Movie Review: WONKA

Kimberly Pierce

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Willy Wonka poses with his cane while dancers stand behind him with open umbrellas that say "Wonka" on them.

Full disclosure: I was really mean to Wonka when the movie was initially announced. I believe the phrase I used was, “It’s the reboot no one asked for.” Well, kids. I’ve seen it. Would this prove to be an unexpected candy-colored delight? Or is Wonka an “Oompa loompa doompety” don’t?  

Wonka follows a young Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) as he arrives in London with little more than a dream. He’s going to be a chocolate maker. The only problem is that the “Chocolate Cartel” has other ideas. Will he be able to rise above their crooked games, or will he become yet another casualty in their candy war? Olivia Colman, Calah Lane, Matt Lucas, Hugh Grant, Matthew Baynton, Keegan-Michael Key and Jim Carter co-star in the movie. Paul King directs Wonka from a script he co-wrote with Simon Farnaby.

Willy Wonka and Noodle walk through a bustling city square while chatting.
(L to r) CALAH LANE as Noodle and TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET as Willy Wonka in Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “WONKA,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The fact the movie comes from filmmaker Paul King should tell us everything we need to know. Many will undoubtedly recognize him as the director of the much-loved Paddington film series. Still more will be familiar with his work on the Noel Fielding television series The Mighty Boosh.

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Factoring King’s strength as a filmmaker with a pitch-perfect ensemble ensures that Wonka is a joy to watch. This cast operates at full power from top to bottom, and each is fully committed to the film’s colorful vision. Jim Carter (of Downton Abbey fame) delivers one of my favorite line readings of 2023. “Tiddles is a good boy!” At the same time, Hugh Grant is responsible for some of the film’s funniest moments as the Oompa Loompa. 

Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet steps out in front of the movie in a surprising but enjoyable anti-type casting move. The young actor hit the industry hard in recent years, spending most of his time in the most adult of independent films. I will admit to finding him the slightest bit distracting this time around. I mean, this is the youngster from Call Me By Your Name, after all. Wonka is just so … accessible!

That said, Chalamet brings a beautiful and certainly enjoyable performance. He lights up the screen with the wide-eyed life he brings to his character. He goes all-in with his take on Wonka, giving his all from the most serious scene to the brightest music number. While his singing is not always the strongest, he’s fun to watch. 

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However, one question must be asked. Does Wonka bring the same quirky creativity as the story’s earlier cinematic depictions? That, unfortunately, is difficult to say. King’s vision comes at the story’s world from a far kinder and gentler place than the 1971 and the 2005 versions. While certain elements are brought forward and will feel familiar, fans of these earlier works are not guaranteed to find what they’re looking for this time around. 

Willy Wonka sits in a dimly lit office while chatting with an Oompa Loompa who stands on his desk.
(L-r) TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET as Willy Wonka and HUGH GRANT as an Oompa Loompa in Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “WONKA,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

When all is said and done, though, I don’t believe I’m making an unreasonable stretch when I say that those who loved the easy joy of Paddington will find much to love in Wonka‘s glowing joy. I had a smile on my face for the entire run of this movie, and I can’t recommend this candy-coated delight more. From Farnaby and King’s delightful script to the memorable tongue-in-cheek performances, this one has a lot to love. 

Wonka is now playing in theaters around the country. 

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Kimberly Pierce
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