Film Review: Wonka

Genre: Family/comedy/adventure

Cert: PG

Director: Paul King

Screenwriter: (story) Paul King,  (screenplay) Simon Farnaby, Paul King. (characters created by) Roald Dahl

Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Gustave Die, Murray McArthur, Paul G. Raymond, Bertie Caplan, Isy Suttie, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Matilda Tucker, Tom Davis, Olivia Colman, Calah Lane, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Freya Parker, Keegan-Michael Key, Jim Carter, Rakhee Thakrar. MANY MORE...

Running time: 1h 56m

Parents are advised to read before viewing the film as some scenes may contain scenes unsuitable for younger viewers.

Sex & Nudity: A man and woman kiss in min57.

A woman sits on a man's lap while he is sitting on a wooden chair. They are both singing.

A male dressed in tight shorts and dungarees. They then seductively walk to flirt with a woman. The male bends over to exaggerate their buttocks. All done for comedic purposes.

There was no sex or nudity. Great family fare.

Violence & Gore: A police officer grabs a man's head and repeatedly forces it into a tub of frozen water and then takes out a baton and hits the man in the face.

A little girl is casually kicked by her cruel guardian, but the blow does not appear to hurt her.

Some scenes contain very mild slapstick violence such as comic knockout blows.

There is a riot in a store which ends in it lighting in flames. People run out and scream and the scene ends darkly and somberly. Nobody is remotely hurt.

Profanity: "Damn", "blasted", "idiot", "stupid" and other words are thrown around occasionally. The word "business" is not used, it's "bodies."

One "damn" and a "good Lord".

Alcohol/drugs: Multiple instances of drinking.

Frightening/Intense Scenes: Infrequent mild upsetting scenes, including ones related to past bereavement.

A police officer grabs Mr Wonka and attempts to drown him in a water fountain full of ice. The police officer then screams at Mr. Wonka and hits him in the head with a police baton. The scene lasts about a minute.

 Story: Willy Wonka is the mastermind behind some of the most delicious and innovative chocolate creations the world has ever seen. But before shaking up the chocolate industry and making a name for himself as a confectionery genius, the ambitious young creator had to defy all odds. As a result, Willy transformed his wildest dreams into reality with a bold vision, determination, and unexpected help from new friends. After all, hard work and a dash of magic can make anything happen. Because, as Willy already knows, it only takes a dream to make a difference.

Review: Wonka": A Sweet but Uneven Treat. "Wonka" invites audiences into a whimsical world of candy and imagination, but while it has its moments of sweetness, the film ultimately struggles to find the perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation. Directed by a visionary filmmaker, the movie serves up a mixed bag of delights and disappointments.

One of the film's strongest aspects is its visual spectacle. From the vibrant colours of the chocolate factory to the fantastical landscapes of Willy Wonka's imagination, "Wonka" dazzles with its eye-catching imagery. Each confectionery creation is brought to life with meticulous detail, transporting viewers into a sugary wonderland that is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

The cast delivers solid performances, with the actor portraying Willy Wonka capturing the character's eccentricity and charm. His journey from aspiring chocolatier to the eccentric owner of the world's most famous candy factory is portrayed with depth and nuance, adding layers to the beloved character's backstory. Supporting characters, including quirky Oompa-Loompas and eccentric inventors, add to the film's whimsical charm, though some feel underdeveloped and lacking in depth.

Furthermore, "Wonka" offers a fresh take on the classic tale, injecting new life into familiar characters and story beats. The film's inventive twists and imaginative set pieces keep audiences engaged and entertained, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane while also paving the way for new adventures in the world of Wonka.

However, the film is not without its flaws. Despite its visual splendour and imaginative premise, "Wonka" occasionally suffers from pacing issues, with certain scenes feeling sluggish or overstretched. Additionally, while the film's quirky humour and whimsical charm are endearing, they may not resonate with all viewers, leaving some audiences craving more substance and depth.

Moreover, "Wonka" falls short in its character development, with some supporting characters feeling like mere caricatures rather than fully realized individuals. This lack of depth in certain areas detracts from the emotional impact of key moments and prevents the audience from fully investing in the characters' journeys.

Overall: Despite these shortcomings, "Wonka" remains a delightful and imaginative retelling of a beloved classic. With its stunning visuals, solid performances, and inventive twists, the film offers a whimsical journey into the world of Willy Wonka that is sure to satisfy fans of the original while also appealing to newcomers. While it may not be a golden ticket to cinematic perfection, "Wonka" still manages to deliver a sweet and entertaining treat for audiences of all ages.

Rating: 5 out of 5 for entertainment / 7 out of 10 for story adaption