Wonka Parents Guide

I was able to screen WONKA in order to write this WONKA Parents Guide. All opinions are my own.

I have been looking forward to this movie for a long time. The original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of my favorite childhood movies. I always enjoyed watching it. The newer one with Johnny Deep is also amazing and that is our go-to Willy Wonka movie now. My kids love it. While both of these are great movies – I have always been fascinated with how he came to be – and the movie Wonka filled that amazingly.

Be prepared – there is a LOT of singing. And there are a lot of fun crazy things that happen. It is a great story about how hard work and dreams can come together and become something magical. He has a lot of trials, and setbacks, sadness and loneliness. But he also has a lot of triumphs, and joys, and makes good friends that help him succeed. This movie is so much fun for all ages – and you will want to put the soundtrack on repeat. Timothée Chalamet’s version of Pure Imagination is going to be a new favorite. (It’s one of mine). I also very much enjoyed Hugh Grant as the Oompa-Loompa. I wasn’t sure how I was going to like him – but he did amazing!

Take your family to see WONKA this holiday season. Your kids will love it! Mine asked to see it again as soon as we left the theater lol. It really is fun and magical.

Wonka opens in theaters on December 15, 2023

WONKA is rated PG for some violence, mild language, and thematic elements. It runs for 116m.

There are no end-credit scenes for WONKA. At the end of the movie, the Oompa-Loompa comes on and sings a song and shows updates about the characters in the movie while rolling a few credits, but when the actual credits start rolling, feel free to head out.

Sex & Nudity – 1/5 – There are a couple of different scenes between Mrs. Scrubbit and Bleacher. One shows him in shorts posing provocatively, and another is of them in robes (that aren’t shut tight). It also shows kissing and holding, etc. Nothing crazy or over the top. Wonka also says a poem about showing ankles, legs, and thighs.

Violence & Gore – 1/5 – There are some scenes where Noodle is put into a locked room as a punishment. But not violently, and she isn’t harmed. Wonka and Noodle are put into a room and other characters try to drown them in chocolate. There is a fire in a building (intentionally set).

Profanity – 0/5 – One use of Oh my Lord.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking – 0/5 – Social drinking and smoking in the background. Nothing prominent.

Frightening & Intense Scenes – 1/5 – Some of the things listed in the section above. There is also a boat explosion and two characters almost die. Most of the movie is pretty fun and upbeat. It does talk about the loss of a parent, and it shows him in an emotional scene. (but the death is not shown – only talked about later on).

WONKA is fun and whimsical. I absolutely loved it and I love Timothée Chalamet’s singing voice so much! He is incredibly perfect in this role.

WONKA Parents Guide

Wonka opens in theaters on December 15, 2023

About WONKA:

Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book and one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, “Wonka” tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.

From Paul King, writer/director of the “Paddington” films, David Heyman, producer of “Harry Potter,” “Gravity,” “Fantastic Beasts” and “Paddington,” and producers Alexandra Derbyshire (the “Paddington” films, “Jurassic World: Dominion”) and Luke Kelly (“Roald Dahl’s The Witches”), comes an intoxicating mix of magic and music, mayhem and emotion, all told with fabulous heart and humor. Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, this irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time—proving that the best things in life begin with a dream, and if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.

Starring alongside Chalamet are Calah Lane (“The Day Shall Come”), Emmy and Peabody Award winner Keegan-Michael Key (“The Prom,” “Schmigadoon”), Paterson Joseph (“Vigil,” “Noughts + Crosses”), Matt Lucas (“Paddington,” “Little Britain”), Mathew Baynton (“The Wrong Mans,” “Ghosts”), Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins (“The Shape of Water,” the “Paddington” films, “Spencer”), Rowan Atkinson (the “Johnny English” and “Mr. Bean” films, “Love Actually”), Jim Carter (“Downton Abbey”), with Oscar winner Olivia Colman (“The Favourite,” “The Lost Daughter”) and Hugh Grant (“Paddington 2,” “A Very English Scandal”). The film also stars Natasha Rothwell (“White Lotus,” “Insecure”), Rich Fulcher (“Marriage Story,” “Disenchantment”), Rakhee Thakrar (“Sex Education,” “Four Weddings and a Funeral”), Tom Davis (“Paddington 2,” “King Gary”) and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (“Paddington 2,” “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” “Mary Poppins Returns”).

Simon Farnaby (“Paddington 2”) & Paul King wrote the screenplay, based on a story by King and characters created by Roald Dahl. Michael Siegel, Cate Adams, Rosie Alison and Tim Wellspring are serving as executive producers. King’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Chung-Hoon Chung (“Last Night in Soho,” “Ah-ga-ssi”); Oscar-nominated production designer Nathan Crowley (“Tenet,” “Dunkirk”); editor Mark Everson (the “Paddington” films); Oscar-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming (the “Paddington” films, “Topsy-Turvy”); and composer Joby Talbot (the “Sing” films). Neil Hannon of the band The Divine Comedy is writing original songs for the film.

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, in Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a Heyday Films Production, a Paul King Confection, “Wonka,” set to open in theaters and in IMAX internationally beginning 13 December 2023 and in North America on December 15, 2023; it will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.