12/15/2023
Wonka Review
By Christopher T. German
Ladies and gentlemen! Boys and girls! I present to you a new film that serves as a prequel to Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s novel and to the other musical film adaptations. The film gives the backstory of a young W***y Wonka and his journey from humble beginnings, to traveling the world, and discovering strange new ingredients for his chocolate. From the wonderfully odd creatures he encounters, to opening up his first chocolate shop, the film charmingly chronicles the friendships he makes and numerous enemies he encounters along the way.
Another thing that the previous films had in common is that they both have a sinister air to them. The previous versions taught children and adults alike lessons on what happens when you are gluttonous, rude, selfish, and reckless. This film’s sinister notes come in a different form in which people, or more specifically, their motives in the form of greed and selfishness affects those around them. The lesson to be learned here is the way you treat others will greatly affect the world and everyone in it.
Some may doubt whether or not if Timothée Chalamet, who plays the young Mr. Wonka, can live up to his predecessors played iconically by Gene Wilder and rather oddly by Johnny Depp. Chalamet gives his performance his all in the form of singing, dancing, and frequent flying. He also brings something uniquely special to the role. From the very beginning of the film, Wonka is exposed to a big, brutal world who wants to beat him down metaphorically and literally. Chalamet brings a hopeful and youthful optimism to the character. He encourages those who witness him waltz through the movie effortlessly like Fred Astaire, to never give up pursuing your dreams or compromise your integrity in a world that constantly tells you otherwise.
For those longing for the original 1971 film, this adaptation is filled with subtle notes of nostalgia, occasionally spoken in a line or found in a memorable melody you once heard long ago. Wonka is a delightful, colorful, fanciful film comparable to The Greatest Showman when it comes to being a theatrical musical production. A spectacle for the eyes and ears, it is the perfect film for your family this holiday season. Come ready to laugh and maybe shed a few tears. As Gene Wilder sang over 50 years ago,
“If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it. Anything you want to, do it. Want to change the world? There's nothing to it.”
-Review written by Ty German (pictured below)
