Willy Wonka – chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time – is proof that the best things in life begin with a dream, and if you’re lucky enough to me...
The whimsical, playful “Wonka” is quite enchanting and far better than I could’ve ever expected. In fact, it may just be the most pleasant surprise of 2023. Based on characters from Roald Dahl’s iconic 1964 novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” the film tells the origin story of Willy Wonka and explores his early days as an inventor and burgeoning chocolatier. Director Paul King‘s film is a magical, family friendly adventure with plenty of feel-good appeal.
With dreams of opening a shop in a city renowned for its chocolate, a young and poor Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) discovers that the industry is run by a cartel of greedy chocolatiers. If he wants to become successful in sharing his candy with the world, Wonka must use his ingenuity along with the help of new friends to pave the way.
The story isn’t filled with an abundance of whimsy, but it’s also not so weird or dark that it becomes inaccessible to kids. The script gives a satisfying origin story and even ends with a strong set-up for a sequel (which, and I can’t believe I am saying this, I am already looking forward to seeing).
The supporting characters are well-written and likeable too, from the slightly nefarious owner of a laundromat Mrs. Scrubitt (Olivia Colman) and the precocious orphan Noodle (Calah Lane), to Wonka’s menagerie of offbeat flat mates Abacus (Jim Carter), Larry (Rich Fulcher), Piper (Natasha Rothwell), and Lottie (Rakhee Thakrar). Even the Chocolate Cartel trio comprised of Mr. Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Prodnose (Matt Lucas) and Fickelgruber (Mathew Baynton) are a lot of fun. Even the goofy, creepy-looking, solitary Oompa-Loompa works, but that’s mainly because of Hugh Grant’s “I simply don’t have any time for this crap” demeanor. His snark is incredibly funny, with a line delivery that reeks of complete indifference and utter annoyance. In other words, he’s perfectly cast. The ensemble is absolutely wonderful and work incredibly well together, and their performances are delightful.
The star of the show is of course Chalamet, who is a natural charmer and a true joy as Willy Wonka. He brings just the right amount of charisma and magic to the role, lending an enchanting quality to the eccentric story. He’s really great here, at least acting-wise.
“Wonka’s” greatest stumbling block is the mediocrity of the original songs which are, simply put, not good. The tunes aren’t catchy and the lyrics are even worse, with unoriginal and lazy verses like “Noodle, Noodle, apple strudel / Some people don’t, and some people doodle.” It doesn’t get much better from there. Add to it the fact that Chalamet is not much of a singer (he definitely isn’t the most talented dancer, either), and the musical elements fall flat.
The visual effects also are lacking, and the enchanted elements of Wonka’s world are surprisingly bland and drab. Cinematographer Chung-hoon Chung chooses a look that’s more old fashioned than brightly colorful, and even the costumes are pleasantly uncomplicated. There are a series of cheap fat jokes at the expense of the police chief with a sweet tooth (Keegan-Michael Key). Despite a handful of negatives, the film is successful in so many ways.
“Wonka” ends on a sweet, heartwarming note that’s packed with a natural sincerity that is irresistible, and the fun twists of originality make this an endearing cinematic update to one of the best-selling children’s books of all time.
