Earlier today, we went to see Wonka. This prequel to the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from 1971 was something of a mystery to me at first. Although I wanted to see it, I am a Charlie fan...so I wasn't too sure what to expect. I was particularly curious because the Johnny Depp remake from the 2000s was very strange and definitely not up my alley.
So, I eagerly took a chance on this movie and was more than delighted by the results. This movie was exactly what most "prequels" are not - thoroughly engaging and a true homage to the original while creating its own niche. It not only subtly helps explain themes in the original movie, it enhances the experience by giving delightful background to Wonka and the Ooompa Loompas that Roald Dahl would surely have enjoyed.
It is rare that I find a movie that I would put on part with defining children's classics, such as The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, or even the original Charlie. However, I would dare say this one comes close. As I was watching some of the musical numbers, I realized that the lyrics and songs paralleled many of the ideas in the original movie. I was truly captivated. And, I particularly enjoyed how the wove not only the Oompa Loompa song into the movie, but Imagination as well, which was particularly poignant.
So, if you are a fan of the original, check this out. You'll find out about why Wonka's desire to be so secretive came about, why he wanted to share the chocolate factory with a new generation, and where the idea of the golden ticket came from...among other things.
This was my favorite movie of 2023.
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