Wonka – Film Review
by Katie McCann

Director – Paul King
Writers – Simon Farnaby, Paul King, Roald Dahl
Stars – Timothée Chalamet, Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant

There are only a few characters in literature that since their creation continue to fascinate and intrigue us. Scrooge, for one, has had many versions of his story told over the years. The same goes for Dracula and nearly every Jane Austin character. But it is Roald Dahl’s characters that seem to hold a special place in our imaginations. None more so than, of course, Willy Wonka. So it comes as no surprise that a movie about the origin of the world’s most famous chocolatiers has now been made. What is surprising is that they’ve actually done quite a good job at making it.

Wonka is the story of…well Wonka. A young Willy Wonka to be exact, played by the ever-charming Timothee Chalamet. The story begins with Wonka returning after Seven years at sea to start his own chocolate shop. Of course, things don’t go exactly to plan as the town is run by a Chocolate Cartel, and they aren’t about to let Wonka steal all their profits.

The film is written and directed by the creative force behind the recent Paddington movies and has just as much charm and heart. The laughs come quickly but it is really Chalamet’s whimsical performance as Wonka that makes this film work. Every time he is on the screen he oozes charm and mischief, making it a joy to watch him. The occasional nods to Gene Wilder’s famous 1972 performance as Wonka are wonderfully done and pull the two films together without ever robbing one or the other of their own identity. The entire cast is made up of a who’s who of mostly British comedy giants including Olivia Coleman, Rowan Atkinson, Mathew Baynton, Paterson Joseph and Matt Lucas, to name but a few. Every single one of them is having the best time on this film and that fun slips off the screen into the audience.

The plot does drag a bit around the third act, which may lead some younger viewers to drift off and away in search of sweeter treats, but overall Wonka is a charming family film that really will appeal to all. The songs are fun, the acting is fun, the plot is fun and the chocolate is what dreams are made of. If you are looking for an escape into a world of pure imagination this Christmas then look no further, as Wonka will sweep you away and leave you with quite the sweet tooth.