I vividly remember when the announcement was made for a Wonka prequel movie. Many people were skeptical about its feasibility. However, upon learning that Paul King, the director of the first two Paddington films, would be directing it, I felt a sense of hope. I truly appreciated what King brought to the Paddington movies, visually and in terms of storytelling. I was eager to see if his whimsical tone and style would be present in the Wonka film. When the film was released during the 2023 holiday season, many people, including myself, enjoyed its charming performances, catchy musical numbers, and stunning visual splendor. This prequel was something most of us never knew we wanted. While it's not without flaws, it's one of the most surprising films that, despite initial doubts, transformed into an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) is an aspiring magician, inventor, and chocolatier who dreams of setting up a chocolate shop at the Galéries Gourmet. Unfortunately, with some bad luck, he ends up at Mrs Scrubbit’s (Olivia Colman) boarding house and is enslaved into work by the evil owner. Wonka then meets Noodle (Calah Lane), an orphan who works with Wonka to help sell his chocolate to the town. Meanwhile, competitive business owners Arthur Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Felix Fickelgruber (Mathew Baynton), and Gerald Prodnose (Matt Lucas) set their sites to shut down Wonka’s thriving business by any means possible as they fear it will destroy their own business, seeing as Wonka’s Chocolate is unique and unlike anything ever crafted.
The Story, on the surface, may seem redundant and clichéd. It could easily be dismissed as a poor attempt to incorporate nostalgic elements from the original 1970s movie, resulting in a soulless product based on one of Warner Bros' most popular intellectual properties. However, director Paul King infuses the film with a significant amount of charm and heart, all while incorporating plenty of whimsy to captivate children and adults. You can instantly recognize a Paul King film by its childlike, whimsical allure and timeless humor, which avoids overloading the audience with dated modern references. The narrative structure resembles a fairytale, presenting the origin story of how Willy Wonka became the famous candymaker we know today. True, he faces the same trials and tribulations typical of movies featuring quirky characters with big dreams—such as being unjustly targeted by influential business people who want to shut him down and dealing with a deceased parent whose memory inspires the heroes to persevere in their aspirations. Like in "Paddington," the film, despite following a clichéd path, is entertaining and enlightening due to its excellent pacing and irresistible energy. Notably, the movie draws more inspiration from the beloved 1970s classic that everyone knows and loves rather than the 2005 Tim Burton version, which has garnered mixed reactions. It is impressive that Warner Bros and director Paul King created a worthy origin story that honors the Wonka name and tells a tale filled with whimsical charm. Ultimately, the result is an admittedly clichéd yet well-paced and engaging story.
The Characters bring much energy and heart to the movie, and their performances are spectacular. Of course, you can’t discuss the characters without mentioning Willy Wonka, played by Timothée Chalamet. I must admit that I have a soft spot for adults who act like kids, appreciating their innocent perspective on the world, and this version of Wonka embodies that spirit. Chalamet's performance is excellent; he perfectly captures the essence of the Wonka character that Gene Wilder portrayed before him while adding his unique spin to the well-known persona. This rendition of Wonka is a bit bewildered, but not in a way that insults the audience. Chalamet strikes a balance between being silly, heartfelt, and profound when the film calls for it. Calah Lane plays Noodle, a perfect sidekick who helps ground Wonka when he gets lost in his fantasies. Noodle is not only intelligent and helpful but eventually embraces Wonka’s innocence and joins him in his fun. Paterson Joseph, Mathew Baynton, and Matt Lucas portray three villainous businessmen: Arthur Slugworth, Felix Fickelgruber, and Gerald Prodnose. While they may seem like typical evil businessmen on paper, director Paul King infuses them with personality, making them more engaging than expected. Other notable characters include the talented Sally Hawkins, who plays Wonka’s mother, and Olivia Colman as Mrs. Scrubit, who enjoys her villainous role of enslaving people. The only character that felt underused was Hugh Grant as the Oompa Loompa named Lofty. While he is not a bad character, he appears briefly, and his relationship with Willy doesn't come full circle, despite Lofty ultimately working for Wonka by the end. Nevertheless, most actors poured their hearts into their character performances, and their dedication is evident throughout the film.
The Cinematography envelops the audience in a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere, with visuals that entice many viewers to crave candy and chocolate. Most of the shots take place in a town during winter, enhancing the film's comforting setting. The costuming is also impressive, with Wonka’s new signature outfit capturing the most visual attention. There are numerous stunning scenes, including the exterior of the city zoo at night and Wonka’s chocolate shop when it finally opens. I appreciate how this film continues the legacy of what Paddington started while incorporating some experimental visuals, such as hand-drawn line drawings and Wes Anderson-inspired techniques. Although these elements are not as prominent as in the Paddington films, Paul King's signature style is still evident. The musical numbers are particularly captivating, featuring choreography filled with energy and passion. Each song sequence adds visual flair to the film, making it easy to be drawn in by the lively performances, as the characters genuinely enjoy matching their energy to the music and creating a grand spectacle. If I had to point out an area for improvement, it would be the CGI effects. While most of them are well done, some can appear slightly unrealistic at times, which occasionally pulls me out of the film's immersive experience. Overall, the cinematography is a delight for the eyes. Despite some rough spots in the special effects, this film remains visually impressive—cozy, vibrant, and full of life and energy.
The Music and Songs are far more memorable and catchy than they had any right to be. Joby Talbot composed the score, while Neil Hannon, the lead singer of The Divine Comedy, wrote the film's songs. The score itself is charming and cozy, perfectly capturing the emotions the movie aims to evoke. On the other hand, the songs breathe new life into the Wonka franchise, presenting wonderfully sung pieces that strive to be memorable and succeed in doing so. Most songs feature Timothée Chalamet’s impressive singing voice, which matches his outstanding acting performance. Some of my favorite highlights include “A Hatful of Dreams,” “For a Moment,” and “A World of Your Own.” Some lyrics and tunes indeed echo those from the original *Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory*, and part of me wishes they had chosen only original songs. Nonetheless, the performances are strong, and the talent of Timothée Chalamet and the other vocalists brings these songs to life. While these new tunes may not quite measure up to the most iconic pieces from the 1970s Wonka movie, the music is still spectacular and demonstrates that the Wonka brand has much to offer in the modern world.
What could have been a cheap way to capitalize on the Wonka name turned out to be one of the most surprising movies of 2023. With a charming story, delightful characters, cozy visuals, and outstanding music, "Wonka" serves as the prequel origin story that, under different circumstances, could have fallen flat. However, Paul King's passionate energy and direction elevate this film, making it far more fun and engaging than one might expect. Timothée Chalamet's portrayal of Wonka is shockingly excellent and redefines the character for a new generation. While it can’t quite compare to the iconic status of the original "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," this movie stands on its own, distinct from its 1971 counterpart. If you're in the mood for a cozy and energetic tale, don’t hesitate to watch this film; it truly is a world of pure imagination.
(Final Grade: B+)