The new movie adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a novel by Roald Dahl, has been taking over the internet by storm in the last couple of months. The movie itself came out on Dec. 15, and follows the plot line of Willy Wonka and how he made his infamous chocolate factory. The film, “Wonka,” has some pretty big names in it including Timothee Chalamet and Hugh Grant, which made fans speculate that the movie was going to be amazing. However, once the trailer was released, people’s hopes for the movie quickly came down. The annoying childish features of the video trailer made it hard to get through, and Timothee Chalamet’s horrible “acting” was very unexpected considering his past roles.
The new movie has still been very prominent in recent trends, though, even with the public’s wariness. Companies like Crumbl and IHOP have been doing promotional food items to hype it up even more and it seems like the film won’t be the trash fire that everyone thinks that it will be.
But, there is only one way to find out the truth. By actually watching the movie!
The movie was very whimsical and the plots were really easy to become invested in. I think Roald Dahl would enjoy watching it.” — Brighten Braegger
Like any musical children film, the movie starts out by Willy Wonka himself singing about making his dreams come true. The film has an eeriness to it in the beginning but the wistfulness of Timothee Chalamet’s voice seems to create a comedy relief for the events about to come. In a funny and strange turn of events, Willy Wonka ends up having to do laundry for two cruel inn owners who trick him into signing a harsh contract.
The film’s plot is undoubtedly for children, as Wonka tries to avoid the police as well as the “Chocolate Cartel” while still doing laundry and selling chocolate on the sidelines. The film has cute references to the past movies as well as the origin story of how Willy Wonka meets the Oompa Loompas. Unexpectedly, the movie is hilarious. Even with the quirky plot, any age range would enjoy this movie and laugh, not just little kids.
The music numbers are a bit cheesy, but still are fun to sing along.
The director, Paul King, did an amazing job perfecting Roald Dahl’s aesthetic. Each scene was packed with childhood wonder and nostalgia.
Throughout the production, Willy Wonka befriends an orphan girl named Noodle that also works for the inn owners. The two work together to accomplish their dreams, and it is clear by the end of the movie that the lesson to be learned is to always keep dreaming and to always keep your childhood wonder.
Sophomore, Brighten Braegger described her experience with the film. “I was kinda unsure about the casting going into it because I just felt like Timothee Chalmet would be a very goofy Willy Wonka but his acting actually kinda made the whole movie. The movie was very whimsical and the plots were really easy to become invested in. I think Roald Dahl would enjoy watching it.” Braegger rated the movie at 4.72/5 and said she would recommend it to her friends.
The ending is sad and wholesome, and resolves any problems that happen in the story.
In general, “Wonka” wasn’t necessarily the best film made all year, but it definitely was a good reminder of what being a kid felt like and that it was okay to experience growing pains. Plus, it also featured the devilishly handsome Timothee Chalamet.