Before the holidays my daughter and I went to see the movie "Wonka". She is a big, big fan of the original "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". She has stated many times that it is her favorite movie. She also loves the Roald Dahl book. She has read it on her own, and we have read it together. She has not seen the Tim Burton version, but I don't like that one, so it is not like we are pushing it on her. But, when she went to see the Taylor Swift concert movie she saw a preview for "Wonka" and mentioned it to me. We also took her and a friend a while back to see the movie "Elemental" and we saw another preview for "Wonka". That time she was much more emphatic about seeing the movie. So when the strike ended and they released the movie, she asked me to take her on opening day. I was more than happy to oblige.

I got us tickets and we made our way on the 15th. I really had little idea about the plot, but I love the original movie myself and the book, so I was ready to give it a chance. I do enjoy Timothee Chamalet as well, so it was not a hard sell.

I have to say, I found myself really enjoying this movie. It was light and breezy. The songs were fun and catchy. The acting was well delivered and well done. The direction had this warm feeling to it. I liked everyone in the movie, even the bad guys. My daughter was smiling with delight while we watched. When Hugh Grant showed up as the main Oompa Loompa, my daughter looked over at me and exclaimed, "dad! The Oompa Loompas are in the movie!". She was on cloud 9.

I have read and heard a few things negative about Chamalet's singing in the movie. I thought he did a fine job. I also read that people don't like the fact that they made the character of Willy Wonka into a nice, likeable person. This is a prequel. This is a fictional story. This is how Wonka got his factory and how he rose to fame. This is before all the stuff that involves running a business got into Wonka's mind and soul. He is just a kid in this movie. I find it kind of odd that some random people on the planet will find anything to complain about, even a milquetoast, on purpose, movie like "Wonka".

After seeing the movie and reading some facts about it on IMDB, I found out the people that made it are the people behind the "Paddington" movies. That makes too much sense. While the "Paddington" movies are better, "Wonka" has the same groove and familiar feel that those movies bring. These movies make you feel warm and cozy inside. You leave the theater in a good mood. You want to do things to make the world a better place. The movies also let you feel your feelings. I teared up at "Wonka". I sobbed at "Paddington". I also find myself laughing at certain points, being a little scared and a little anxious, all in a good way.

I really loved this movie. I definitely recommend seeing it, especially if you have little kids. It is great. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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