As a prequel to the much-loved 1971 classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Wonka has its work cut out. Writer/director Paul King (Paddington and The Mighty Boosh) has used Roald Dahl’s source material to concoct an easy-to-watch and charming film. It’s a little short of drama but it was made to highlight the magic that Willy Wonka possessed.
Hollywood’s favourite man/boy Timothée Chalamet does fine in the lead role and even though he has no real vocal range, doesn’t embarrass himself by singing. The character’s ability to create chocolate and magic out of thin air is a bit overused and this makes for a very unchallenging film experience. Its strength is in its charm.
The technical elements of the film are stellar as the costumes and set design look fabulous as does the colour palette used. Olivia Colman chews up every scene she’s in as the deplorable Mrs. Scrubbit. Her crazy is well matched by the performance of Tom Davis as her henchman Bleacher. Calah Lane is also first-rate in the female lead role Noodle.
With its elements so finely tuned, Wonka is a sugar rush of a film. It is easily digestible and should endear itself to those who crave uncomplicated and accessible cinema. It contains so little reference to the current state of world events, it is therapeutic to just spend time in its universe.
Rob Hudson
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