Wonka (2023)

Wonka is a whimsical, family-friendly prequel that follows a young, impoverished Willy Wonka as he arrives in a city famed for its chocolate, determined to open his own shop — only to find the industry controlled by a ruthless cartel of chocolatiers. The film mixes caper-style plotting (schemes, narrow escapes, and clever cons) with bright, imaginative worldbuilding as Wonka tries to outwit the powerful guild and carve out a place for his creative, unconventional confections. Watching Wonka, you’ll experience a lively blend of adventure and comedy wrapped in lush, candy-colored production design: inventive sweets and workshop set pieces, playful physical comedy, and musical moments that punctuate the story’s lighter beats. The tone skews warm and fanciful, with moments of genuine emotion and character growth beneath the spectacle — themes of creativity versus greed, the value of kindness, and finding family in unexpected places. The film is designed to charm both children and adults: kids will be captivated by the visual inventiveness and pratfalls, while older viewers can enjoy the satire, emotional undercurrent, and clever plotting. Expect to leave entertained, uplifted, and a little hungry for chocolate — with a renewed appreciation for imagination and the quirky, hopeful spirit of its titular hero.

Actors: Timothée Chalamet, Gustave Die, Murray McArthur

Director: Paul King

Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Family

66 /100 7.0 /10 6.8 /10