Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Wonka (2023)
"Wonka" is a charming, quirky prequel to "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory."
No, not that completely unnecessary Depp remake "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." . Let's not mention that abomination again.
I am, of course, referring to the original Willy Wonka movie, with Gene Wilder.
Which was based on the Roald Dahl book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
The "Wonka" prequel had two hurdles.
Dahl never wrote source material for a prequel, so the writers had to craft a brand new story for Roald Dahl’s most iconic children's book.
And Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka was as perfect as perfect could be.
The only imperfection was that he distracted too much from the main character of the story, the young boy Charlie.
Luckily, "Wonka" completely nails the story, and Timothée Chalamet is almost perfect as a young Wonka.
The one downside, is that "Wonka" is a musical.
Where as "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" interwoved songs and story more naturally than any other movie I have ever seen, in "Wonka," the songs and dances are mostly a distraction from the story and character development.
"I'm making chocolate, of course. How do you like it? Dark? White? Nutty? Absolutely insane?"
- You are not fond of musicals.
- You are a strict adherent to Roald Dahl's original story without diversions or additional elements.
- You compare every iteration of the character Wonka to Gene Wilder's portrayal and no other interpretation is acceptable.
- You are expecting a story that closely follows Charlie, as this story is centered around Wonka.
- You're strictly against new takes or reimaginings of classic characters.
- The movie is recommended for ages 8 and up due to some thematic elements.
The Greatest Showman (2017):
If you appreciated the musical aspect and the enigmatic main character aspect of "Wonka," you might enjoy "The Greatest Showman." This film tells the story of P. T. Barnum's creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus and the lives of its main attractions. Just like "Wonka," the movie features dazzling visuals and catchy original songs. And the character of Barnum, portrayed by Hugh Jackman, has an infectious charm reminiscent of Timothée Chalamet's Wonka.
Mary Poppins Returns (2018):"Mary Poppins Returns" is another musical that might appeal to fans of "Wonka." The movie is a sequel to the 1964 classic "Mary Poppins," and though it introduces a whole new story, it maintains its initial charm and magic, akin to "Wonka" does with "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." With a strong performance from Emily Blunt as the titular character and a whimsical narrative, it's a delightful experience.
Matilda (1996):Given your appreciation for Roald Dahl's stories and "Wonka," "Matilda" would undoubtedly be an excellent choice. Directed by Danny DeVito, this film combines the quirky with the heartwarming just as "Wonka" does. The movie follows a young, brilliant girl named Matilda who uses her intelligence and latent telekinetic powers to deal with her neglectful parents and tyrannical school principal. It's a charming classic with a touch of the eccentric, just like Dahl's beloved books.
Paddington 2 (2017):"Paddington 2" is a delightful family movie that fans of "Wonka" might appreciate. Much like "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," it revolves around an immersive and visually-enticing adventure. The story, characters, and humor are exquisitely woven together in a way that appeals to both young and adult audiences. The film's heartwarming story features the lovable Paddington Bear, who lives with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, embarking on a mission to find a unique pop-up book.
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