“Wonka,” directed by Paul King, is the third live-action film based on Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” However, this film presents unparalleled aspects that differ from the previous two films. Unlike the prior films, “Wonka” is a musical, which, although unexpected, was carried through exceedingly.

“Wonka” serves as a prequel to its preceding films rather than a direct remake. The story follows a young Willy Wonka, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet, on his journey to find success in a foreign land, leading to him eventually building his iconic factory beloved by many fans of the original films.

Willy Wonka is introduced, and quite quickly, the contrast between young and old Wonka is witnessed. Chalamet’s Wonka is introduced as a cheerful and charismatic young man filled with high hopes. These behaviors separate him from the previous impatient and awkward portrayals of the character.

The supporting characters in “Wonka” all seem to share similar cheerful and silly characteristics, from side characters to the antagonists of the film. Consequently, these endearing traits lead the film to appeal predominantly to children and fans of the original films and books.

While Wonka offers a whimsical story of Willy Wonka’s origins, it may not resonate with all watchers. The film’s use of music in most scenes and its exaggerated silliness can deter those who would prefer a more subdued cinematic experience. Therefore, I would not recommend this film to individuals who dislike musicals or find overt silliness off-putting. For the rest, however, there is plenty of charmful whimsy to enjoy with this film.