“Wonka” premiered in theaters this week, and this film can genuinely be recommended to everyone, provided they occasionally long for cheerfulness and warmth.
How did Willy Wonka come to build a massive chocolate factory in London? This question is answered in a touching and amusing way by the new musical film “Wonka.” It portrays the main character in a different light, creating a completely different atmosphere compared to the two previous adaptations of Roald Dahl’s literary work. Get a sense of what that means by watching the trailer:
“Wonka”: An absolute feel-good film for the whole family Originally scheduled to premiere in March of this year, “Wonka” is fortuitously well-suited for a pre-Christmas outing. You can confidently bring your entire family along because “Wonka” appeals across generations. The FSK 0 (suitable for all ages) is not misleading in this case, and you can comfortably bring your preschool kids as well. If you can’t make it to the cinema, be sure to mark the film for streaming in 2024.
Director Paul King, also responsible for the enchanting “Paddington” adaptations, has once again created a piece of cinematic art that you’ll gladly watch a second time. And who knows? “Wonka” might even become a new Christmas classic, joining the annual festive lineup. The potential is certainly there, and the rest is up to you.
About “Wonka” Young Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) arrives in London after a world tour with the dream of opening a magical chocolate shop. What initially seemed simple turns out to be a challenging endeavor, as ruthless competition from a chocolate cartel of three chocolatiers stops at nothing. Besides corrupt police, his goal is hindered by the malicious landlady Mrs. Scrubbit (Olivia Colman). Additionally, a small man with green hair (Hugh Grant) appears at night and steals his chocolate. The Oompa Loompa has valid reasons for doing so, as you’ll discover in the film. However, Wonka remains undeterred and finds clever and creative allies to finally open the shop of his dreams.
Critical acclaim for the film is generally positive. You can read various opinions on “Wonka” in this article or continue to read my personal thoughts below.
A departure from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”: Simply beautiful (Kristina’s personal review of “Wonka”) “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” was not really my cup of tea for several reasons. Therefore, I was initially skeptical about a new “Wonka” adaptation. However, I was proven wrong because Paul King, with his star-studded ensemble, takes a completely different path that is not as closely aligned with the literary source as Burton’s work. The world he has created is not so dark and eerie but simply beautiful. Fantastic colors and great costumes make you want to stay there longer. The entire cast, including the villainous competition, the ugly landlady, and the corrupt police, is simply lovable. However, Timothée Chalamet in his role as Willy Wonka is outstanding and unforgettable. He plays the character so convincingly and enchantingly, somewhere between human, elf, and kobold, naively but also clever, that you can’t look away, enjoying every minute.
The music is pleasant and well-integrated, making it feel entirely natural when everyone suddenly starts dancing and singing – something I often find uncomfortable in movies. The story itself is not groundbreaking but exciting and funny enough that time flies, and there’s no moment of boredom. Even if Hugh Grant is said to have hated the role of the Oompa Loompa, it’s all the more enjoyable to watch the disagreeable little guy dance or wriggle out of the chocolate theft.
In the film, you’ll discover why Willy Wonka got into chocolate making in the first place. He is searching for a secret that his late mother couldn’t uncover. This is revealed in the end, leaving us with a truly genuine, important, and touching message from the film. Perhaps it will put you in the right Christmas mood to bake some cookies and share small sweet treats, something we can all use in these times.
“Wonka” will premiere in cinemas starting December 16, 2023. You can check the screening times in your city with us.
