Now available on digital and all physical formats is the prequel (sort of) to the classic film Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory simply called Wonka.
This film is not exactly a prequel to the Gene Wilder version, but it does provide viewers with the backstory to the brilliant and quirky man we’ve known to love.
Wonka stars Timothée Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Olivia Colman, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, and Rowan Atkinson.
Young Wonka (Chalamet) arrives in town via a boat. He’s excited to start his own chocolate company at the famed Galéries Gourmet, a part of town where famous chocolatiers sell their gourmet chocolates. It’s been a life long dream of his. Not only is he a chocolate maker, but he’s also a magician.
Needling a place to stay, Wonka spends the night at a laundry shop that has rooms for rent. He’s asked to sign a contract beforehand. Unable to read, Wonka foolishly signs the contract. Unbeknown at the time the contract states that is he’s unable to pay the rent he will be forced to work at the laundromat. As you can guess, he fails to make payment and is forced to work at the laundromat where he meets other people who were tricked into working there, including a young orphan named Noodle (Lane).
With Noodles help, Wonka finds a way to sneak out to try and sell his chocolates. Wonka soon finds that owning a chocolate shop at the Galéries Gourmet will be easier said than done. He has a lot of people who feel threatened by his amazing chocolates and will anything to stop him from reaching his dream.
It goes without saying that he eventually becomes the world famous Wonka, only because of the original film. But his path to success didn’t come without challenges, and that is what Wonka is all about.
The film even shows Wonka first experience with a Oompa Loompa (Grant).
Look for Wonka where ever movies are sold and rented.
I am a HUGE fan of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, so much so that I have a tattoo inspired by the film. I have the words “Pure Imagination” tattooed on my ankle, from the song by the same name featured in the film.
I will admit that I was a bit “on the fence” about even watching this film. I didn’t think ANYTHING could compare to my beloved original film. After hearing many great things about Wonka, I figured I would check it out. I’m glad I did.
I did receive a free copy of Wonka in order to do this review.
First and foremost, I think the film makers did an outstanding job casting Chalamet in the role of Wonka. He has a quirkiness about him that is be fitting on Willie Wonka. I think he’s also a very talented actor who can truly transform into any role he takes on. His role in Wonka is a far cry from his role as Lee in the film Bones and All.
Chalmet is a great singer too. Who knew.
I enjoyed the characters in this film too. Even the bad guys were very likeable, if that makes sense? The only character that I couldn’t wrap my head around was Hugh Grant in the role of an orange skin, green haired Oompa Loompa. That was very weird to me. It’s a stilly movie to begin with, but it was hard to see him as an Oompa Loompa. I’d love to know how that came about? Did the filmmakers approach him with the role, or vice versa?
The songs in the film weren’t bad. I enjoyed them. There are a lot of songs too, but not too many to take away from the overall storyline.
I did enjoy this film, even though I was reluctant to see it at first. It won’t ever replace my beloved Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, but it’s an interesting “prequel.”
If you purchase a physical copy of the film, there are the bonus features available to you.
“Unwrapping Wonka: Paul King’s Vision
- Revered director Paul King takes you on a deep dive into his experience adapting the beloved story of Wonka.
The Whimsical Music of Wonka
- Composer Joby Talbot and songwriter Neil Hannon take you into the studio to illuminate the craft behind the wondrous songs of the film.
Welcome to Wonka Land
- Production designer Nathan Crowley and the rest of the Wonka crew discuss creating the magical sets that transport audiences to the worlds of the film.
Hats Off to Wonka
- Costume designer Lindy Hemming breaks down the inspiration and intention behind each of the character’s wonderful costumes.
Wonka’s Chocolatier
- Chocolatier Gabriella Cugno provides an in-depth look at the creatin of the beautiful chocolates seen in Wonka.
The film was released by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment – WarnerBros.com. Be sure to check them out on social media.
You can also find the film on some social media channels. The official hashtag is #WonkaMovie.
You can find official Wonka merchandise at WBShop.com.
Did you see the film? If so, what did you think about it? Feel free to comment and share your thoughts. I always love to hear from readers.
Below is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment. This is the theatrical trailer. The film is no longer in theaters.
Kimberly
*I received a free copy of this film in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
