wonka (2023) movie review

The project's success is almost guaranteed, given the built-in popularity of Willy Wonka. The performances, costumes, songs, and choreography exceed expectations, elevating the film beyond what might be deemed necessary for a hit. While the best movie doesn't shy away from adhering to a familiar formula, its charm lies in how it handles this predictability with finesse. Overall, "Wonka" appears to strike a balance between nostalgia and fresh entertainment, making it an enjoyable experience for both fans of the classic Wonka tales and newcomers alike.

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In "Wonka," the main character, played by Timothee Chalamet, is joined by his resilient and resourceful friend, Noodle, portrayed by Calah Lane. Both are plucky orphans, automatically earning the audience's sympathy. Wonka carries a sentimental connection to his past, clutching the last chocolate bar crafted by his mom, a jungle-dwelling candy maker who serves as his inspiration.

The film introduces formidable adversaries in a trio of all-powerful businessmen (Slugworth, Prodnose, and Fickelgruber) controlling the candy industry. They manipulate the corrupt police force and enact laws making it nearly impossible for others to enter the business. Keegan Michael Key adds a touch of humor as the chocoholic chief of police. Sally Hawkins appears in flashbacks as Mama Wonka, bringing her charm to the world of big-budget fantasies.

The central plot follows young Wonka's journey to become a successful chocolatier, echoing a familiar narrative of ambition and struggle. The story emphasizes the harsh reality that "the greedy beat the needy every time." This theme is evident from the start, with Wonka spending his last farthings on mandatory expenses, setting the tone for his challenging path. The script cleverly employs a musical sequence to illustrate Wonka's financial struggles, emphasizing the societal inequalities reminiscent of Dickensian themes.

The narrative unfolds with Wonka falling into the hands of seemingly kind characters, like Olivia Colman's Mrs. Scrubbit and her right-hand man, Bleacher (Tom Davis). However, Wonka soon realizes he unwittingly agrees to pay for everything with his labor, accumulating charges for every action. This mirrors the harsh fines imposed on those less fortunate, evoking a touch of Roald Dahl's storytelling. The film also explores the darker side of characters, depicting cruelty through physical abuse, notably directed at the vulnerable Noodle.

In essence, "Wonka" weaves together a tale of ambition, friendship, and societal challenges, all against the backdrop of a whimsical candy-making world. Timothee Chalamet's portrayal and the film's thematic elements promise an entertaining blend of fantasy and social commentary.

In "Wonka," our hero, played by Timothee Chalamet, finds himself in a basement laundry facility alongside other indentured servants like Abacus Crunch (Jim Carter) and the quick-bonding Noodle. Their sibling-like dynamic becomes a refreshing highlight of the story. Wonka's ambition to succeed in the chocolate business takes on a noble twist as he aims to liberate his friends, not just for himself and his mom but for them too.

The script doesn't make things easy for Wonka; he faces setbacks with every step forward, a metaphor Chalamet embodies while walking down steps in a scene. The story unfolds with elaborate plans unraveling due to unforeseen circumstances or villainous influence, demanding quick thinking and improvisation from Wonka and Noodle. The narrative occasionally dips into a fantastical, almost cartoonish realm, leaving us to question the extent of Wonka's resources and whether he's bound by earthly limitations.

As Wonka strives to open his own chocolate shop, the film playfully sidesteps logistical challenges, echoing the cheeky style of classics like "The Blues Brothers." "Wonka" fully embraces contrivances and absurd embellishments, even allowing its characters to comment on them in a subtle, practical manner.

The film's audiovisual landscape, crafted by Nathan Crowley's production design, Lindy Hemming's costumes, and Chung-hoo Chung's cinematography, presents a universe rooted in economic distress yet resembling one of Wonka's candies. While a class system is evident, the film cleverly avoids racial concerns. The Oompa-Loompas, typically criticized as imperialistic caricatures, feature Hugh Grant in a unique role, challenging stereotypes and adding a touch of English leprechaun charm.

"Wonka" also distances itself from Roald Dahl's tendency to equate beauty with virtue and ugliness with nonstandard body types. The only nod to this is a running gag involving the corrupt police chief's physical transformation from indulging in bribe candy.

In essence, "Wonka" emerges as an unapologetically whimsical journey, skillfully blending contrivances with heartfelt moments, all set against a visually striking backdrop. Timothee Chalamet's portrayal, combined with the film's clever narrative choices, promises an enjoyable cinematic experience with a touch of fantasy and a sprinkle of social commentary.

In "Wonka," the city our protagonist conquers is a blend of London and Paris, sprinkled with elements from other places, creating a captivating blend of old-world charm and futuristic fantasy. The cityscape, reminiscent of settings in films like "The French Dispatch," "Amelie," and "Moulin Rouge," adds a whimsical touch, akin to a storybook or graphic novel.

The standout performances, particularly by Olivia Colman and Hugh Grant, add depth to the film, though the script leaves a few characters in the laundry room with unexplored narratives. However, a puzzling drawback arises in the cinematography—while flashbacks and daylight scenes boast a gorgeous silvery look, nighttime and dim locations appear washed-out and indifferent, reminiscent of a generic "Netflix original." This contrasts with Tim Burton's 2005 Wonka film, which, despite any criticisms, maintained a consistently impressive visual appeal.

Regarding the music, while I can't recall the new songs off the top of my head, I remember enjoying them during the film, especially the one in the opening sequence where Wonka faces a financial setback. The movie also revisits hits from the 1971 adaptation, such as the Oompa Loompa song and "Pure Imagination." These reprised classics, expected by the audience, may serve as nostalgic triggers, tapping into the emotional connections of older viewers. This nostalgic approach is reminiscent of other intellectual property-driven productions, similar to the strategy employed in Batman movies or Disney prequels like "Cruella."

However, despite potential cynicism associated with such productions, "Wonka" proves itself as a genuinely enjoyable experience. It mirrors the enthusiasm and enigmatic nature of its titular character, portrayed with elegance and restraint by Timothee Chalamet. Chalamet's performance exudes a quality reminiscent of Gene Wilder, striking a balance between quiet contemplation and madcap inspiration, making the film a captivating and charming addition to the Wonka legacy.