Wonka: A Chocolatier Whose Magic Endures

Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka is a beloved figure for many movie lovers and his legacy remains untouchable. However, the upcoming film Wonka may just have what it takes to challenge the 1971 classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Despite initial concerns from fans about casting and storyline changes, the prequel is finally being taken seriously.

Many argue that any movie from the creators of Paddington should not be doubted, and Wonka received overwhelmingly positive social media reactions after its world premiere. Longtime Wilder fans and social media users questioned if it lived up to the hype, and it absolutely does.

The wonder of Willy Wonka is elevated

Wonka follows in the chocolatier’s footsteps before creating his infamous chocolate factory, acting as the magical equivalent of Del Boy on a market stall. Along the way, he falls victim to the wicked Mrs. Scrubbit (played by Olivia Colman), who fans have compared to the menacing Sweeney Todd. Despite his naivety, Wonka is fearless, dedicating his time to bringing magic to the world and improving the lives of those around him.

Addressing the obvious first, Timothée Chalamet is undeniably remarkable in the role of Wonka. He perfectly captures the character's naivety and whimsy without overdoing it, making him a fitting precursor to Wilder’s version. Chalamet exudes charm without insincerity, keeping his backstory on the right side of fictional history and real-life morality. In short, there’s nothing to dislike about the guy – and who better than Chalamet to please the people?

Under the skillful direction of Paul King, every aspect of Wonka, including the additional cast, production value, and score, works in harmony. Colman infuses her antagonist with wicked one-liners and a captivating accent, while former Downton Abbey star Jim Carter leads a new downstairs team with a delightful innocence in his eyes. Every detail in Wonka's increasingly real world of pure imagination is carefully considered, with nods to the films that came before. The original musical soundtrack is sure to please the crowd and the transition to a full-fledged musical makes perfect sense.

However, there’s one sour spot

Warner Bros.

In the whimsical world of chocolate and amusing villains, there is one running joke that misses the mark. The character of the police chief, portrayed by Keegan Michael Key, undergoes a weight gain after being bribed with chocolate by Wonka's rivals. This involves Key wearing a fat suit, which feels out of place and insensitive in comparison to the lighthearted nature of the story. Additionally, this running gag adds little to the overall narrative. While previous characters in the Chocolate Factory may have played into similar tropes, the use of a fat suit in this instance lacks justification.

The addition of Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa gives the character a dry British humor that is surprisingly entertaining. Grant's portrayal teaches Wonka harsh realities without him realizing it, but there are criticisms of the character and how he fits into the prequel. Despite its flaws, the movie still has merit and offers a chance to learn from the stereotypical issues it presents.

Wonka review score: 4/5

Just like every other movie out there, Wonka asks us to simultaneously hold two conflicting ideas – on one hand, it successfully transforms the chocolatier's tale into a pure celebration of happiness, but on the other hand, it falls short in addressing issues related to stereotypes and subtle humor.

If kids have been traumatized by watching Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory or Johnny Depp's portrayal, Wonka provides the perfect opportunity to overcome and rediscover the magic. Wonka will be in theaters on December 8 in the U.K. and December 15 in the U.S. For more of Dexerto's TV and movie coverage, click here.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the upcoming film Wonka. I grew up watching the 1971 classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and I am eager to see how this new prequel will reimagine the story.

The casting of Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka has been met with some controversy, but I think he is a great choice for the role. Chalamet is a talented actor who can bring a lot of energy and charisma to the character. I am also excited to see Olivia Colman as Mrs. Scrubbit and Jim Carter as Mr. Salt. These are all talented actors who I think will bring a lot to the film.

The trailer for Wonka looks visually stunning, and I am excited to see the world of Wonka come to life on the big screen. I think this film has the potential to be a lot of fun, and I am looking forward to seeing it when it comes out.