‘Wonka’ Review
Stars: Timothée Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Tom Davis, Olivia Colman, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Freya Parker, Keegan-Michael Key, Colin O’Brien, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Charlotte Ritchie, Phil Wang | Written by Paul King, Simon Farnaby | Directed by Paul King
Paul King has worked some of his Paddington heart and magic to create a world of pure imagination. With a story that feels closer to the hearts and souls of a newer generation, than to the ones that grew up watching Gene Wilder, Wonka is for a new age to enjoy some sweet treats.
When it was announced Paul King would be at the helm of the Wonka origin story, I breathed a sigh of relief. If there is anyone working in Hollywood today who understands how to tell a wonderfully heartwarming tale while showing brilliant cinematic language, it’s Paul King. Through his previous two films (Paddington and Paddington 2) he’s established himself as a fanatical director, one who can bring so much life to a frame in every moment. Now, along with screenwriter Simon Farnaby, he’s created a new world for Wonka to explore.
That new world sees Wonka arriving with a song-filled charm, and more than one or two winks, as he steps foot off a boat into a new land filled with possibility. Wonka arrives with dreams of opening a shop in a city renowned for its chocolate, but along the way runs into a cast of characters set on stopping him. The cast of characters also includes those trying to help and in doing so creates a wonderful ensemble cast that all earn their place. The casting works brilliantly across the board and not a single person feels out of place in this world. It’s something all of Paul King’s previous films have had and makes the world feel richer and more alive, as every character we meet is unique and interesting, there isn’t a boring or undeveloped character in this world. Every character feels like they are given a moment to shine and it truly looked like every actor in the film was having a blast.
At the heart of the wonderful cast is Wonka himself. Timothée Chalamet brings a brightness and wonder to his presence that brings hope and joy to this version of Wonka. It does feel less likely that this character will grow up to be a shutaway who invites 5 children to his factory through golden tickets. Instead, this version plays closer to Michael Bond’s Paddington (perhaps Paul King and Simon Farnaby just can’t get that little bear out of their heads). Like Paddington, this version of Wonka sees the very best in everything and walks through life with a spring in his step. Chalamet does throw in a few, brief shades of Gene Wilder, but this version feels fully his own and he captivates every moment he is on screen.
The characters and world both feel like they were built for a new generation, as does the entire film. It’s far more singing and dancing than we’ve ever got and feels far more suited for a younger audience than any previous instalment. Giving the film this world and these new characters allows the film to stand on its own two feet and not rely on the previous work of other filmmakers, a mistake so many reboots, remakes, or prequels make. Wonka doesn’t exactly feel like a prequel to Gene Wilder, or a new adaptation of the book, instead it feels new, it feels fresh, and in doing so allows the film to feel exciting. Giving new life to this story shows there’s fun to be had on every corner. Whether it’s a song or dance, a joke or two, or even Hugh Grant as an Oompa-Loompa, there is something for everyone in Wonka, making it the family film to see this Christmas.
**** 4/5
Wonka is in cinemas now.
