This December 15th will see Willy Wonka hit the big screen…..again!
At the forefront of this new movie is the budding, young actor Timothee Chalamet, who embodies the young Wonka with panache. Having starred in blockbusters such as sci-fi smash ‘Dune’ and emotional debut ‘Beautiful Boy’ with Steve Carell – his portrayal of Willy Wonka is surely Oscar worthy. Hollywood is taking note!
While Gene Wilder was humorous in the original 1971 film ‘Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory’, Johnny Depp was eerie in ‘Charlie & The Chocolate Factory’ in 2005, Chalamet is completely endearing whilst spellbinding in this latest role as the plain and simple ‘Wonka’.
Finally, a Wonka we like!
What can only be described as “a delightful journey into the whimsical world of the Willy Wonka” the supporting cast; including Olivia Colman, Jim Carter and Rowan Atkinson, are on point too. Stealing the show on the supporting cast front, however, is Brit actress Sally Hawkins from ‘Bridget Jones’ fame, portraying Wonka’s mother, adding an emotional performance that really tugs at the heartstrings. Rather annoyingly the bed-ridden Grandpa (that was over praised in previous Wonka outings) never gave the stalwart maternal figure of Charlie’s mother – that supported a family of 5 – any kudos or credit, until now.
The striking costumes and amazing set designs bring to life the essence of Wonka’s crazy yet cool imagination in this flick. Paul King, known for his work on the ‘Paddington’ films, executes his latest directorial debut ‘Wonka’ beautifully and like Timothee Chalamet is already hitting the Oscar 2024 nomination “rumour” list. Wait and see who picks up in March.
ROCKS RATING: ****
