THB #445: Wonka

I honestly think that anyone who claims Wonka was cynically made has probably been in the job too long. It is hardly a perfect movie, but it is as sincere and clear in vision as any of the other quality takes on Roald Dahl, including Wes Anderson’s, Tim Burton’s (which I love), and both the Danny DeVito take on Matilda and the musical of same.

Hate to start a review by referencing other critics, but I have seen this theme in most of the few reviews I’ve read and I truly find it shocking. Wonka is so odd in so many ways that the idea that its voice is not clear - whether you like it or not overall - seems confused.

This is a movie filled with darkness and nastiness… but ultimately, it is about love and kindness and hope. Relentlessly. Uncompromisingly. Surprisingly. The unexpected pleasure of the year.

Wonka is very much Timothée Chalamet’s film. It’s not about the kids. It’s not about the villains. It is, as advertised, the story of how Wonka became WONKA.

Chalamet is a double-edged sword here. He is, in the drama, close to perfect. He’s not “young Gene Wilder.” He is his own creation, brought to live by a script and his choices. He is relentless to the point of being obnoxious… upbeat to the point of being saccharine… and yet, just when he seems about to be too much to bear, he charms the audience. And his physicality is so naturally lanky and thin that costumes that want to make him even thinner and lankier turn even his body into an almost cartoon-like advantage. It is a very daring performance.

But here’s the rub… he can’t really sing and he really doesn’t even try to dance much.