REVIEW: New Wonka Movie A Success, In Its Own Way

By JOHN ENABOIFO / Staff Contributor

Curious about the new Wonka Movie? Well, quiet up and listen down. No, scratch that — reverse it.

Paul King, director of the well-beloved (and rightly so) Paddington movies, took on a daunting project with his Wonka prequel. When I heard about this movie, I responded with relative disinterest. My response stemmed from the 2005 movie “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” a version that pales in comparison to the original classic “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.”

Thankfully, “Wonka” is an enjoyable viewing experience that manages to separate itself from the original while still holding on to some of the magical elements that the previous movies have. Good performances coupled with truly heartfelt moments and comedic chops give this a beating pulse, which follows through to an enthusiastic ending. However, the movie is bogged down by its cinematography, predictable plot, and, surprisingly, the Oompa Loompas (or, in this case, the Oompa Loompa).

The movie opens with Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) venturing into Europe, after years of collecting and perfecting his chocolate recipes, having nothing but “twelve silver sovereigns and a hat full of dreams.” However, after discovering interest-heavy loans and corrupt politicians, he is forced to put his dreams on hold. He eventually ends up being locked in a hotel and forced to work as a clothes cleaner to pay his debts. There he meets Noodle (Calah Lane), Piper (Natasha Rothwell), Larry (Rich Fulcher), Lottie (Rakhee Thakrar), and Abacus (Jim Carter) and forms a close bond with them. They work together to escape the hotel, which is owned by the dastardly duo of Mrs. Scrubitt (Olivia Coleman), and Bleacher (Tom Davis). They must also foil the plans of the terrible business trio of Arthur Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Gerald Prodnose (Paterson Joseph), and Felix Fickelgruber (Matthew Baynton). The gang has to accomplish these goals in order to make their dreams come true and to reunite with their loved ones.

The first question on everyone’s mind is: can Chalamet live up to Gene Wilder’s classic portrayal of the beloved character? While the answer is no, Chalamet still brings to Willy Wonka a certain type of whimsicality and a free-flowing performance which have a sense of familiarity. Chalamet’s version of Wonka is undoubtedly a skinny himbo, but a lovable dreamer. His dream to make the world chocolatier than he found it is very noble. His singing chops are impressive, as well as his commitment to physical comedy.

This movie is also helped by the wholesome relationship that is formed between the titular character and the young Noodle. Rarely in film do you see a pairing like this one; Wonka and Noodle’s uncle-and-niece-esque relationship is imbued with so much chemistry and wholesome energy throughout that it is the true heartbeat of the narrative. Their relationship is beautiful because it is symbiotic, and because they both grow and open themselves up to a world of immense possibilities. Calah Lane is also amazing on her own. She brings an outstanding performance for a child actor.

The movie is also imbued with some much-appreciated physical comedy. With actors like Rowan Atkinson and Simon Harnbey at the helm, it is no surprise. In fact, the supporting characters in “Wonka” really do make the movie more “lived-in.” King is very good at utilizing supporting characters and using them to further highlight the world that these characters inhabit.

The three antagonistic businessmen also give a wonderful performance that channels the chaotic nature of the original movie. Their desire to kill off the characters (including the young Noodle) is a comedic choice that works. Their performance is campy, and their voice acting adds to their supervillain status in a Roald Dahl sort of way. It’s great!

The emotional moments in the movie are also fully realized. It shows up throughout, and culminates in the last few scenes of the movie. 

Of course, the movie has its own issues. The cinematography feels a bit neutral and even stale at some points. There are some pretty parts here and there, but CGI is not always used effectively, and the final reveal scene of the chocolate factory is extremely underwhelming. This movie also feels like a Wonka plot plugged into a Paddington movie. This is not the worst thing in the world, of course, but the director really could have made a few different choices in order to make “Wonka” more of its own thing.

The Oompa Loompa storyline wasn’t that interesting. Putting the Oompa Loompa storyline into the movie felt more like a checklist item rather than like an inspired decision. In an otherwise good film that moves well plot-wise, the Oompa Loompas seem to be a key factor that doesn’t work well for me.

The music, however, is great. There are some new tunes, but a few are based on the 1971 version. The first song, A Hatful of Dreams, introduces the movie and the tone well, and helps the movie establish itself as a bombastic family musical. The first “Pure Imagination” song, which Wonka sings with Noodle, is a beautiful and emotional moment. It is coupled well with beautiful illustrations. It’s a fitting song and moment!

Paul King, with this installment in the “Wonka” series, has brought the right ingredients for a much-beloved family musical. Although it does not reach the levels of the original, “Wonka” succeeds at being its own thing and at bringing a new generation into a world of pure imagination.

Rating: 7/10