I’m very aware of the love for all things Willy Wonka. And I do respect that 1971’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ with Gene Wilder is a fave of many film fans. 2005’s update with Johnny Depp? Yeah, I guess it has its supporters too.
That said, I’ve never really embraced the chocolate flavoured eccentricity that Roald Dahl first stirred up with his novel in 1974. Again, not judging those who do. But it’s always come off as a bit too oddball for my taste.
Now comes ‘Wonka’, an origin story for Willy Wonka, well before he opened up that aforementioned chocolate factory. And as ambitious as it is…..as charming Timothee Chalamet is in the lead as the titular character…..as toe tapping as the musical numbers are….
Nope. No dessert for me, thanks. But by all means, if you enjoy this universe – enjoy!
Directed and co-written by Paul King (‘Paddington’), ‘Wonka’ introduces us to Willy while he’s on a steamer heading to the legendary French Galeries Gourmet. His dream is to open up the world’s finest chocolate shop. Unfortunately, coerced to stay at the boardinghouse of wicked Mrs. Scrubitt (an over-the-top but undeniably entertaining Olivia Colman), Willy, unaware of the fine print on the contract, is forced to work in a launderette. His only escape is in the form of ‘hoverchocs’, chocolates that make people fly. (I told you this is odd, right?)
From there, Wonka goes up against a group of greedy chocolatiers known as the chocolate cartel (really, that’s their handle), is constantly on the run from a chocolate-addicted police chief (Keegan-Michael Key, who lately can do no wrong) and unmasks an Oompa Loompa (Hugh Grant). Under normal conditions, you’d expect Grant to steal the show, but sadly, his energy level kinda feels like he’s as disinterested as…..well…..as Hugh Grant usually is in offbeat fare. (For reference, see last year’s ‘Dungeons and Dragons’)
For a family outing, you really could do a lot worse, ‘Wonka’ DOES have its fair share of electricity and shine. But again, I’m probably a terrible measuring stick in this case, because I just don’t have a hankering with this stuff. Funny though, I DID feel like treating myself to a handful of chocolate afterwards..