Introduction
When Bollywood gets tired of making and serving thrillers over thrillers to the audience, it turns to comedy or rom-com. When Hollywood has to switch from the seriousness of cinema for a while they go back to animation or fantasy.
Paul King’s directed Wonka is the escape we need. We have seen two different renditions of the story in past. These were the older stages of Willy Wonka’s managing his chocolate factory. Both of them were great movies but had a little more maniac Willy Wonka. These were played very accurately by Gene Wilder (in 1975) and Johnny Depp (in 2005) respectively. This however is what we can call an origin story of the two previous ones. Hence, we have a younger more amicable version of Wonka played by Timothee Chalamet.
The Craft
Chalamet has very well channelled his inner child to portray this younger and heartwarmingly innocent Willy Wonka. The new Wonka is too pure for this ruthless world both in the movie and in real life. So much so that you feel what he feels with him at every point in the film. The attachment with the character moves you when he is chased by the evil of the world. And it melts your heart when he is selflessly giving to people who do the same for him.
What adds to the goodness of the film is Timothee Chalamet as Willy Wonka dancing and singing in his happy and sad times. We have seen the actor sing, rap and dance many times before. But, to watch him do so in the magical world created by Warner Brothers is a treat to eyes, ears and heart.
The wickedness of the supposedly evil characters does not hit too much. This could be because of the songs and dance sequences with which it has been presented. The other reason could be because they have been made to be rather gullible people who mean evil. But, that does not take away the will to root for Timothee’s Wonka. And his partners played by actors who were equally enjoyable to watch. Hugh Grant’s Oompa Loompa catches your attention when it comes to people causing inconvenience in Wonka’s life. He however, could not be considered a villain as much as a hindrance for Willy.
The Verdict
When you know the world is too harsh you want to protect an innocent Willy Wonka. But, the movie is trying to convince you to sit back and watch. Because hey, innocence does not mean a lack of wit and luck. Which is what helps Wonka to get out of any trouble that comes his way. One may feel that regardless of being oblivious of the next action, we could sense it at least two minutes before if not from far away. But, that is possible because we have watched too many of these happy go lucky magical movies as a kid. For an enjoyable Christmas season and for once more living the Magic created by Warner Brothers you can watch Wonka in the theatres nearby.