Blockbuster or Bust: Wonka

“Brimming with originality and bad acting. ” 

I had to do it. Despite my better judgment, I just had to see Wonka. When I first heard this film was in development, I thought it was a great idea. An origin story for one of the most unhinged characters of all time? Make it fun, give it a few psychotic breaks, and sign me up! But it was naive of me to assume we would be getting Roald Dahl’s rendition of The Joker – this was something else entirely. Wonka is brimming with originality and bad acting. It’s full of catchy tunes and absurdist adventures, but don’t expect to see so much as a glimmer of Gene Wilder or Johnny Depp in Timothée Chalamet’s sickeningly sweet story.

Story

If there is one thing that Wonka does well, it is leaning into its own absurdity. Watching Mr. Bean as head priest of a corrupt congregation designed to protect the chocolate cartel? I’ll give you points for originality. It was clear that director Paul King was looking to do his own thing. The biggest letdown: Mr. Wonka himself. Although I am typically pro-Timothee Chalamet, his portrayal of the character reminded me of the lead in a high school production. The title character was a dim-witted, illiterate, mama’s boy with a heart of gold. I would greatly accredit this not to the actor but the direction of the film, which unfortunately sucked all of the simmering insanity from the once conflicted character. And don’t get me started on the decision to name that poor girl Noodle.

Quality of Adaptation

There were plenty of small nods to the original film like the familiar names of Willy’s adversaries, something resembling a golden ticket, and a sweet rendition of “Pure Imagination.” Outside of that, there’s not much else – even the famed chocolatier himself is a watered down and sugared up version of what once was. By the end of the film, the chocolate factory becomes a footnote to a totally new narrative.

Is it Worth the Watch?

For most people, it’s not worth the watch. While I’m sure this film will spur a strange new generation of preteen girls with a thing for boys in brown top hats, I think it may be hard for most people to get past the overacting of both Willy Wonka and the main antagonist, Slugworth. It was cute and entertaining, but I hesitate to go as far as “good.” I’m sure there are many younger crowds who will gladly sing its praises and call it a personal favorite, but, personally, I will forever be reminded of the hand clasped over my mouth to stifle a laugh during the saddest song of the movie, “Sorry, Noodle.”