Nico Hah

This may be my favourite movie of 2023. Based on the trailer I had very low expectations. Thankfully, unlike most trailers nowadays, it saved a lot of its juice for the actual film. The casting for this movie was perfection. Each character brings a magic to their role necessary to make this kind of film work. I was a bit concerned with the opening scene leading off immediately with a song and wondering if I'd just gone to a movie solely meant for 5 year olds. However, it sets the stage for the rest of what is a beautifully crafted family movie with excellent messaging and characters that grow on you more and more as the movie develops. The role of Wonka had high demands and Timothée Chalamet meets them. He's charming and his demeanour fits that of a young Gene Wilder version of Wonka. The supporting cast and villains are spectacular as well. There was no point where I felt bored or felt that scenes were included that didn't serve a purpose. Perhaps the best asset this movie has is that it has natural unforced comedy. So much of what's meant to be funny nowadays in movies is just so bland or overused. Wonka offers something new I haven't seen in years. Overall Wonka combines excellent character development, comedic relief, plot development, strong visuals, and a magical setting which only further elevates the superb performances. Most films these days are lucky if they are able to achieve just 2 of the above in one film. Huge thumbs up to all involved in the creation of this movie. Prequels are almost always a let down , but this one hits just right. See it in theatres if you can !

This movie resonates not just with children, but the more mature audience as well. That's what makes animated movies great I can't believe I'm saying this, but this is one of the best Pixar movies to date. I did not expect to like this movie very much. Disney and Pixar have been vastly disappointing and even controversial recently, but Inside Out 2 rivals Pixar's best movies like Up, Monsters inc., Ratatouille, The Incredibles and Toy Story in quality. I found the story very moving. The best animated movies ever made appeal not just to children, but resonate with the more mature audience as well. And that's what this movie does. The theme was very poignant. I loved the introduction of the new characters and especially how they incorporated anxiety into the transformation of puberty. Anxiety is not fun, but many people struggle with it. The ending was great too. I love that they didn't wrap it up in a cliche way. Great job Disney and Pixar!