Film Review: “Wonka” – A Whimsical Reimagining with Some Missing Dahl Magic

The classic tale of Willy Wonka and his enchanting chocolate factory has been a beloved part of our cinematic heritage for decades. In 1971, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” presented a dreamlike world filled with gumball trees and lollipop fields, warning us of the perils of indulgence. That iconic film featured the eerie journey down a nightmarish watery tunnel, forever etching the image of Gene Wilder’s mesmerizing eyes into our memories. It was a cautionary tale about excess, lurking behind the facade of candy-coated wonder.

Fast forward to “Wonka,” the latest attempt to revisit Roald Dahl’s masterwork. While this iteration offers a delectable experience akin to an Everlasting Gobstopper, layering flavors upon flavors, it lacks the daring spirit of Dahl’s original work. Tim Burton’s 2005 adaptation ventured into the realm of creepiness, but “Wonka” takes a decidedly different path.

The film boasts two standout features: the charismatic performance of Timothée Chalamet as the titular character and the brilliant direction of Paul King, renowned for his work on “Paddington.” King infuses the film with the same charm that defined his bear-centered adventures, populating the Wonka origin story with a delightful cast of characters, some of whom may be familiar to “Paddington” fans. Delightful, indeed.

Yet, it’s this very commitment to delight that hampers “Wonka.” King’s film, while lively, seems restrained in comparison to Dahl’s unbridled imagination. It’s pleasant but not quite clever enough to match the exuberant joy of “Paddington 2.” If you recall Johnny Depp’s Wonka with a Michael Jackson twist in Burton’s film, “Wonka” steers in the opposite direction.

But is this really a fault? Who wouldn’t welcome a respite from cynicism, wrapped in candy-colored charm? For many, especially younger viewers, “Wonka” will undoubtedly prove delightful. Even as it reinvents intellectual property, the film earnestly pursues a feel-good narrative.

As the film opens, we meet Willy Wonka (Chalamet) arriving in an unnamed European-inspired city, singing about his chocolate and dreams. He appears as a confident, traveling chocolate salesman eager to share his creations with the world. However, he quickly encounters hardship, fleeced of his meager coins and ensnared in a web of indentured labor by the conniving innkeeper, Mrs. Scrubit (Olivia Colman), and her henchman, Bleacher (Tom Davis).

In a twist that Roald Dahl might question, this version of Wonka cannot read. For Dahl, reading and imagination were intertwined, so this deviation is notable. Despite the setbacks, Willy remains undaunted, inspired by his late mother (Sally Hawkins), determined to open a candy shop in the Galeries Gourmet. He dazzles customers with exotic chocolates, often causing levitation, before slipping away through manhole covers like Harry Lime in “The Third Man.”

Recognizing the power of Wonka’s enchanting chocolates, local chocolatiers, including Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Prodnose (Matt Lucas), and Fickelgruber (Mathew Baynton), unite to thwart Willy’s ambitions. They enlist the aid of a chocolate-addicted police chief (Keegan-Michael Key), whose waistline expands throughout the film.

However, most of the film’s humor, including Hugh Grant’s portrayal of an Oompa Loompa, falls somewhat flat. Despite the star-studded cast, the jokes often lack the cleverness that one might expect. The film’s songs, while serviceable, don’t hold a candle to the original tunes.

“Wonka” is undeniably a pleasant movie, buoyed by its unwavering optimism and King’s impeccable craftsmanship. The production design, costumes, and cinematography create a visually stunning backdrop for Chalamet’s portrayal of a simpler and brighter Willy. Yet, in recent Dahl adaptations, we’ve seen the magic come to life when the cruelties of life and childhood are not just glossed over. “Wonka” leans more towards entertaining children, losing some of the depth found in other recent adaptations.

In conclusion, “Wonka” is a charming but somewhat restrained reimagining of Roald Dahl’s timeless tale. It offers a candy-coated world of wonder, carried by Timothée Chalamet’s earnest performance and Paul King’s visual prowess. While it may lack the daring spirit of the original, it delivers an eminently pleasant viewing experience, particularly for younger audiences.

Rating: Two and a half stars out of four.

Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP

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More about Film Review: Wonka

• IMDb: “Wonka” (2023): IMDb page for the movie “Wonka,” providing detailed information about the film and its cast.
• Roald Dahl Official Website: The official website dedicated to Roald Dahl’s work, where you can explore his literary legacy and adaptations.
• Timothée Chalamet’s IMDb: Timothée Chalamet’s IMDb page with a comprehensive list of his filmography and roles.
• Paul King – Director: IMDb page for director Paul King, known for his work on “Paddington” and “Paddington 2.”
• Original “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971): IMDb page for the original 1971 film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
• Hugh Grant’s IMDb: IMDb page for Hugh Grant, who plays an Oompa Loompa in “Wonka.”
• Official Trailer for “Wonka”: The official trailer for the movie “Wonka” provides a glimpse into the film’s visual style and tone.