Armed with nothing but a hatful of dreams, young chocolatier Willy Wonka manages to change the world, one delectable bite at a time.
Director: Paul King
Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Tom Davis, Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant
Release Date: December 15, 2023
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Musical
Rated PG for some violence, mild language and thematic elements.
Runtime: 1h 56m
Paul King's Willy Wonka prequel, Wonka, is an utterly charming film that brings a wonderful sense of whimsy and wonder that's hard to deny. King's musical confection is a wonderful assault on the senses with a series of well staged albeit old fashion, song and dance numbers. Its a visual feast for the eyes and ears that's like a lovely elixir that guaranteed to put people in a good mood. King's film is light and airy with a palatable sense of infectious optimism that fits perfectly with a younger Wonka who hasn't become the more cynical and scarier version of himself from the Gene Wilder classic. Timothée Chalamet is perfectly suited for this version of the character with his boyish looks and general charm. He mimics some of the mannerisms and movements of Wilder's take but plays him with more wide eyed optimism and naiveite. Its works well for this film and story even though some looking for bits of the character slightly sinister side will be left wanting. The supporting cast delivers equally strong work with fun turns from Olivia Colman and an impressive film debut from Calah Lane. Paterson Joseph, one of the handful of Peep Show alums, chews up every bit of the scenery as the film's villainous chocolatier. Likewise, Hugh Grant is clearly having a ball playing a CGI Oompa-Loompa so much so that you wish he'd be given a slightly larger role. It all makes for an undeniably fun film which fit more with the beloved original than the Tim Burton remake which is sure to please plenty of fans.
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