I write this review as a fan of the 1971 "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory" musical. The Roald Dahl book was fine, but I don't have the attachment to it that I do to the film adaptation. When the "Wonka" prequel was announced, I was cautiously optimistic, especially when I heard that Paul King was writing and directing. The man behind the "Paddington" movies sounded like the right fit for the material, and I liked the idea of a prequel better than another remake. For the record, I didn't enjoy the Tim Burton attempt - too garish and off putting.
Those viewers who liked the "Willy Wonka" story for its mean streak and psychedelic imagery will probably be disappointed. "Wonka" is a very old fashioned musical affair, with a nostalgic tone closer to "Oliver!" and "Annie" than the '71 film. It's totally kid friendly and parent friendly, featuring a naive youngster named Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) who is newly arrived in the big city, full of dreams to open his own chocolate shop. "Wonka" is very much a Dahl pastiche, but one that has put Willy Wonka in the role of the creative, pure-hearted young hero, who has to overcome a lot of adversity. Unlike the previous screen Wonkas, this guy may be a little offbeat, but he's also totally harmless. There's never a sense that he could have it in him to turn naughty children into blueberries or fudge.
Young Wonka quickly finds himself blocked by a sinister chocolate cartel, consisting of established chocolatiers Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Ficklegruber (Mathew Baynton), and Prodnose (Matt Lucas). They have a chocoholic police captain (Keegan Michael Key) and the local priest (Rowan Atkinson) on their side. Then Wonka is tricked and ensnared by the greedy Mrs. Scrubit (Olivia Colman) to work in her laundry alongside several other victims. One of them is a girl named Noodle (Calah Lane), who becomes Wonka's first friend and ally. She's much savvier than Wonka, and soon helps him make and sell his magical chocolates in secret.
There's a lot about "Wonka" that shouldn't work, but somehow it does. Chalamet isn't much of a singer and all attempts to homage Gene Wilder's performance fall flat. Nonetheless, he's got the right wholesome energy and the right earnest delivery to sell this version of the character. The story shamelessly relies on references to the '71 "Willy Wonka" musical for big emotional moments, including two of the familiar songs, and appearances by an Oompa Loompa named Lofty (Hugh Grant). However, the writing is very good about setting up these elements properly, and doesn't overuse them. Neil Hannon's songs aren't as catchy as the Bricusse and Newly ones from the original, but they're good enough. The humor is aimed at kids and very silly, but having so many sterling British comics and actors in the supporting cast, fully committed to the silliness, leads to great results. Olivia Colman and Paterson Joseph playing typically nasty Dahl villains is delicious.
I've tried to play it cool here, but the truth is that I loved the movie. Paul King's colorful, beautifully orchestrated frames show a thoughtfulness and attention to detail that sparks so much joy. The running jokes about escaped flamingoes and lovelorn security guards would have been cut for time in another movie, but not this one. It's hard to imagine that somebody poured this much sincere passion and creativity into a "Willy Wonka" prequel, but that's exactly what Paul King has done. Another movie featuring Willy Wonka was going to be made one way or another, because that's how Hollywood works these days, but "Wonka" feels like the best possible take on the idea. It's homaging Dahl but doing it's own thing, puts on a full throated musical, and is totally unafraid of being an uncynical children's fantasy movie. I was won over by the end of the first scene.
"Wonka" will not be for everyone. There will be viewers who find it too twee and too childish, viewers who can't stand musicals, and viewers who won't be able to put aside memories of Wilder or Depp or the original Dahl novel, and I totally understand. However, for me it's a relief that this kind of movie is still being made, still able to connect with audiences, and still making money. I'm not saying I want more "Wonka" movies, but if Paul King wants to make more prequels, he should go for it.
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