Chalamet plays the famous title character in his formative years,passionate and optimisticabout the world.
Hes desperate for nothing else than to make chocolate and isinfinitely charmingin that pursuit.
The performance is full of joy, wonder, and innocence.
A crop of the poster for Wonka.Image: Warner Bros.
The world of Wonka is bright and exciting.
Thats where Wonka gets a little wonky.
Which sounds weird, right?
Wonka and Noodle, played by Calah LaneImage: Warner Bros.
Werent we talking about candy and happiness a few sentences ago?
And isnt this a musical?
Yes, yes, and thats the problem.
Hugh Grant’s Oompa-Loompa isn’t… great.Image: Warner Bros.
Wonkas whimsy doesnt always work with its narrative.
There are times when both of those things, on their own, really work though.
Every time he or his related story appears, the film screeches to a halt.)
Their friendship and partnership also give the film roots to sprout off the rest of its stories and themes.
The songs are incredibly catchy, well-written, and thoughtful, giving the film extra energy and emotion.
There was a danger King could lean on them too much but instead, theyre weaved in quite well.
Thats the inevitability of this characters journey.
Its a feeling that paints everything good about the movie with a slight shade of disappointment.
Yes, Wonka explains how this character became so enamored with chocolate and began his journey to the top.
Wonka is certainly that and, despite several glaring flaws alongside it, ultimately that charm wins out.
Its not quite a golden ticket.
But maybe the bronze ticket isnt that bad.
Wonka opens in theaters on December 15.
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