Mel Stuart’s 1971 Roald Dahl adaptation, “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” is a beloved classic that featured an iconic performance from Gene Wilder, whose portrayal of the titular character was the perfect blend of danger and charm. With Wilder’s Wonka, there was a bit of fear for the naughty children who broke the rules. Tim Burton’s 2005, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” softened the character, with Johnny Depp playing him as more of an annoying man-child. Now it is Timothée Chalamet who puts on the top hat, cloak, and cane in Paul King’s “Wonka”, a dazzling and delightful treat for the holiday season. 

While Chalamet cannot reach the heights of Wilder’s incarnation, he works well in the scheme of things, as director King (who also wrote the screenplay) purposely crafts this picture to be the kid-friendliest of them all. The filmmaker deviates from the dark undertones of Dahl’s book, giving the young Willy Wonka a sweet and infectiously positive demeanor. After all, this is an origin tale and the character has not yet been hardened by the lack of wonder found in the greedy outside world. 

Much like King’s “Paddington” and “Paddington 2”, the film endears itself to the audience through humor, song, and scenes of human kindness that make the heart soar. The picture begins with a lovely opening number that introduces Willy Wonka as a dreamer coming to the city to share his chocolate with the masses. Arriving on a ship, young Wonka has come to a city famous for its chocolate. The candy is controlled by the “Chocolate Cartel”, led by Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Prodnose (Matt Lucas) and Fickelgruber (Mathew Baynton). The three rule the city (through corrupt means) and keep the Chief of Police (Keegan Michael-Key) in their pocket, as he carries out their deeds and they feed his sweet tooth/chocolate addiction. Their enormous chocolate supply runs underground and is guarded by the local bishop (the great Rowan Atkinson) and “500 chocoholic monks.” 

On his first night, Wonka’s money dwindles to nothing, so he is lured to the inn of Mrs. Scrubbit (Olivia Colman, having a comedic blast). The woman is a villain right out of Charles Dickens who, along with her henchman Bleacher (an equally funny Tom Davis), tricks him into signing a contract that will force him into becoming her slave. Wonka is forced to work in the basement, where he meets fellow indentured servants Abacus Crunch (Jim Carter), Lottie Bell (Rakhee Thakrar), Piper Benz (Natasha Rothwell), and Larry Chucklesworth (Rich Fulcher). Wonka’s most important connection comes with a young orphan named Noodle (a winning Calah Lane), who becomes his friend and sidekick. The two fill the voids in their respective hearts, as Willy misses his long gone mum, while Noodle has never known hers. Together they will give one another the courage to achieve their dreams. King’s screenplay finds its heart in Wonka and Noodle’s relationship while the two performers compliment their characters’ creation. 

Already a film full of humor, Hugh Grant enters as a hilariously snobbish Oompa-Loompa, who steals chocolate from Wonka like a (literal) thief in the night. Grant’s few scenes are very funny and audiences will have a good time watching the beginning of their budding partnership. 

Everything about “Wonka” is great fun, right down to the film’s visual splendor. Characters float in the air, sing and dance through the gorgeous sets, and sail over the city on bouquets of balloons as the imagery fills the picture with an aura of pure joy, all thanks to director King’s marvelous team. Nathan Crowley’s gorgeous production design is a feast for the eyes and Chung-hoon Chung’s camera assures every frame captures the visual splendor.

In every way, Paul King has unabashedly created an old-school feel-good musical. The director wants to warm his audience’s hearts while setting their toes a-tapping. Joby Talbot’s score seamlessly blends fresh compositions with the familiar themes from the 1971 original, while most of the songs (by Neal Hannon) will have moviegoers leaving the theater on a cloud. 

This is not the kind of family film that talks down to kids and insults adults, but a vibrant creation full of life, spirit and a harmonious celebration of wonder and magic. Truly, “a world of pure imagination.” 

From the cast, to the exquisite visual design, to the care Paul King takes with the screenplay and the respect he gives to Roald Dahl’s creation, “Wonka” is the most deliciously entertaining cinematic surprise of the 2023 Christmas season.

Wonka

Written & Directed by Paul King

Starring Timothée Chalamet, Calah Lane, Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant

PG, 116 Minutes, Warner Brothers Pictures/Village Roadshow Pictures