Wonka – A Feel-Good Musical That Explores The Origin Story Of The Eccentric Chocolatier And Magician
Based on the extraordinary, iconic character at the center of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, “Wonka” tells the wondrous story of how a young chocolate-maker, armed with nothing but a hatful of dreams, manages to change the world, one delectable bite at a time.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Daniel S. comments, “Wonka takes place prior to the Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, so we follow a young Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet), who travels to London to make his name known and share his chocolate with the world.” Kira O. adds, “Wonka is an amazing movie! This film, directed by Paul King, is a feel-good musical that took me on a very emotional ride. Viewers learn the origin story of the eccentric chocolatier and magician.” Kennedy P. adds, “As a fan of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, I loved Wonka. I love all the songs and dance numbers. It is a scrumdiddlyumptions musical. I was laughing out loud in the theater and the entire cast had me in awe.” David E. wraps it up with, “In the enchanting realm of Wonka, where dreams ignite, a musically funny delight, gleaming with light. Timothée Chalamet, as Wonka, takes the lead, in a tale of chocolate, a candy-coated deed.” See their full reviews below.
Wonka
By Daniel S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 15
Wonka is a magical, vibrant and fresh retelling of the classic story that the world needs right now. With a spectacular cast, eye-catching visuals, and an absorbing story, Wonka is the perfect holiday treat.
Wonka takes place prior to the Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, so we follow a young Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet), who travels to London to make his name known and share his chocolate with the world. Opposed by Mrs. Scrubbit (Olivia Colman) and Bleacher (Tom Davis), Willy is prevented from selling his candy, but with the help of his companion Noodle (Calah Lane), he just may have a chance.
Wonka’s cast is nothing short of incredible. Every single performance adds to the overall feeling of the world with some wacky and eccentric characters. For me, Timothée Chalamet delivers the most surprising and fun performance. He really embodies Willy Wonka’s older self, but adds younger nuances, with his innocence, enthusiasm and wit. Hugh Grant, who has a much smaller, but unforgettable role as an Oompa-Loompa, delivers by far the funniest lines in the film. He is pretty much playing Hugh Grant, but in the best way possible, and he adds so much flair to the movie which makes it so much more enjoyable.
Wonka’s visuals are one of the best parts of the film, and are very unique and dream-like. A distinct visual style is seen in the sky, the outfits, and setting. Director Paul King and Production Designer Nathan Crowley create a very fantastical and whimsical 1930s London. Wonka is incredibly atmospheric in its set design and feels pulled right out of the pages of a storybook. Wonka feels necessary and worthwhile because it truly embraces the elements that viewers were drawn to in the first place – a magical escape into a world of vibrant imagination. On the other hand, Wonka is surprising because while it precedes a well-known story, it introduces elements that surpass the classic. The story feels original and refreshing.
Wonka beautifully captures the importance of aspirations and dreams. Willy begins the movie without anything, but is pushed by his undying imagination. Wonka encourages viewers to embrace creativity and passion, forgetting all limitations and striving for a bright future.
I give Wonka 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Catch Wonka December 15, 2023 in theaters.
Wonka
By Kira O, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Wonka is an amazing movie! This film, directed by Paul King, is a feel-good musical that took me on a very emotional ride. Viewers learn the origin story of the eccentric chocolatier and magician.
Willy (Timothée Chalamet) dreams of opening a chocolate shop in the Gallery Gourmet but quickly runs out of money. He meets Bleacher (Tom Davis), who introduces Willy to Mrs. Scrubbitt (Olivia Colman), who tricks him into a contract and forces him to work in her laundry room to pay off his debt. There he meets other indentured workers – Abacus Crunch (Jim Carter), Piper Benz (Natasha Rothwell), Lottie Bell (Rakhee Thakrar) and Larry Chucklesworth (Rich Fulcher). Noodle (Calah Lane) becomes Willy’s closest ally and joins him to defeat the corrupt Chocolate Cartel and reach his goal of opening a chocolate shop.
I never expected to feel so many emotions in a Willy Wonka movie. There is the familiar magicalness of Willy who whips up the most amazing chocolate and candy confections, like Hoverchocs that can make you fly. Yet the performances, musical score and art direction really pulled me into the story. The song, “Pure Imagination,” appears in different versions throughout the film and adds to the emotional experience. I really like the character development and the sibling-like friendship between Willy and Noodle. When Willy agrees to secretly leave town to free his friends, Timothée Chalamet’s singing of “Sorry Noodle” had me crying my eyes out. The evilness of the Chocolate Cartel led by Mr. Slugworth (Paterson Joseph) had me so angry as they repeatedly try to defeat Willy and they eventually trap Willy and Noodle. My favorite part is when the Oompa Loompa Lofty (Hugh Grant) saves Willy and Noodle from being drowned in chocolate.
The message of Wonka is to let your imagination run wild and keep striving for your dreams even when the odds are stacked against you. In the end, the struggle will be worth it, especially if you have friends to share your success with.
I give Wonka 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The film will be released in theaters on December 15, 2023.
Wonka
By Kennedy Patricio, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9
Let’s step into a world of pure imagination! The new Wonka film is nothing short of magical! The entire cast shines and my whole family loved this movie. This movie is extra colorful, extra magical, extra sweet and deliciously decadent.
Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s iconic children’s book, Wonka tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. It is a prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, this irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle introduces audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world — one delectable bite at a time, proving that the best things in life begin with a dream, and, if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.
As a fan of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, I loved Wonka. I love all the songs and dance numbers. It is a scrumdiddlyumptions musical. I was laughing out loud in the theater and the entire cast had me in awe. The movie has an intoxicating mix of magic and music, mayhem and emotion, all told with fabulous heart and humor.
Timothee Chalamet is extraordinary as Willy Wonka. He is brilliant as he dances, sings, makes chocolate, and follows his dreams. He had me smiling from ear to ear the entire movie. Keegan Michale Key as the chief of police is hilarious. He is just so funny throughout the entire movie as he is always trying to catch Wonka and eating way too many sweets. Calah Lane, as Noodle, is perfect for this role. She is brilliant in the movie and her story in the movie is beautiful. I loved watching her and Timothee Chalamet on screen together. The chemistry between the two of them is just perfect. I love all the vibrant colors throughout the movie. The costumes are amazing and fit the movie perfectly. I predict that audiences will be singing and dancing and loving every minute of this movie just like I was and leaving the theater with a sweet tooth for more Wonka!
The film’s message is about following your dreams. The character Wonka is full of ideas and has a wonderful imagination. He is determined to change the world, open a store and he does not let anything get in his way or stop him. He follows his dreams and believes in himself.
I give Wonka 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. You can watch Wonka in theaters beginning December 15, 2023.
Wonka
By David Eason, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
In the enchanting realm of Wonka, where dreams ignite, a musically funny delight, gleaming with light. Timothée Chalamet, as Wonka, takes the lead, in a tale of chocolate, a candy-coated deed.
The story commences with Wonka, full of glee, dreaming of chocolate, sweet as can be. Yet, troubles arise, a troublesome tide, hateful chocolate makers, in greed they confide.
A factory of care, for Willie’s delight, crafted characters, applause in the night. Visuals mind-breaking, a spectacle so grand, light shining upon it, pure creativity sand.
Timothée Chalamet, in Wonka’s sole portrayal, vibrant and better, a chocolate dream so surreal. His charisma shines, Wonka so grand, a performance expanding every heart strand.
Calah Lane as Noodle, a name so unique, her strong performance, kids’ capabilities peek. In the candy lands, unique and strong, in the Wonka light, where they all belong.
A colorful array, from Wonka to Noodle, each character with a say, a cinematic doodle.
The pacing – deliberate, a choice well-made – allows the story to unfold, in the Wonka cascade. Absorb every moment, let the magic flow, in the world of Wonka, where dreams grow.
Humor sprinkled musically, a funny tale spun, Enjoyed by all, a journey begun. Wonka’s world, a place of pure delight, a cinematic adventure, taking flight.
The factory, a wonder, a magical sight, filled with sweetness, in the soft moonlight. Care for characters gleams, a round of applause, for the Wonka dreams, without a pause.
The film’s message, a guiding theme, “every good thing started by a dream,” fits seamlessly into the movie’s song, a melody of dreams, where they all belong.
Five stars for Wonka, a perfect score, for ages five to eighteen, and adults wanting more. Released on December 15, 2023, in theaters it beams, a Wonka wonderland, fulfilling dreamers’ dreams.
In conclusion, Wonka stands tall, a chocolate adventure, captivating all. With humor, visuals, and a dreamy theme, a movie that’s truly a delightful dream.
As the credits roll, the magic stays, in hearts and minds, a Wonka craze. 525 words of praise and cheer, For Wonka, a movie we hold dear.
