A “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” adaptation featuring Timothee Chalamet singing, chocolate bribery and Hugh Grant playing an Oompa-Loompa was an unexpected, but welcome, surprise. “Wonka” presents a fantastical and unique rendition of the iconic story, following a young Willy Wonka as he attempts to make it in the chocolate business.
“Wonka” manages to capture the magical whimsy that Roald Dahl’s stories evoke. Though the writer passed in 1990, his legacy lives on and still influences modern stories.
As Willy Wonka wades through the unaccepting chocolatier industry, he makes friends with characters such as Noodle. Noodle is a young orphan burdened with an unpayable debt to Mrs. Scrubitt, the owner of a laundry shop. Scrubitt tricks guests into signing an unbreakable contract, enslaving them until their debt is paid off.
The film is a star studded affair, featuring familiar faces like Olivia Coleman, Rowan Atkinson and Keegan-Michael Key– not to forget Chalamet and Grant.
One of the best aspects of the film is the songs. “Scrub Scrub”, “A Hatful of Dreams” and “Sweet Tooth” all stand out.
“A Hatful of Dreams” is the opening scene, where many viewers were shocked to learn that Chalamet could sing. “Scrub Scrub” is the work song of enslaved debtors to Mrs. Scrubitt.
One of the catchiest songs in the film was “Sweet Tooth”, taking place as the three biggest Chocolatiers are revealed to run the “Chocolate Cartel”, which has a monopoly over the chocolate industry. The chief of police is bribed with an irresistible vice: 10,000 bars of chocolate.
The film also features two songs from the Gene Wilder 1971 film, “Oompa Loompa” and “Pure Imagination”. These songs help the film bring a nostalgic feeling to the movie. Additionally, Grant performing “Oompa Loompa” donning orange paint and green hair is guaranteed to make anyone chuckle.
Watching “Wonka” feels similar to watching a favorite childhood movie for the first time in years. “Wonka” completely captures the audiences’ attention throughout the film, making it the perfect escapist film for all ages.
