Wonka

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Wonka [2023]

Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Rowan Atkinson, Hugh Grant

Direction by Paul King

Language: Arabic

I'm going to preface this by saying that there was a brief Wonka backstory that was outlined in the 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' (CATCF) movie. That went against this story. But it was fine - I am totally willing to accept this version of Wonka's story because it was just better. 

The Dune trailer came on before the movie, and it hit me like an epiphany. Timothee Chalamet may be the most versatile actor of this generation: whether it was his portrayal of a nervous, quiet Elio in 'Call Me By Your Name', or the outgoing, hopeful, and eccentric character which is 'Wonka', he really is a chameleon. He embraced the role of Wonka phenomenally - a little offbeat but full of character and energy, he shined throughout the movie. You're looking at a Chalamet fan here. 

I didn't watch the trailer of the movie before I came to watch it, so all the singing caught me off guard. Some songs were better than others, but everything fit in pretty well. The whole 'A World of Your Own' song was incredible. I don't want to admit it, but I got chills (even though it was a children's movie). There are only two other 'children's movies' where the songs really stick out. And those movies are Ratatouille (Le Festin), and Aladdin. 

Also, this movie avoided the traps that so many kids movies are falling into. Whenever I see kids movies in the theatre nowadays, I find that there is too much slapstick comedy, and so movies end up being quite ridiculous to watch. This movie was the exception: the slapstick comedy wasn't egregious. There was clever comedy through wordplay, the characters, and some of the dances. Everything worked, and nothing felt overdone. 

The whole magic imagery in this movie also worked super well. Given that 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' was released in 2005, not a lot could be done visually to consolidate the idea of Wonka's chocolate being magic. But that was done well in 'Wonka': the movie showcased the appeal of Wonka's chocolates in a way that CATCF couldn't.

I have one key complaint, and I feel really bad for saying it. Calah Lane, the child star, wasn't that good - a weak link of sorts. Her performance was blah - devoid of any strong emotion and sort of muted? It was the only real thing in this production that was not that great. But I guess her role was minor in the grand scheme of things. 

Watch this movie! If not for Calah Lane (again, I feel so bad for saying this), then for all the other wonderful things this movie has to offer. 

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