Anthony's Film Review - Wonka (2023)

Willy Wonka gets his own prequel movie and it is definitely magical and fun...

British children's story author Roald Dahl wrote the novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which was published in 1964 and subsequently adapted to two films: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in 1971, starring Gene Wilder, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 2005, starring Johnny Depp. In all of those versions, the story focuses on a group of children touring Willy Wonka's magical chocolate factory, with good boy Charlie being rewarded and the other children getting what they deserve for their character flaws. As much as Wonka is supposed to be a supporting character, Gene Wilder's performance had left such a mark on the public that we pay as much, or perhaps more, attention to Wonka than the kids. And that sets the stage for the 2023 film called Wonka, presenting the character's origin.

Here, Timothée Chalamet plays the title character as a young man who is about to embark on his lifelong dream: launch a successful chocolate shop. The story begins with Wonka arriving for the first time in the town of Galeries Gourmet, a place where wealth and splendor are evident in its bustling center. But like anyone coming from elsewhere, he has to start from the bottom with practically nothing in his pocket. He has to be resourceful with the skills he possesses, as an inventor, a magician, and a chocolatier. Even Wonka has to go from rags to riches, and he has to contend with not one but two sets of antagonists.

First, there is Mrs. Scrubitt (Olivia Colman). She is a cruel landlady who exploits others for their labor. Just by providing room and board seemingly out of generosity and then unscrupulously charging extra fees that cannot be paid, she forces her helpless tenants to work in the building's laundry room to pay off their hefty debts. Sadly, even Willy Wonka can't avoid this fate. But hey, he isn't alone. Several others are trapped with him, including an orphan girl named Noodle (Calah Lane).

Even if Wonka does find a way to create, promote, and sell his undeniably delicious chocolate, he still has to deal with the second set of antagonists: rival chocolate makers. Three of them, to be exact. They are all rich and powerful because of their own chocolate businesses, and they do not want Wonka putting an end to them. If that means bribing the town police with chocolate to keep them in their pocket, so be it. Basically, this is the magical fantasy equivalent of organized crime.

That's really all I need to say about the story. So let me shift to the cast. Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka is a good casting choice. He brings a vibrant yet human personality to the character, and he does sing and dance well too. At one point, I could barely see Gene Wilder channeled into this performance. The whole supporting cast does a nice job as well. That includes two notable actors in interesting roles: Rowan Atkinson as a corrupt priest and Hugh Grant as an Oompa Loompa. (Yes, remember those green-haired orange-skinned dwarf beings from the other movies?)

This is a fine two-hour movie for any fans of the previous Chocolate Factory movies. It has heart, humor, and inspirational music, which by the way is mostly new songs along with a few reused from the 1971 film. I wasn't sure what to expect when I went into the theater to watch this, but I was pleasantly surprised. The movie was good from the start and then the story gradually got better. Overall, I enjoyed it. I even found myself craving some Wonka chocolate afterwards.

Anthony's Rating:

For more information about Wonka, visit the Internet Movie Database.

In addition, check out my review of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.