Wonka is a story about a young man, who dreams to become a chocolatier in a town of other chocolatiers. After many problems he opens a shop.
I have not read Roalds Dahls's book, nor have I watched the two other films yet. So I cannot say if "Wonka" meets the story or if Willy Wonka is to Dahl´s wishes. It makes a good, but not stellar film for all ages. Yes, we all know this: A young hero wants to make his dreams come true, there are obstacles and antagonists, but with courage, will, friends and luck he masters the obstacles. So old and still so good. After all it is for children and a conventional and straight forward storytelling for its own good. There a some plot twists, which add something to the not terribly exciting, but funny and imaginary story. After all the film's runtime is too long and it gets slightly boring. The characters are decent sometimes very good. Chalamet's Wonka is kind-hearted and naive, but also enthusiastic and a big dreamer and inventor. Chalamet rather boyish and androgynous persona is perfect for this role. He sings and dances, so do the other actors. Also his German counter part does a good job. The German version does a German singing, hard to find these days. Other characters are also crazy, fun to watch and convincing, especially Paterson Joseph as greedy and evil head of the cartel, Tom Davis as nasty and earthy Bleacher and Calah Lane as smart and good-natured Noodle. There is the right amount of CGI. It adds the story and does not destroy its soul. There is a more diverse cast regarding skin colour than you expect for a film set in the early 20th century. But it is a fairy tale and in fairy tales a lot is possible.
I recommend this film for all ages not just as a Christmas film. Young children might watch it with their parent or grandparent. So they can explain certain things and some slightly disturbing scenes are not too bad. A 6.5/10.
I have not read Roalds Dahls's book, nor have I watched the two other films yet. So I cannot say if "Wonka" meets the story or if Willy Wonka is to Dahl´s wishes. It makes a good, but not stellar film for all ages. Yes, we all know this: A young hero wants to make his dreams come true, there are obstacles and antagonists, but with courage, will, friends and luck he masters the obstacles. So old and still so good. After all it is for children and a conventional and straight forward storytelling for its own good. There a some plot twists, which add something to the not terribly exciting, but funny and imaginary story. After all the film's runtime is too long and it gets slightly boring. The characters are decent sometimes very good. Chalamet's Wonka is kind-hearted and naive, but also enthusiastic and a big dreamer and inventor. Chalamet rather boyish and androgynous persona is perfect for this role. He sings and dances, so do the other actors. Also his German counter part does a good job. The German version does a German singing, hard to find these days. Other characters are also crazy, fun to watch and convincing, especially Paterson Joseph as greedy and evil head of the cartel, Tom Davis as nasty and earthy Bleacher and Calah Lane as smart and good-natured Noodle. There is the right amount of CGI. It adds the story and does not destroy its soul. There is a more diverse cast regarding skin colour than you expect for a film set in the early 20th century. But it is a fairy tale and in fairy tales a lot is possible.
I recommend this film for all ages not just as a Christmas film. Young children might watch it with their parent or grandparent. So they can explain certain things and some slightly disturbing scenes are not too bad. A 6.5/10.
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