Nicholas Peterson

Honestly? This was a really well made film. The directors took no shortcuts on creating original content, which was a bit of a risk considering Willy Wonka was already a well-established personage of the silver screen. The musical numbers played into the story, instead of just being outbursts of song. Nothing was your run-of-the-mill prequel for a main character, (with one minor exception that I won't mention here because that'd be a spoiler.) It was clean, it was bright, it was uplifting. The witting, the dialog was the main selling point of the movie for me. If you don't like a lot of intelligent jokes in rapid fire succession (no judgement here, some people like it slowed down so that they can enjoy it,) then about 30% of the scenes will not be your favorite. Also, if you have seen and enjoy the original Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), you will love the subtle nods and references throughout Wonka, it's a gorgeous, melt-in-your-mouth type prequel. If you're worried about them going too much into the bizarre, Oompa Loompas and weird creatures, don't be. Just enough of them to keep it Wonka, nothing more. If you're worried about it being a downer, I think you'll be ok. There's actually some subtle, good messages about mental health. Worried about language? After all, it is 2024. One use of the D word, nothing more. Worried about modesty? There's a guy in lederhosen, being flirty, and those two do become a couple, and are shown in bathrobes, and a kiss at the end of the movie. (I personally didn't like that part, but I don't think it was done with ill intent.) But no female immodesty, which was so very refreshing. I could go on, but the bottom line is, it's a good film. Enjoy!