Wonka came out December 15, 2023 in the US, eventually grossing $513 million at the box office, in comparison to its $125 million budget. The movie has received mixed reviews: some are enchanted by Timothée Chalamet’s performance as an actor, singer, and dancer, perhaps on his way to becoming the next Hugh Jackman, while others were bored with the lack of depth.
The film does have great production design, with beautiful, colorful sets, and an imaginative take on how Willy Wonka created his chocolate emporium. The cast is impressive with Oscar winning Olivia Coleman and famed actor Hugh Grant, including a small part from Rowan Atkinson (also known as Mr. Bean). As a family film with a cheery finish, this movie fits the bill. However, as a prequel to the well-known Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder, with famous songs such as “The Candy Man” and “Pure Imagination”, the Chalamet rendition fails to equally blow away and touch its audience.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, written by Roald Dahl, was originally brought to life by Gene Wilder who portrayed a rather weird Wonka shrouded in mystery. He brings joy to so many families through his chocolate and candy, but remains hidden in his factory, only bringing in an exclusive 5 children who find a golden ticket.
The Chalamet Wonka was advertised as a prequel to the Roald Dahl story, and I expected to learn why Wonka got into the chocolate making business, and what possibly tortured this man enough to stay behind closed doors when his chocolate made so many people smile.
Nothing about Wonka gave me those answers. Instead, this film remained entirely unrelated to the original movie, and took the audience on an adventure where Wonka must overcome the chocolate cartel to bring joy to people through his delicious and magical chocolate. He is also aided by a crew of people, tricked into indentured servitude by Coleman’s villainous character.
The movie-musical has fun dance scenes and lots of color, but the songs are not memorable, and although Chalamet can sing and dance, he is nowhere near the aptitude of a broadway star. About half way through the movie, I was very aware of my presence in the theater, and not at all mesmerized by the story. At no point in the movie, was I sitting in suspense, or worried for Wonka’s well-being. I knew he couldn’t get into that much trouble, and when he did, he got out with quickness and ease. I left bored and unimpressed. If you have kids, this movie would entertain them enough for you to take a nap and wake up when the only good song, “Pure Imagination”, is sung at the end. Chalamet is a great actor, but this particular film did not exceed expectations.