Timothee Chalamet Delivers a Memorable Performance, but 'Wonka' Lacks Sizzle

Timothee Chalamet Courtesy of Warner Bros.

We movie critic Mara Reinstein awarded Wonka 2.5 out of 4 stars. Timothée Chalamet showcases his talent for singing and dancing while delving into the magical world of chocolate and taking on human trafficking.

Welcome to Wonka, a heartwarming yet unexciting movie that delves into the origins of the legendary character behind the famous candy empire. In a nutshell, a young Willy strikes out on his own and takes on a local chocolate cartel in order to build his factory. But let's be honest, we're not really here for deep insights into the early years of a fictional chocolate maker, are we?

Now, let's get to the real answers to your burning questions:

Chalamet, a graduate of the renowned LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City, delivers a professional performance and exudes pure joy on screen. However, the seven new songs featured in the film will not likely become timeless classics or have a lasting impact beyond 2024. In fact, it will be difficult to remember any of the melodies just weeks after watching.

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Yes, the film is suitable for young children. Even though Chalamet's initial character photo in 2021 sparked sarcastic comments about young Willy's moody sex appeal, he radiates delightful wholesome charm. Phew.

This movie is not as mean-spirited as Tim Burton's 2005 remake of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. It also doesn't capture the enchanting and mischievous appeal of the original 1971 Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. While it delivers on its sweet intentions and will suffice for a long holiday break, the talent involved may leave non-PG viewers unsatisfied.

FYI, the Willy Wonka origin story is not based on material written by Roald Dahl. Find out for the first time that young Willy navigated through a sad childhood. His kind British mother (Sally Hawkins) passed away too early – but not before passing on the love of chocolate and a reminder that the best part of enjoying sweets is "sharing it with those you love."

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Wide-eyed Willy arrives in a charming little town with a cane and top hat, eager to sell his beloved chocolates and make them accessible to everyone. However, his fair-minded approach upsets the established business owners who want him gone. The bumbling police chief, played by Keegan-Michael Key, even goes as far as to warn Willy not to sell chocolate in town, while indulging in the treats himself. On top of that, Willy finds himself trapped in a boarding house run by the mean Mrs. Scrubitt, played by Olivia Colman, who forces her guests to work without allowing them to leave. Every day, Willy must find a way to escape her control before returning in the evening.

The entire set-up is delightful. What's a good children's story without a variety of colorful villains, right? Unfortunately, the writers also pair Willy with an adorable sidekick. In a Disney film, it would be a talking animal or animated object; here, it's a clever street-smart kid named Noodle (newcomer Calah Lane). Noodle has her own Annie-like backstory, which is often unnecessarily emphasized in the movie. While harmless in theory, the friendship detracts from Willy's story and doesn't fit into the bigger picture. We already know how this turns out! The man grows up to be a solitary loner!

It's irrelevant to argue that Wonka should have the creative freedom to stand on its own. This becomes a moot point when the undeniable highlight is a nostalgic throwback in the form of Hugh Grant's mischievous Oompa Loompa. Every time the little chocolate-stealer and scene-stealer breaks into "The Oompa Loompa Song," the movie practically acknowledges its audience with a wink and a content smile. Familiarity is supposed to bring comfort, not relief.

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

These imperfections may not trouble excited younger audiences. After all, Wonka is created by Paul King, the director of Paddington and Paddington 2. Once again, he has constructed a world with charming musicality, talented British actors (Rowan Atkinson makes an appearance too), delightful costumes, and sets that look like they're straight out of a storybook. Ironically, only a glimpse inside Wonka’s candy factory appears artificial and computer-generated. (In comparison, the chocolate room was the genuine article in the ’71 original.)

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Despite this, it's not the key to achieving cinematic excellence. Just like Willy Wonka's eventual base of operations, everything — including the tone and the performance numbers — is slightly off and requires some adjustments. Maybe some people's stories are best left to the realm of pure imagination.

Wonka will be released in theaters on Friday, December 15th.