The character, Willy Wonka, is one of the most iconic characters ever created. After author Roald Dahl created the character for his famous book, the beloved Wonka has been on the big screen twice before this latest iteration — the 1971 film (Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) and the 2005 Burton/Depp film (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).
Now, get ready to see how Wonka has become the eccentric inventor and chocolatier that we have grown to love and enjoy.
Based on the extraordinary character at the center of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’ Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book and one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, ‘Wonka' tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved character we know today.
‘Wonka’ is a truly imaginative fun film about our favorite chocolate maker that is quite entertaining. The backstory of the character delivers quite a few magical moments, great visuals and some really good songs.
When I first heard that a new film iteration of the Willy Wonka character, I admit I was a little skeptical. I really enjoyed the 1971 film featuring Gene Wilder and the 2005 movie was just okay. After seeing the trailers for this film and seeing that it’s a prequel to the 1971 film, it won me over.
The ‘Wonka’ origin is extremely fun and really does a fantastic job showing how the beloved Willy Wonka got his start and slowly became the best chocolate maker ever. The backstory that the filmmakers created really works well for the character and can even be heart-felt.
Actor Timothee Chalamet does a remarkable job bringing the young Wonka to life. Chalamet brings a lot of energy to the role and the talented actor always gives it his all in every role he plays.
The rest of the cast of ‘Wonka’ also does an incredible job and is beautifully acted. The film also has some scene-stealing moments from Hugh Grant and Keegan Michael-Key (who plays the Chief of Police). Grant can be humorous while playing an Oompa Loompa and Keegan Michael-Key will really have you laughing during most of his scenes.
‘Wonka’ also features some really good songs. One song that is featured in the film that will really give people a nostalgic feeling is “Pure Imagination.” There are some other songs throughout the film that audiences will surely enjoy.
Overall, ‘Wonka’ is definitely a great film for families to see during the holiday season. Filled with memorable songs, a really great back-story for Willy Wonka and moments that will keep you smiling and laughing, the latest ‘Wonka’ film is really magical.
The cast: Timothee Chalamet as Willy Wonka; Calah Lane as Noodle; Peterson Joseph as Arthur Slugworth; Matt Lucas as Gerald Prodnose; Matthew Baynton as Felix Fickelgruber; Jim Carter as Abacus Crunch; Natasha Rothwell as Piper Benz; Olivia Colman as Mrs. Scrubbitt; Rowan Atkinson as Father Julius; Keegan Michael-Key as the Chief of Police and Hugh Grant as Lofty, an Oompa Loompa.
‘Wonka’ is written by Simon Faranby (Paddington 2) and co-written and directed by Paul King, who brought us the ‘Paddington’ movies on the big screen.
Warner Brothers reacquired the rights to the ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ character Willy Wonka in October 2016. Before Timothee Chalamet was eventually cast as the younger Wonka, Spider-Man actor Tom Holland was also a front-runner for the role.
‘Wonka’ is rated PG for some violence, mild language and thematic elements and has a running time of 116 minutes.
Let me know on my Wyoming County Press Examiner reviews page on Facebook what your favorite Wonka film is — the 1971 film, the 2005 film or this one! Also coming up next is my annual top picks of the year, which this year there is quite a few!
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