Timothée Chalamet plays a young version of chocolatier Willy Wonka in Paul King’s musical prequel.
Timothée Chalamet follows in the footsteps of Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp by playing eccentric chocolate inventor Willy Wonka on film.
Paul King’s prequel Wonka is set many years before the events of Roald Dahl’s book (and the two earlier film adaptations) and begins as Wonka arrives in a new city hoping to raise enough money to open his own chocolate shop.
His exciting treats make him an enemy of ruthless chocolatiers Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Fickelgruber (Mathew Baynton) and Prodnose (Matt Lucas), who will stop at nothing to make sure Wonka doesn’t ruin the status quo.
There is also another stumbling block to his plan – he has been imprisoned in the workhouse by Mrs Scrubbit (Olivia Colman) for failing to pay his rent.
Given that King directed both Paddington films, it should be no surprise that he has delivered another delightful, heartwarming treat for all the family.
Wonka has the same heartfelt sincerity as Paddington with an added layer of whimsy and some musical numbers.
The musical sequences are enjoyable in the moment but the songs aren’t particularly memorable and there could have been more group dances. However, they are staged in gloriously imaginative ways and should put a smile on everyone’s faces.
The film doesn’t take itself too seriously and it is so much fun. Some jokes are more effective than others but the comedy works rather well on the whole.
The comedy highlight was Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa – it was impossible to look at his face on a CGI orange body and not laugh – and for that reason, he stole every scene he was in.
Chalamet was the perfect choice for Wonka – he could sing and dance and was very charming.
However, it felt like he and King couldn’t settle upon how eccentric to make the character and Wonka was more of an oddball in some scenes than others.
He had some excellent support from newcomer Calah Lane, who shone as fellow workhouse prisoner Noodle, and Scrubbit’s other ’employees’ played by Jim Carter, Natasha Rothwell, Rakhee Thakrar and Rich Fulcher.
Colman gave a big panto-style performance as the villain and it was highly entertaining watching her throwing herself into the evil landlady role.
Wonka didn’t seem like the strongest idea on paper but it will warm the hearts of most sceptics within 10 minutes. It’s the Paul King touch!
In cinemas from Friday 8th December.
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