By Keith Walther | RLGR
Catchy musical numbers, witty dialogue, and colorful visuals mark a return to this franchise’s roots. “Wonka” is the prequel to the original 1971 film, “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” and it is wonderfully complimentary to that classic unlike the 2005 remake. This is a delightfully charming albeit simple story that will warm the most critical of hearts and leave the audience yearning for more.
Arriving on a boat with a handful of silver pieces to his name that he promptly loses, Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) dreams of exposing his unique brand of chocolate to the world. Unfortunately, a series of obstacles stand in his way of achieving this dream, starting with Mrs. Scrubitt (Olivia Colman), who takes advantage of Wonka’s naivete and illiteracy to swindle him into a massive debt that he must repay in her basement sweatshop. There he meets Noodle (Calah Lane), an apparent orphan girl with an even larger debt than him, but her inside knowledge helps him escape this prison periodically so he can sell his delectable treats in the city.
That’s when the most challenging obstacle presents itself in the form of a chocolate cartel. These established chocolatiers have an impenetrable hold on the city that prevents any would-be competitors from cutting into their profits. Using their influence and corrupt Chief of Police (Keegan-Michael Key), they look to put Wonka out of business for good. Even an Oompa-Loompa (Hugh Grant) is against Wonka, stealing his chocolates during the dead of night. With the odds fully against the inventive chocolate maker, Wonka may see his dream go up in smoke.
It is extremely difficult to remake a classic, or make a prequel in this instance, without it coming across as a shameless money grab. However, director Paul King does an amazing job of making “Wonka” an entertaining spectacle that only enhances the original rather than tarnishing it, which most often occurs. The director of the “Paddington” movies, both of which were surprisingly good themselves, harnesses the imaginative, joyful, and adventurous spirit of the original, creating scenes that are both nostalgic and unique at the same time.
As in the first film, King includes some big, well-choreographed musical numbers, including a couple from the original like “Oompa-Loompa” and “Pure Imagination.” While both songs stand up well to the original iterations, the new songs are just as catchy and enjoyable like “A Hatful of Dreams” and “Scrub Scrub.” Complimenting these memorable moments are the elaborate and colorful set pieces along with great cinematography that accentuates the visual effects. The overall effect gives viewers the sense and feel of being in the middle of a massive stage production.
The story itself is simplistic, but it needs to be in order to appeal to children as well as adults. However, the sequences leading up to the typical rock bottom, all hope is lost moment for the main character evolves into predictable outcomes. Still, it achieves its purpose as a feel good, fast-paced film.
Starring in the title role is young Oscar nominated actor Timothée Chalamet (“Call Me by Your Name”), who is on the fast-track to a highly successful career. He does a wonderful job of capturing the enthusiasm and unique, witty dialogue delivery that Gene Wilder made famous in 1971. Chalamet even enhances Wilder’s performance in the original by providing an intriguing backstory involving his mother as well as his ill-placed faith in the goodness of others that allows him to be taken advantage of time and time again. This explains Wilder’s outburst of anger towards Charlie in the original for disappointing him by breaking the rules, and then the subsequent about face when he realizes he’s become the same type of chocolatier who nearly destroyed his own dream when he was young. It was a cool, full circle moment that only a talent such as Chalamet could successfully achieve. There’s a lot to be excited about with this young actor, look for his next starring role early next year in the much anticipated “Dune” sequel.
The supporting cast provided outstanding performances themselves, most notably from Oscar winner Olivia Colman (“The Favourite”). Once again, she becomes a scene stealer, this time in an antagonistic role as the manipulative and greedy hotel owner/operator who is only impressed by the most influentially powerful people. Hugh Grant, who didn’t care for the amount of time he spent acting in front of a green screen, still provides the needed amusement through his line delivery as the little orange man.
Simply put, “Wonka” is a fun and energetic film that provides pure enjoyment for the whole family. While it may not be holiday themed, it embodies the holiday spirit more so than any other film out there right now. Don’t miss the opportunity to see it in the theater, it will surely leave you with a smile on your face.
This movie earns
