“Wonka” begins with the arrival of orphan Willy Wonka (Chalamet) to the city in which he intends to make the greatest chocolate and candy in the world in honor of his late mother (played by the remarkable Sally Hawkins in flashback). His optimism in contagious even as he gives over his last bits of money during the first of many rousing musical numbers. Nothing will keep this candy genius down; even when he’s basically enslaved by evil boarding house owner Mrs. Scrubitt (Olivia Coleman) and her monstrous enforcer Bleacher (Tom Davis.) It’s at this boarding house where he meets his future friend and cohort, another orphan named Noodle (the remarkable Calah Lane) and the two of them begin the magical yet ardous journey that mark the beginnings of Willy Wonka’s chocolate empire.
Of course it doesn’t come easy as he’s opposed at every turn by a “Chocolate Cartel” led by three powerful, corrupt businessmen: Slugworth (Patterson Joseph), Prodnose (Matt Lucas) and Fickergruber (Mathew Baynton) who make it all but impossible for anyone else to sell chocolate in their city. They’re aided by the chocoholic chief of police (Keegan-Michael Key). Of course, none of these rogues have ever met a man like Wonka before whose inventiveness and drive knows no bounds.
Director King infuses “Wonka” with a light, energetic touch that makes the casual cruelty enacted by the villains somehow easier to take. The story (in the true spirit of creator Dahl) seems to have a lot to say about the class system and abuse of power, but it’s all presented with such bounce that you’d be forgiven if you missed it. The film, like the candies Wonka makes, feels like a confectionary wonder and the film is better for it. Some of the narrative inconsistencies become assets to the film, such as how Wonka is able to make his candies and establish his shop with no overhead and very little staff. It actually adds to the mythological idea of Wonka with his abilities to craft chocolate bordering on the magical.
The performances are all outstanding, with Chalamet carrying the the film on his shoulders with grace and aplomb. HIs Wonka is not entirely ignorant of the cruel ways of the world: it just doesn’t get in his way. It’s as if Chalamet is channeling a gentler version of Gene Wilder’s classic interpretation of the character minus the mild cynicism found in Wilder’s performance. By doing this Chalamet makes Wonka his own.
The supporting cast is very good as well, with Lane’s Noodle being the standout. The relationship between her and Wonka form the heart of the movie and the chemistry between the two is outstanding. Coleman does her usual excellent work as the evil Mrs. Scrubbit and Keegan-Michael Key is a riot as the ever expanding chief of police (his chocolate habit quickly gets away from him.). Kudos also to Joseph, Lucas, and Baynton as the trio of chocolate mobsters. They are hissibly evil but damned entertaining nonetheless. And let’s not forget Hugh Grant’s show-stealing turn as an Oompa- Loompa.
There are several entertaining musical numbers, including a rendition of the classic “Imagination.” I don’t know if any of these songs will become classics, but they’re fun toe-tappers during the films energetic two hour running time. The production gives the impression of several influences such as “Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang” and “Mary Poppins” and that’s a compliment by the way. The only downside is that you never feel that Wonka is in any real danger of failing. There are no real stakes here and that dampens the emotional involvement somewhat. That said, “Wonka” is a delightful film that honors the classic character created by Roald Dahl and is suitable for the entire family. It’s a fantastic film for the holiday season! 4 Out Of 5 On Kendog’s Barkometer! So Sayeth The Kendog!
