Wonka Movie Review: A Grumpy Roald Dahl Would Have Loathed This Whimsical Film
Does this new Wonka film truly embody the spirit of Roald Dahl’s beloved character?
Roald Dahl’s disdain for the 1971 film Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory is widely known. If he were alive today, he would likely detest the new ‘origin story’ film, Wonka. Starring Timothee Chalamet as the eccentric chocolatier, this musical fantasy directed by Paul King offers a fresh take on one of Dahl’s iconic characters. However, does it live up to the expectations? Let’s delve into the details.
Chalamet’s casting as the youthful Wonka may have been appealing to his young fanbase, but it ultimately feels mismatched. He fails to bring the necessary charm and charisma to the character, especially as a song-and-dance man. Unfortunately, the film also suffers from being too derivative.
The story follows Willy Wonka’s journey from a poor but ambitious chocolatier to a city full of opportunities. However, his plans quickly go awry as he finds himself trapped in a workhouse. Olivia Colman’s portrayal of Mrs Scrubbit, the workhouse manager, channels Catherine Tate’s famous ‘nan’ character, but falls short of leaving a lasting impact.
Aiding Wonka in his escape from the workhouse is fellow prisoner Abacus Crunch, played by Jim Carter. Alongside him are the conniving members of the city’s chocolate-making cartel, portrayed by Patterson Joseph, Matthew Baynton, and Matt Lucas. These characters, along with the chief of police and a cunning cleric, become formidable obstacles for Wonka.
While the film has its moments, including some decent jokes, the overall whimsicality feels forced. Willy’s chocolates that make people fly, for example, stretch credibility even in a fantasy world. The relationship between Wonka and Noodle, the young accomplice, also feels contrived and lacks emotional depth.
Moreover, the film’s references to other successful films only serve to highlight its own weaknesses. The score doesn’t hold a candle to Lionel Bart’s iconic music in Oliver! and Olivia Colman’s portrayal of Mrs Scrubbit pales in comparison to Emma Thompson’s Miss Trunchbull in Matilda.
Ultimately, even with Luke Kelly, Dahl’s grandson, as one of the producers, it’s unlikely this whimsical Wonka would have pleased the old grump. The film opens in cinemas across the UK this Friday.
- Roald Dahl would have strongly disliked the film
- Timothee Chalamet’s casting as Wonka is questionable
- The film feels derivative and lacks charisma
- Whimsical moments fall flat
- Comparisons to other films highlight its weaknesses
While Wonka may have its moments, it fails to capture the magic and charisma of Roald Dahl’s beloved character. Timothee Chalamet’s casting feels out of place, and the film’s whimsicality often falls flat. Comparisons to other successful films only highlight its shortcomings. In the end, it’s unlikely that this rendition of Wonka would have pleased the famously grumpy author.
