IR Film Review: WONKA [Warner Bros]
The essence of "Wonka" is the idea of optimism. By the time we saw him in both Tim Burton's version and the original Gene Wilder film, he had already become a icon of his own making. This new film from Paddington's Paul King takes the middle road and in doing so bridges the concept of the man/child. He is still relished in the idea that only chocolate can save the world. It shows glimpses of his childhood and travels without explaining too much, which is actually a good thing because it leaves it to the viewer's imagination. However, the emphasis on his companions in a wash house he finds himself locked into seems a little too happenstance and ployed. That said, the confection of the movie is wonderfully light with little hint of darkness which is refreshing. Despite anything, he has said in the press, Hugh Grant is quite good as the Oompa Loompa, even if it is only his head that is real. The intent of the character is an interesting foil of the film and actually the most well drawn character.
One sees the sparkle in Timothy Chalamet's eyes as Wonka in a way that he can't really do as Paul Atreides in "Dune". What makes his performance work is the balance with Sally Hawkins in flashbacks as his mother which is his motivating factor and then his quid pro quo with Oompa Loompa. The world itself that the movie builds is a little gooey in a way with the chocolate cartel and a bumbling police chief with an ever growing waistline (Keegan Michael Key). The heart of the movie is supposed to come from Noodle (Calah Lane). She is adequate but never quite transforms what Chalamet as Wonka is preaching. The songs are effective for the most part, especially one set at the opening of a chocolate shop which harks back to the original film as well as wisps of Harry Potter (David Heyman produced this film as well).
However, the one melody that moves through the entire one is odes and an eventual rendering of "Pure Imagination" which ultimately makes this more of a companion piece than its complete own thing. This is what ultimtaley bridges the story itself though it almost tries too fast to wrap it up after we see the main progression of the story. The ending is great but too quick. Also, the adventures of Willy before he arrives in London seem almost like a grand adventure that would be wonderful to see, though likely too expensive. This film though has the intention of soundstages comparative to a warm fuzzy blanket. Olivia Colman takes on the Miss Harrigan role of sorts though it is more a surface performance which is what most of the film requires though the simple bounce back and forth (when allowed) of Willy and the Oompa Loompa are the most entertaining by far. B
By Tim Wassberg
