Film Review: "Wonka" (2023).

"Every Good Thing in this World Started With a Dream" in Wonka. This musical fantasy film directed by Paul King, written by King and Simon Farnaby, and based on the characters created by Roald Dahl. The film tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. This irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time—proving that the best things in life begin with a dream, and if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.

In October 2016, Warner Bros. Pictures reacquired the rights to Willy Wonka from Roald Dahl's estate, with a film in development from producers David Heyman and Michael Siegel. In February 2018, it was announced King was in negotiations to direct. In addition, it was reported the studio's shortlist of actors to star as Willy Wonka included Donald Glover, Ryan Gosling, and Ezra Miller, and it was revealed the film would serve as a prequel to the events of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In January 2021, it was confirmed King would direct the film, now titled Wonka, and it was reported that Timothée Chalamet and Tom Holland were the frontrunners for the title role. In May, Chalamet was cast, and it was announced the film would include several musical numbers. He was the director's only choice for the role, with King stating that he offered the actor the part with no audition after seeing his high school performances on YouTube, which proved his vocal and dancing skills. It was also revealed the script would be penned by Farnaby with Jeff Nathanson, Simon Rich, and Simon Stephenson provided additional literary material. By September, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Olivia Colman, and Hugh Grant rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced and took place at the Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Watford, Hertfordshire. Filming also took place in Bath, Somerset; Lyme Regis, Dorset; Mapledurham, Berkshire; St Albans, Hertfordshire; and London, as well as throughout Oxfordshire. The film was originally set for a March 17, 2023 release date before its December 15, 2023 release date.

The film stars Chalamet, Lane, Key, Joseph, Lucas, Baynton, Hawkins, Atkinson, Carter, Colman, and Grant. The cast's roles are the true hidden treasures in the film. However, these actors all yield the floor to Chalamet's delightful performance as Roald Dahl's eponymous character.

This was incredibly entertaining and surprised me at every turn. All of the actors committed, the story was very sweet and I laughed several times. In the hands of the wrong director and/or actor, any script, even one this fine, might have been a disaster. Luckily, all involved were up to the task, and have delivered to us a warm, hilarious, joy-filled film. It's just what we all need right now.

Simon says Wonka receives:

Also, see my review for Paddington 2.