Well this was fun!
WONKA is a prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory starring Timothee Chalamet as Willy Wonka. Whilst he ought not expect to win a Grammy or Tony any time soon for his singing - yes Wonka is a musical - it’s serviceable, and his acting is perfect for this role with just the right amount of kooky.
This origin story of the ultimate chocolate maker is full of interesting characters and familiar faces. Willy is trying to make his start as a chocolate entrepreneur but is up against a bunch of baddies. Olivia Coleman is flippin’ glorious as Mrs Scrubbit, a role unlike anything I’ve seen her in before, and a trio of chocolate-making competitors including Matt Lucas as 'Prodnose,’ bring some funny and at times slightly dark vibes. Hugh Grant as Oompa Loompa (yes there’s only one in this - for shame!) is also excellent though he appears less than I expected given his prominence in the promotion of the film.
The songs in Wonka are good though I dare say won’t catch on quite like some other musical soundtracks have of late. I like a musical but I know they’re not for everyone!
So in short, is Wonka perfect? Nah, but it’s jolly good fun and I’d happily recommend it. The kids at the premiere all seemed to love it too though thinking of them does remind me that it’s a smidge too long if you ask me, especially for a kids’ film.
Here’s a 4 star review in The Guardian if you’d like to read more. It’d be 4 stars from me too and the two people I saw it with, including a 16 year old, concurred.
Wonka opens Thursday 14 December, is rated PG and runs for 116 minutes.