The childhood book ‘Charlie and the chocolate factory’ by Roald Dahl, has had not one, not two but three movie adaptations, with the latest movie ‘Wonka’ being a prequel to the previous adaptions. In this adaptation Timothee Chalamet plays young Willy Wonka, who has been previously depicted by Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp in earlier adaptations of the children’s novel.
This new Wonka movie has tickled the taste buds of critics with several glowing reviews, so expectations were high, but when watching the movie, it lacked substance and depth. This star-studded musical adaption follows a young Willy Wonka and his journey of becoming the chocolatier that he is commonly known for. However, the portrayal of a very jolly and optimistic Wonka by Chalamet lacks the darker, troubled element of previous versions by Wilder and Depp, and lead to Chalamet ultimately giving a very hollow, pantomime-like performance, which on occasion is seen in Olivia Colman’s character of Mrs. Scrubbit.
With all that said, the movie whips up a warmth and homeliness that bring back beloved memories of the classics of the past. It feels like there is a large influence from Mary Poppins, a little Matilda and some Oliver! Many say that Timothee Chalamet was miscast, however, I think that no one else would have captured the Wonka that the writers wanted to portray any better, with the same team that were behind Paddington 2 (directed and written by Paul King and co-written by Simon Farnaby). Chalamet is fragile and cheeky, unworldly and possesses, as stated in the Guardian, “a Paddington innocence and charm” which fits the character in this movie perfectly, without being insufferable. And yet, I would argue that Willy Wonka may be charming but is not by any means innocent, and with the previous portrayals being more disturbing, this movie would be successful as a standalone film, not as a prequel.
With all that said, the movie whips up a warmth and homeliness that bring back beloved memories of the classics of the past. It feels like there is a large influence from Mary Poppins, a little Matilda and some Oliver! Many say that Timothee Chalamet was miscast, however, I think that no one else would have captured the Wonka that the writers wanted to portray any better, with the same team that were behind Paddington 2 (directed and written by Paul King and co-written by Simon Farnaby). Chalamet is fragile and cheeky, unworldly and possesses, as stated in the Guardian, “a Paddington innocence and charm” which fits the character in this movie perfectly, without being insufferable. And yet, I would argue that Willy Wonka may be charming but is not by any means innocent, and with the previous portrayals being more disturbing, this movie would be successful as a standalone film, not as a prequel.
So, are three movies too many? Well with the appearance of Rowan Atkinson as a chocoholic priest, Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa (amazing performance), Sally Hawkins as Willy Wonka’s mother, Keegan-Michael Key as the chief of police, Olivia Colman as Mrs. Scrubitt. This movie felt more like a who’s who of celebrities with cameos from many British comedians, which took away from the serenity and warmth of the movie. The trailer for the movie was better than the actual movie and Chalamet’s portrayal of Wonka was not as good as Depp or Wilder. Overall, if you enjoy musicals and want to watch a light-hearted, fun movie which in my opinion has no substance or depth this movie for you.