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Directed and written by Paul King, the film is set to release in the UK this Friday (8 December, 2023) and in the US a week later (15 December, 2023).
Plot Overview:
Set in a town saturated with chocolate shops, young and ambitious Willy Wonka faces fierce competition from three rival chocolatiers. However, these adversaries are not his only challenges. The film introduces unnecessary subplots, including a peculiar encounter with grifters and a bizarre scene involving a giraffe. Unfortunately, these diversions detract from the main narrative and feel disconnected.
Magical Moments & Chocolate Cartel:
Despite its flaws, "Wonka" offers enchanting moments when focusing on the cartoonishly evil chocolate cartel, determined to thwart Wonka's dreams. The film excels in portraying the magic of chocolate-making and the wonder it brings to the world. The chief of police, played by Keegan-Michael Key, adds humor to the story, creating enjoyable on-screen dynamics.
Timothée Chalamet's Captivating Performance:
The main highlight of "Wonka" is Timothée Chalamet's portrayal of the young Willy Wonka. Effortlessly entertaining, Chalamet captures Wonka's quirky, eccentric personality with the flair of a natural showman.
His on-screen chemistry with Calah Lane, who plays a young orphan named Noodle, is endearing. Chalamet's performance reflects the spirit of Gene Wilder's iconic character, providing a fresh and captivating take on the role.
Hugh Grant's Underutilized Brilliance:
Hugh Grant's portrayal of an Oompa Loompa adds a touch of humor and brilliance to the film. Despite being underutilized, Grant's curmudgeon character provides comic relief and a memorable performance. His animated presence, though brief, leaves a lasting impression.
Critic Reviews:
The performance of Timothée Chalamet is described by The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw as delightful, earning the film five stars. However, he points out that the movie avoids exploring the darker aspects of Wonka's character, portraying him as simply nice. Critics draw comparisons to Paddington, given that King and co-writer Simon Farnaby are the same team behind the successful Paddington 2.
The Times awards it just two stars, stating the film is as hollow as a chocolate egg. The Times' Kevin Maher critiques Chalamet's casting, suggesting his singing voice is a letdown. Meanwhile, NME's Nick Levine praises Chalamet's song and dance abilities.
Despite the varying opinions on Chalamet's portrayal, the film's original songs, written by Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy, receive positive remarks. The Telegraph's Robbie Collin describes them as witty and wondrous, while the Evening Standard's Nick Howells calls them rollicking bangers.
However, some critics feel the film lacks the edge present in Roald Dahl's original work. The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney finds Willy Wonka's magical abilities too standard, and Variety's Owen Gleiberman wishes for a more Dahl-inspired tone.
In the end, opinions diverge on whether Wonka lives up to expectations. Digital Spy's Ian Sandwell notes its Big Paddington Energy but suggests it may not be as magical as anticipated. While the film may not provide revelations about Wonka's past, it aims to be an all-singing, all-dancing spectacular, prioritizing fun over a deep dive into the character's history."