Released on Dec. 15, Paul King’s “Wonka” offers a refreshing and whimsical take on the origins of everyone’s favorite Chocolatier, Willy Wonka. A beloved yet wacky character from most of our childhoods, Wonka is transformed from the eccentric chocolate maker we all know and love into a young man on a quest to find his life’s purpose. Grossing $534.6 million in the box office alone, this magical tale is a sweet treat you can not miss out on.
Strapped with a bucket of buttery popcorn, a blue raspberry ICEE “and a hatful of dreams,” I was ready to be taken on a grand adventure. After paying my respects to Nicole Kidman, I watched in awe as the story unfolded in front of me on the big screen. With a stacked cast, beautiful costuming, shocking set design and an earworm-inducing soundtrack what more could an audience member ask for?
Based on the prized Roald Dahl story, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, this film takes the character of Willy Wonka and expands upon his story, crafting a harrowing yet charming story about love and loss. Played by the adored Timothée Chalamet, who is more known for his emotional roles in films such as, “Beautiful Boy” and “Little Women”, the Academy Award-nominated actor assumes the role perfectly. Having to follow in the footsteps of masters such as Johnny Depp and Gene Wilder, Chalamet had some big suede shoes to fill. Going above and beyond in his performance, it is easy to say that Timothée danced and sang his way to the top.
Starring beside Chalamet is the upcoming Calah Lane. Taking on the role of Noodle, Wonka’s precocious and outgoing sidekick, Lane stole the hearts of every audience member. Putting on an astonishing performance, the young actress showcased to little girls everywhere that their dreams can come true. Asserting that one day you will be able to “reach out, [and] touch what was once, in your imagination.”
Keegan-Micheal Key utilized his expertise in comedy to keep the audience laughing throughout, and appearances from Hugh Grant and Rowan Atkinson had the audience on the edge of their seats.
As soon as the movie opened I found myself transported into the world of Wonka. I was a little girl once more, wishing that I too could taste the chocolate on screen. Especially when the cast kept singing, “You’ve never had chocolate like this.” Each piece looked delectable and had each audience member’s mouth-watering.
Costume design also delved into the fantastical atmosphere of Wonka’s chocolate. Willy dawned his magical top hat and velvet suitcoat, and do not forget his flashy cane! Each outfit brought a necessary vibrance to the screen that made the confidence of the cast “skyrockelet!”
A beautiful soundtrack accompanies the wonderful atmosphere. Chalamet’s voice adds a fresh twist to old classics such as “Pure Imagination”, but also fills your head with originals such as “A Hatful of Dreams” and “You’ve Never Had Chocolate Like This” that are pure joy! Each will stick with you and have you dancing for weeks to come.
Overall, if you are looking for an opportunity to transport back into your childhood, if only for a moment, this magical tale is one worth seeing.
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