Chatter Box Film

This is a non-spoiler review for Warner Bros. Discovery’s Wonka movie – directed by Paul King, and starring Timothée Chalamet, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matthew Baynton, Matt Lucas and Hugh Grant.

Synopsis

‘Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book and one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, “Wonka” tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.’

Review

Wonka is a joyous and heartwarming movie, combined with a balance of entertaining choreographed musical performances spread throughout.

Timothée Chalamet is an absolute delight to watch as a younger Willy Wonka; bringing a whimsical charm, warmth, and uplifting energy to the role.

Chalamet’s singing is playful, and he also handles the more delicate tunes well, especially with the last song in the film.

Willy Wonka is displayed as a deeply caring person with integrity; as evident when he’s sharing scenes alongside a child once again played by Calah Lane; who is much worse off than Charlie this time. Calah did a fantastic job in the role, with a strong screen presence.

Paterson Joseph, Matthew Baynton and Matt Lucas were as the antagonists called the “Chocolate Cartel”.

Patterson brings a unique approach to the role of Slugsworth; compared to the other two live-action films; where the character’s presence involves looming with mixed intentions and very little lines in the 1971 film, and then a split-second appearance and no lines at all for the Depp version.

In this new 2023 film, Paterson’s Slugworth has a bigger impact to the story and he’s well written. The actor conveyed Slugsworth’s schemish and conniving ways brilliantly.

It’s nice to see Matthew Baynton get more roles as well, as he is a fantastic actor with his light-hearted comedic work being applied to Wonka; as Fickelgruber.

Matt Lucas delivered multiple comedic lines in a direct and dark satirical manor as Prodnose.

Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa and Keegan-Michael Key as The Chief of Police, were both the most hilarious in the movie. The CG work for Grant turned out to be brilliant and he really made the character his own so well.

The sets/locations are beautiful and the costumes all aesthetically fit together. It appears that it could be Edwardian era fashion.

Free Wonka wallpapers are available to download on our site.

Music

I enjoyed the musical performances in the movie, and they looked magical and dazzling with all of the neatly timed choreography, practical and CG sweets.

There are some standout songs which are of course variations of “Pure Imagination”, and then catchy originals such as “A World of Your Own”, and “A Hat Full of Dreams”.

Joby Talbot; who worked on The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, has done incredible work with composing contemporary soundtracks for Wonka.

There were parts of the film which had fun nods/references to the 1971 Gene Wilder movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. As well as moments with Olivia Colman’s scenes that reminded me of Matilda; a story which was also written by Roald Dahl.

Final thoughts

I had a great time watching Wonka! It’s also a wonderful family film for parents to take their children to.

This is a decent origin story for Willy Wonka and I already can’t wait to rewatch it again… with a box of chocolates!

See the official trailer for Wonka:

Also starring: Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Olivia Colman, Natasha Rothwell, Rich Fulcher, Rakhee Thakrar, Tom Davis and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith.