Wonka
Wonka
Willy Wonka – chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time – is proof that the best things in life begin with a dream, and if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.
Kent reviewedMarch 31, 2025
I have liked Timothée Chalamet’s performance in everything I saw... until I saw “Wonka”. It wasn't terrible though.
"Wonka," the latest take on the beloved world of candy and whimsy, attempts to capture the magic of the original film, but unfortunately falls short in several areas. While the charm of the original with Gene Wilder came from its fanciful yet believable approach to candy-making, this iteration leans heavily into the absurd, leaving us with candy flying through the air and other over-the-top antics that feel more ridiculous than enchanting.
One of the film's most notable shortcomings is its soundtrack. The songs feel hastily thrown together, as if they were penned the night before filming began. The melodies lack the cleverness and depth that made the songs in the original so memorable. Instead, we are left with unpolished numbers that come off as sophomoric, failing to resonate or elevate the story in any meaningful way.
Overall, "Wonka" is a mixed bag that misses the mark in capturing the essence of what made the original so special. While it has its moments of fun, it ultimately feels like a hollow retread that trades whimsy for relentless absurdity. Fans of the original might find some enjoyment, but it’s hard not to wish for a more thoughtful and polished take on this iconic character.