by Timothée Chalamet transformed into Willy Wonka for Paul King’s eponymous prequel to the beloved character, but that doesn’t mean early reactions weren’t filled with some critics calling the film crazy.
Chalamet plays a young entrepreneur who sets out to build a chocolate empire in the musical film “Wonka.” The film is set 25 years before the events of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and the film is considered a “companion” film to Roald Dahl’s original 1971 adaptation. Actor Simon Farnaby wrote the script alongside director King, reuniting after “Paddington 2.” King had already teased that “Wonka” would take advantage of the magic of the “golden age of MGM musicals” of the 1940s and 1950s to tell the sweet story.
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Oscar-nominated star Chalamet did not have to audition for the musical after his viral high school raps circulated the Internet and led director King to cast the actor to play Willy Wonka in the “Charlie and the Series” prequel. Chocolate factory”. Sally Hawkins, Keegan-Michael Key, Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman and Rowan Atkinson also star alongside Chalamet.
Director King has previously gushed about Chalamet’s “voice of an angel” and compared his singing to that of Bing Crosby. “There’s a lot of variety, because it goes from a couple of bigger, more spectacular things, to moments of pure, real emotion, and he can do it all,” King said of Chalamet. “I’m going to sound like a crazy fan.”
While the Warner Bros. film doesn’t hit theaters until December 15, critics attended the premiere and quickly took to Twitter to share audience reactions. The film has been praised for being a “sweet” installment of the franchise, drawing comparisons to “watching a Broadway show live.” Chalamet has been considered a smart, “magnetic” presence as the titular chocolatier, thanks to director King’s “whimsical” vision. The Oscar-nominated actor is also celebrated as a “comedian and performer” singing and dancing in his musical debut.
The consensus that “Wonka” was a pleasant “surprise” from a “classic” Christmas musical is surely adding to the excitement around the new Warner Bros. film.
See more answers below.
I’ll just say that I find the positive WONKA buzz disconcerting.
– DrewMcWeeny (@DrewMcWeeny) November 28, 2023
I was not expecting #Wonka to be the most realistic film about human trafficking to be released in theaters this year. It’s not a criticism, but it’s not a joke either. pic.twitter.com/j41WIdujzc
—Scott Mendelson (@ScottMendelson) November 28, 2023
Surprisingly, I enjoyed WONKA the most. Timothée Chalamet is a truly talented comedy actor, who cleverly uses his star persona for laughs. The staging is good and there is a lot of heart and fantasy. However, I didn’t like the barrage of fat jokes. Bad form in a lovely film. pic.twitter.com/rtqrATudfc
—Robert Daniels (@812filmreviews) November 28, 2023
Timothée Chalamet is actually very good here, delivering a fresh new interpretation of Willy Wonka that still honors what came before and kills it as a comedian and performer. Forget those trailers: this is a true movie star turn. #wonk https://t.co/XxsDiWpxDz
– Zoë Rose Bryant (@ZoeRoseBryant) November 28, 2023
#Wonka I was surprised by how much I liked it. It’s whimsical and taps into that sense of wonder we got from the original while doing its thing. Timothée Chalamet channels Gene’s energy without making an impression. Great family movie for the holidays. #WonkaMovie pic.twitter.com/qJKHYwnPMH
– Kaitlyn Cabin (@katiesmovies) November 28, 2023
#Wonka It’s far from perfect, but director Paul King’s whimsical charm is undeniable. The musical numbers are successful, the visual imagination is charming and even Hugh Grant’s Oompa Loompa steals scenes.
Timothée Chalamet is great even if his characterization is often questionable. pic.twitter.com/iml6JKgwg4
—Andrew J. Salazar (@AndrewJ626) November 28, 2023
#Wonka is a super charming delight driven by an exceptional and perfect performance from Timothée Chalamet. It can get pretty silly and there are some plot points that are a little weak, but that couldn’t stop such an incredibly sweet movie with a strong and very… pic.twitter.com/1SLMmRPSGY
-Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) November 28, 2023
Timothée Chalamet is the only reason to see #WonkaMovie. It’s endlessly charming and fun to watch.
The film surrounding it is not that good but it is enjoyable. The story and tone fight each other leaving it a little confusing. And yet it is full of joy and the songs are delightful. pic.twitter.com/s1zlqtzIgv
– Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) November 28, 2023
#wonk is an instant Christmas classic and a truly magical moment in cinema. Paul King’s whimsical style works as well here as in Paddington, each musical number delights and the entire ensemble takes turns stealing the show, led by an endlessly charming Timothée Chalamet. . pic.twitter.com/O887KYp4CY
– Zoë Rose Bryant (@ZoeRoseBryant) November 28, 2023
#WonkaMovie It’s unashamedly silly and a perfectly charming family film. Wonka’s world is brilliantly designed and captures the wonder of his early years.
With a quirky and heartwarming tone, Wonka is funny and sweet enough to overcome any small obstacle along the way. pic.twitter.com/WPCxA2r1A9
—Daniel Howat (@howatdk) November 28, 2023
#Wonka consolidates Timothee Chalamet as one of the most promising actors. He is magnetic, charming, and wonderfully walks the line between naivete and intelligence. The film is full of charm, joy and hope. It’s a perfect Christmas movie. It definitely has the rewatchability factor😍 pic.twitter.com/lldKjVOphm
– Rosa Parra (@rosasreviews) November 28, 2023
#Wonka/ #WonkaMovie is a sweet winner, filled with perfect amounts of charm, whimsy and poignancy, driven by sheer imagination and bright, snappy musical numbers. Timothée Chalamet is a charisma factory. His total commitment is intoxicating. Hugh Grant in exceptional IDGAF mode. pic.twitter.com/vjKJqqY6ll
– Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) November 28, 2023
I think I can talk about #Wonka now… and I hate to say that I think it’s absolutely normative.
— mate rorabeck (@mattrorabeck) November 28, 2023
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