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In Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a poor little boy finds himself in the middle of the magic and wonder of a fabulous factory full of imaginative confections. Though the story has already been adapted into a couple of different films, Wonka offers a new perspective, exploring Willy Wonka’s early days as a chocolatier.
Wonka stars Timothée Chalamet as a young Willy Wonka, who arrives in a small town ready to make his dreams come true. Though he dreams of selling chocolate in the world-famous Gallery Gourmet, he faces one obstacle after another along the way—starting with Mrs. Scrubbit (Olivia Colman), an innkeeper who forces him to work off loads of debt in her laundry. But that’s where he meets a group of new friends who agree to help him battle the three chocolate makers of the Chocolate Cartel and evade capture by crooked, chocolate loving cops.
Even as Willy makes his way to this town of chocolatey treachery, the film is already filled with music and whimsy, color and imagination. There’s a quirky playfulness that continues throughout the film to make it an absolute delight—yet, in true Roald Dahl style, it’s not all fun and games for this would-be chocolate maker and his friends. Lurking underneath the singing and dancing and sweet treats, there’s something dark and dramatic, too—these greedy and malicious characters who scheme and plot and set out to crush the hopes and dreams of the young and naïve. Still, there’s a balance to it all. Even the villainous characters are humorous and overdone. And even in the more playful moments, there’s often a little bit of melancholy mixed in.
In the midst of all of the ups and downs, though, Timothée Chalamet takes all of the magic and mischief—and even the misery, too—and presents it in a way that’s perfectly charming. He sings and dances his way into viewers’ hearts and makes them want to join Willy in his quest to make his dreams come true. It’s no wonder that he attracts crowds in the Gallery Gourmet with his antics. He’s impish and earnest and over-the-top in all of the best ways—an enchanting take on a beloved character.
Whether you’re a fan of Roald Dahl’s unique style—or you just love chocolate—Wonka is worth watching with your family. It’s playful and imaginative and full of sweet, magical, musical treats.
You can join Willy on his quest when Wonka arrives in theaters on December 15, 2023.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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