Wonka

★★★★1/2

Mild Spoilers

Directed by Paul King
Written by Paul King and Simon Farnaby

Based on the novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Wonka tells the origin story of the world famous chocolatier, Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet), who sets out to fulfill his dream with empty pockets but a suitcase full of ingenuity, only to be thwarted by a group of greedy businessmen. Along the way, he befriends orphan Noodle (Calah Lane) who joins Wonka on his confectionery adventures.

Four and a half out of five? For a prequel to a beloved classic (Wilder, not Depp) that seems like a blatant cash grab? Surely, Wei has lost his… way? But this was such an earnest, old-fashioned, wholesome, funny, heartfelt little musical that by the time the end credits rolled*, I was smitten. Was it the silly musical numbers, the colourful supporting characters, the deliciously over-the-top scenery-chewing villain (we haven’t had a good one for ages), the heartbreaking ending, the enigmatic performance by Chalamet that surprised the heck out of me (sorry for ever doubting you bro), the whimsical charm of the movie, or perhaps all of the above? That was rhetorical, but yes, all of it.

(Also stars Paterson Joseph, Hugh Grant, Olivia Coleman, and Keegan-Michael Key, plus two others I think were surprise cameos? I didn’t know they were in this one until they showed up.)

I don’t know if it will hit a billion at the box office or even earn back its budget, but honestly I don’t care. I’m a fan. Love it, might watch it again, will get the 4K Bluray for sure.

*You’ll probably want to stick around for the credits.