Wonka is delightfully whimsy, family-focused, and full of pure imagination.
Armed with nothing but a hatful of dreams, young chocolatier Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) manages to change the world, one delectable bite at a time.
Wonka takes audiences back to the origins of the inventor, stepping back in time and director Paul King has executed this well. King uses a glorious European design by trade to bring back the old-timey look that the original film held long ago. Streets are abuzz with society in gorgeous streets with cramped alleys, large squares, and buildings that hold so much charm. It provides that 1971 feel but mixed with Tim Burton’s version’s charm and presentation at certain times, blending the worlds to create a playground best for sharing delicious candy treats. By the end of the film, the imagination comes to life bringing author Roald Dahl’s extreme fantasy setting to life, filling it with color to what started a bit grayish.
The costumes are spectacular and even add more personality to the film. Wonka goes back to tradition and matches the very evolution and practicality of fashion, as seen in various piece films. The suits are straight and stiff, the dresses are flowing and conservative, but still hold status, and the “less fortunate” have more character than the elite, which continues to grow with each chocolate sale. Willy Wonka’s look may not have that aura of personality like the previous films, but that traditional look is still there and like the others gradually changes into the beginning of madness.
The film has a solid cast and does a phenomenal job of bringing Dahl’s story to life. The standout for me was Calah Lane. Lane is a wonderful addition and holds the heart and soul of the film. Lane has that child aspect but with adult lessons to learn and brings a lot to her role as Noodle – a fantastic dreamer, but a hard-knock life delivery that is perfect for this movie, and her chemistry with Timothee Chalamet was spot on. And, of course, Timothee Chalamet was perfect and dips into the movie with commitment, talent, and accuracy in his portrayal of Wonka. Chalamet is charming, goofy, vulnerable, and inspiring all at once, and that gleam he matches Gene Wilder’s look long ago, and it’s quite chilling in just how good he is.
Now, this is an origin story, and while I don’t know how much is from Dahl’s notes and works, it still felt welcoming to the series. The film keeps to the writer’s focus on fantasy worlds, good lessons, and the consequences that come from greed, all nicely portrayed in that same coy jab we loved in the original classic. The film does take the musical element and expands them adding more touching moments that Burton did that hold deeper ties and investments that further mold the film into something more.
The quality of the music is great for a theater visit, using instruments, tight control over vocals, and a solid use of technology to get you into the number. Each song adds to the story, one part moral boosting, one part character examining, part aspiration and dreams that Wonka always sings for the audience.
The special effects are better than the original, but only because of how much technology has evolved which helps make these worlds come alive. The film felt like a theater show with special effects of Hollywood and glorious sets that only computers and a studio could create to help add that immersion factor.
One of my favorite aspects of the film was the comedy. It was a blend of adult and kid humor that never crossed the line to inappropriate. Wonka’s stumbling and naivety, the sarcasm of Noodle, the idiocy of the constable, and the villains all worked in a nice balance. But, what ties it all together is the charm and delightfulness of this movie. Paul King can capture that youthful feeling that still speaks to the kid in me. The movie holds so much, speaks so deeply, and is just a fun escape.
Overall, It may not go on to be classic, but Wonka turned out to be one of the most fun films I’ve seen this year. The whimsical nature and Paul King’s direction blends youth and experience to have audiences dive back into the world that captured so many hearts. With a charming cast and tight direction, this movie is worth every penny. Even though it missed some variety and some of that factory wit, Wonka accomplished a lot and made the whole experience delightful and engaging.
Wonka os now playing in theaters.
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