Timothée Chalamet's Wonka Leaves a Bittersweet Taste

More a result of practical business than pure creativity, "Wonka" proves to be a charming and occasionally delightful treat, with Timothée Chalamet playing the role of the young inventor/magician/chocolatier in a high-energy origin story. The star puts in a strong performance, including some decent but not exceptional singing, in a film that shines most when it taps into the enduring appeal of the 1971 classic.

The film opens with the familiar "Pure Imagination," and the memorable tunes from the Gene Wilder version overshadow the forgettable new songs by Neil Hannon, which often feature slightly cringeworthy lyrics, such as Wonka singing to a young girl named Noodle (Calah Lane) that "some people don't, and some people doodle."

Chalamet's Willy Wonka arrives in a city with a nostalgic, Dickensian atmosphere, showcasing his near-mystical chocolate-making skills and a heart full of dreams. The film wisely avoids the darker 2005 take and features a star-studded cast including Olivia Colman, Jim Carter, Rowan Atkinson, and Sally Hawkins, reminiscent of the Harry Potter series.

The villains are a trio of businessmen who lead the chocolate cartel and view the youthful Wonka and his extraordinary levitating treats as a danger to their business. The main leader is appropriately named Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), and they receive help from the local police chief (Keegan-Michael Key).

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'Wonka': Timothée Chalamet on what makes his chocolatier different

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Director Paul King's involvement in the "Paddington" movies provides context for the surprising decision to cast Hugh Grant as an Oompa-Loompa, adding a unique twist to the character who harbors resentment towards Wonka. Despite the buzz surrounding Grant's casting, the diminutive character doesn't make an appearance until halfway through the film. Described as "the little orange man," his presence injects a burst of energy into the overall movie each time he appears.

While Wilders Wonka was eccentric and enigmatic, Chalamets portrayal is consistently optimistic, even in the midst of adversity. At times, he channels Blanche DuBois by acknowledging that he has "relied on the kindness of strangers." However, "Wonka" only occasionally captures the enchantment of cinema, with most of those moments relying heavily on connections to the earlier movie based on Roald Dahl's story instead of forging a new path for a new generation.

Chalamet has quickly established himself as a pivotal figure in Warner Bros.'s revitalization of iconic franchises, following his role in "Dune." His portrayal in "Wonka" seems to be an even better fit for him than his previous role.

While "Wonka" may primarily appeal to a younger audience, it is likely to resonate most strongly with those who have a deep connection to the original movie that debuted over 50 years ago. The film offers some whimsically clever aspects, but it struggles to carve out its own distinct identity.

"Wonka" premieres December 15 in US theaters and December 6 in a several international territories. Its being released by Warner Bros., like CNN, a unit of Warner Bros. Discovery, and rated PG.