Yesterday, we were fortunate to attend a preview of the upcoming film, Wonka, set to hit UK cinemas on December 8. This movie delves into the backstory of Willy Wonka from Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
Initially skeptical about yet another Wonka film, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the heartfelt narrative that tugged at the emotions, skillfully portraying Wonka’s journey. Without delving into spoilers, the story unfolds in a new town where Wonka faces challenges from rival chocolatiers. An unexpected turn of events lands him in a precarious situation, leading to the formation of friendships that aim to help him achieve his dream of opening a chocolate shop.
What makes this film particularly poignant is the glimpse into Wonka’s childhood and the loss of his mother before witnessing his dream come true. This theme resonates with those who have lost parents before realizing their aspirations.
The movie, with its singing, dancing, and a modern rendition of the classic “Pure Imagination” song, has a runtime of one hour and 56 minutes. The PG rating by BBFC cites “mild threat, violence, implied bad language,” but personally, I feel it’s suitable for all ages. If you’re interested in more movie tips, check out my blog post on saving money on cinematic tickets here.