Despite being one of the most easily-recognizable figures in pop culture, Willy Wonka’s story has only been explored in two adaptations of Roald Dahl’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Wonka sought to change all that, delving deeper into the past and origins of the eponymous chocolatier. Fleshing out the story of a somewhat mysterious character is always something of a risk, but it’s one that the musical prequel embraces with a knowing wink and a well-choreographed dance number.
Wonka stars TImothée Chalamet in the title role, and follows the aspiring young chocolatier as he attempts to find his way in the big city by fulfilling his mother’s dream of sharing chocolate with the world. Alongside Chalamet, Wonka features Olivia Coleman, Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson, Keegan-Michael Key, Sally Hawkins, Paterson Joseph, and Matt Lucas. With an impressive cast of actors known for their comedic prowess, the prequel sets itself up as a light-hearted dive into the origins of its title character.
As one of our most anticipated films of 2023, we had tentatively high hopes for the prequel. Chalamet’s casting in particular seemed a perfect choice, as he embodies the quirky charm that the character is known for. However, when elaborating upon a story beloved by multiple generations, there’s always an element of risk, and Wonka‘s certainly no exception.
Wonka Is An Appropriately Charming And Whimsical Exploration Of The Character’s Origins
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Wonka is how predictable it is. It’s exactly what it was expected to be, with Chalamet dazzling in the leading role, making the character far more endearing and less creepy than previous iterations. The sympathetic glimpse into his past subtly rewrites some of his more questionable traits, making him a more lovable and heroic figure while also dispelling much of the enigma that previously surrounded him.
The film’s production values are generally excellent, bringing its setting (which simultaneously evokes Victorian London and turn-of-the-century Paris) to life in a way that perfectly gels with other Roald Dahl movies of recent years. Paul King’s fingerprints are all over the film, placing it in the same category of charming family fare as Paddington, but Chalamet’s quirkiness also adds a hint of Wes Anderson-esque charm to proceedings. Factor in a handful of enjoyable dance numbers, set pieces, and musical jokes, and Wonka is relentlessly enjoyable.
In short, Wonka is exactly what it needs to be. It’s not challenging or needlessly dark, but rather a hopeful and inspiring look at an interesting character. There’s very little not to enjoy about the musical prequel, and perhaps its greatest sin is failing to challenge expectations. Ironically, there’s slightly less than the world of pure imagination than one might have expected.
Rating: 80%
Summary: Wonka takes modern prequel tropes and runs with them, crafting a predictably charming and enjoyable musical spectacle bolstered by a solid performance from Timothée Chalamet.
Highlight: As well as a number of inoffensively humorous remarks peppered throughout, Wonka‘s delivery of its emotional crux is enough to leave most feeling a little dewy-eyed.