Will Wonka be the new Cats? The fantasy adventure with Timothée Chalamet seemed opulent and at the same time stiff in the first trailers. The brightly colored world was impressive, but creations like Hugh Grant, who was shrunk into an Oompa Loompa, unintentionally tipped into the silly side. The first reactions to the film were therefore eagerly awaited. Now they are here – and surprisingly good!
What is Wonka about? Paddington director Paul King tells the backstory of chocolate entrepreneur Willy Wonka. In Germany, the character is best known for his portrayal by Johnny Depp in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from 2005. In Wonka, Timothée Chalamet (Dune) takes on the role of the magical candy inventor who wants to open his first shop against many odds. And by the way: Wonka is a musical.
Timothée Chalamet delights: Wonka is so celebrated
Warner Bros.
Wonka
The main actor Timothée Chalamet in particular comes off very well in the initial reactions of the American press to X.
Germain Lussier from Gizmodo is blown away by his portrayal. In the short review, however, criticism of the film itself comes through:
Timothée Chalamet alone is a reason to see Wonka. He is endlessly charming and just fun to watch. The film surrounding him isn’t that good, but it’s entertaining. The story and tone fight against each other, making it a little convoluted. Yet it is full of joy and the songs are delightful.
Critic Courtney Howard (including Variety) joins in with Chalamet’s praise:
Timothée Chalamet is a charisma factory. His total devotion is intoxicating. […]
Collider’s Perri Nemiroff also singles out Chalamet, but her praise goes to the film as a whole:
Wonka is a super charming delight, driven by an extraordinary […] Performance by Timothée Chalamet. It can get pretty silly and there are a few thin plot points, but that couldn’t stop such an incredibly sweet film from warming my heart with a powerful and very effective dose of sincerity.
Wonka
Author Zoë Rose Bryant was amazed by Wonka’s opulence:
Wonka is an instant holiday classic [“Instant Classic”] and a truly magical visit to the cinema. Paul King’s whimsical style works just as well here as it did in Paddington, every musical number enchants and the entire ensemble takes turns stealing the show […]
Journalist Grace Randolph summed up her obvious surprise this way:
Wonka is SHOCKINGLY good. Paul King delivers a Paddington-style film for adults, turning Wonka into a male Mary Poppins! The film manages to be its own thing and is as fun as a live Broadway show! Definitely the big holiday movie of this year! Conclusion: Is going to the Wonka cinema really worth it?
You will only be billed with the reviews. The short social reactions often tip into extremes and therefore only ever form an approximate picture of the mood. But the trend for Wonka is right. He pleasantly surprised the press and that speaks for him. Paul King probably didn’t create a new masterpiece; the scratches in the Wonka picture are too obvious. But that would have been too much of a good thing.
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When does Wonka start in cinemas? From December 7th you can see Wonka in cinemas in Germany. If you want to get in the mood beforehand: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is streaming on Netflix and WOW at a flat rate.