Wonka is a delightful film for families and fans of whimsical fantasy. Check out the details in my parents guide movie review.
Wonka releases in theaters across the United States tomorrow, December 15, 2023. The film is more of a prequel to 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder than an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel. It stars Timothée Chalamet (as Willy Wonka), Keegan-Michael Key (Chief of Police), Mathew Baynton (Fickelgruber), Rowan Atkinson (as a Priest), Olivia Colman (Mrs. Scrubbit), Hugh Grant (one of the Oompa Loompas), Matt Lucas (as Prodnose), Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Police Officer Attable), Paterson Joseph (Arthur Slugworth), Sally Hawkins (Willy’s Mother), Tom Davis (Bleacher), and Jim Carter (Abacus Crunch). The film was written by Simon Farnaby and Paul King, who also directed the film, and produced by David Heyman. Check out the details in my parents guide movie review.
If you enjoyed this Wonka parents guide movie review, check out these other articles: The Iron Claw parents guide movie review, The Family Plan parents guide movie review, Christmas with the Kranks parents guide movie review, Merry Little Batman parents guide movie review, Leave the World Behind parents guide movie review.
Wonka Movie Quotes
Wonka Parents Guide
In Wonka: Armed with nothing but a hatful of dreams, young chocolatier Willy Wonka manages to change the world, one delectable bite at a time.
Wonka Age Rating Parents Guide
Let’s take a look at what concerned parents need to know about the age ratings of the series before letting their younger children watch Wonka.
Language: Wonka contains some language that parents may find inappropriate for younger kids. Lookout words include brat, stupid, peasant, hag, and phrases like “Oh my Lord.”
Mature Content: The biggest lookout in the film, other than the language, is some of the violent content in the film. The movie contains weapons, guns, and characters being held at gunpoint, intense moments, mild peril where some characters lives are in danger, explosions, and near drownings. There is also discussion of the death of a parent, which could be triggering for some viewers, and a character being held captive by a villain.
Age Rating of the Movie Wonka: Warner Bros. Pictures Wonka movie ratings has a PG rating by the Motion Picture Association of America – MPAA ratings – for some violence, mild language, and thematic elements and the parental guidelines advisory recommends it for mature audiences, an older audience, an adult audience, young viewers, young adults, older kids, and teens aged 8 years and older. The suggestion of parental guidance or a legal guardian (adult guardian) for this restricted PG category is highly suggested for young children, teenage children. and younger viewers under 8 years of age in this PG-rated motion picture for adult material. The minimum age recommendation is 8 years old.
Overall Thoughts
Wonka is like biting into vibrant, whimsical chocolate bars, but with a mixed filling. While it’s based on a magical story, visually stunning and bursts with heart, its predictable plot and diluted darkness might leave some viewers with a bittersweet aftertaste.
Director Paul King, known for his work on the charming “Paddington” films, infuses Wonka with a delightful whimsy. Lush candy landscapes, a chocolate river, fantastical contraptions, and quirky costumes paint a world bursting with imagination. Each frame is a treat for the eyes, transporting viewers into Willy Wonka’s fantastical famous chocolate factory before it even exists.
Timothée Chalamet steps into the iconic purple velvet coat, injecting the young Willy Wonka with a youthful naivety and boundless enthusiasm that’s both endearing and captivating. He portrays young Wonka’s journey from curious boy to ambitious chocolatier with a heartfelt sincerity that makes you root for him every step of the way.
Unlike the classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” Wonka focuses on the titular character’s origin story. We meet Willy as a young boy facing family troubles and societal pressures, but with a talent for sweets and a boundless imagination. His journey to overcome these challenges and embrace his individuality is the film’s emotional core.
While Wonka is heartwarming and visually stunning, it deviates from the darker undertones and social commentary of Roald Dahl’s original story. The plot feels predictable, and the stakes are considerably lower compared to the iconic Golden Tickets competition. This lighthearted approach might leave some viewers, particularly fans of the original, wanting more depth and complexity.
Overall, Wonka is a delightful film for families and fans of whimsical fantasy. If you’re looking for a visually stunning escape with a heartwarming message and an endearing performance by Chalamet, then give it a watch. But if you crave the darkness and complexity of the original story or prefer movies with more bite, you might be left wanting more.
