Wonka
⭐️9.1/10
2023 RANKED HERE
“All good things in this world started with a DREAM so DON’T GIVE UPYours”
a younger, more idealistic Willy Wonka (Chalamet), who moves to London to open his very own chocolate shop but is threatened by a powerful cartel with a monopoly on sweets.
This movie is much more than that quote. Since joining Letterboxd this is the only time I wasn’t thinking of a review during the movie. My eyes, glued to the screen, in awe of the beautiful visuals was entertained “in a world of imagination.” reading this you may not understand my connection to this or to these movies as a whole which is why you might not understand this review. This movie may not be the greatest film of all time my it was more than enough fun to lift my spirits after night in hospital.
There are no flaws in my steroid-possessed head (don’t know if that works) but this is to me a flawless movie. Every single actor and actress gave a performance I will never or take a long time to forget. And that’s what this is. An unforgettable movie. An unforgettable experience. Chalamet perfect for this character just like gene wilder was in the seventies which gives this a modern touch to a semi-old story. The visual flare I haven’t seen since “Paddington” is something that will always bring a smile to my face. Paul king and roald Dahl are geniuses alike who both deserve all the credit they get. This was a prefect origin to a perfect character.
The stand out for me was all the Easter eggs (chocolate) and references to the original 1970s and 2000s movies. All the characters were fun and fantastic at the same time and I think Hugh grant is the best and most fleshed-out adaptation of an “Oompa Loomp”. Another award winning British actor I thought was brilliant was Olivia Coleman who also played a good character with a compelling character arc.
THE GOOD:
Everything. Maybe, reading the review, you would think the medicine has got to my head. You might be right. But to me, and my family this was great. The connections to the movie and books were amazing. The acting, cinematography and the COSTUME DESIGN was all exceptional. This has to be the most cozy film of the year. There wasn’t a point from the non-lyrical “pure imagination” to the heart-warming ending that didn’t have my eyes glued to the screen and with a smile too big for my face. The writing was amazing and perfect for this type of movie which surprisingly almost matched the finesse of the legendary Roald Dahl.Paul king’s direction keeps the story on a path with a message. A Happy film that gave me the excitement to get out of the hospital. The plot was perfect for a wonka film.
THE BAD:
The only thing that I can think of is the sub-plot for “noodle” which wasn’t executed as good as the rest of the movie but it was still fun.
Matt Lucas was good fun. Abagail the giraffe was one of the best executed animal side character in a film. Not to mention the cast. Rowan Atkinson, Olivia Coleman, Tom Davis, Jim carter, Simon farnaby, sally hawkins (Paul king “regular”), Murray MacArthur, keegan Michael-key, Hugh grant (Paul king “regular”) and of course Timothee chalamet
Show this as much support as you can. This is a treat for the whole family.