the special effects during those scenes weren’t very good, surprisingly.
The script doesn’t allow Timothee Chalamet to explore all of the quirky, whimsical characteristics of the Gene Wilder Willy Wonka we were all so fascinated by.
I definitely got “Les Miserables’ vibes during the “Master of the House” musical number when Olivia Colman’s character rules her boarding house.
I really wanted this movie to be amazing. It’s fine. That’s not exactly a raving endorsement.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Bullies
Some “light” profanity
A man poses in provocative ways to seduce a woman
Some “light” violence
Thievery
Kids won’t understand what a cartel is.
If your kids are intrigued by this movie, definitely check out the original Roald Dahl book that you could all read together: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

THEMES:

Imagination
Making your dreams come true
Believing in yourself
Competition in business
Family
Wonder
Chocolate!
Thinking outside the box
Greed and envy

FUNNY LINES:

“No penalty for daydreaming.” – sign
“I’ve started dancing now. Once we’ve started, we can’t stop.” – Oompa Loompa (Hugh Grant)
“I’m making chocolate, of course. How do you like it? Dark? White? Nutty? Absolutely insane?” – Willy Wonka (Timothee Chalamet)

INTERESTING LINES:

“For a moment, I kind of forgot to be sad.” – Noodle (Calah Lane)
“Every good thing in this world started with a dream, so hold on to yours.” – Willy’s mom “Mamma” (Sally Hawkins)