Review: Paul King’s ‘Wonka’ Musical is a Truly Delightful Origin Story

As someone who grew up with Tim Burton’s 2005 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the announcement of a new film exploring the origin story of the enigmatic Willy Wonka piqued my interest. Despite it not being personal favorite or a movie I have tremendous nostalgia for, I still vividly remember the story and its moral lessons. I approached Wonka with a blend of anticipation and skepticism, with clear memories of Gene Wilder’s iconic portrayal and Johnny Depp’s memorable rendition. Paul King (best known for both Paddington & Paddington 2) being at the helm definitely contributed to higher expectations, and the final result left me positively surprised, as the film is a charming, entertaining experience that successfully captures the essence of the timeless novel while managing to stand on its own. // Continue Reading ›