Wonka starring Timothée Chalamet is hoping to be the family holiday hit of the year, and just by looking at the early reactions to the film from critics and press, it seems like it could certainly hit that goal. There are multiple aspects of the movie that are receiving high praise including the visuals, the music, and of course, Chalamet’s performance as the whimsical chocolatier, Willy Wonka.
The synopsis describes Wonka as a movie that focuses on a young Willy Wonka as it tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician, and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. While it never flat out says that this is the younger version of the Gene Wilder character, it is heavily implied.
Critics are calling the film “grade-a entertainment” and a “whimsical treat.” The overall consensus, even from naysayers, is that Chalamet fits in the role perfectly. Patrick Beatty states that “Chalamet makes Wonka his own” while Rama’s Screen claims he “sang and danced like he was light as a feather.”
Others praise Hugh Grant as Oopma-Loompa, which seemed off putting in the trailer to most, but reactions say he was one of the best parts of the movie. That Hashtag Show says “Hugh Grant does what he always does and steals the film!“
Fico Cangiano says that the story is complimented by “bright, colorful visuals and lovely song numbers.”
Multiple reactions on X (formerly known as Twitter) state that this a great family film for the holidays and that while it might be silly at times, it is also absolutely charming.
All of that being said, it isn’t all candy coated rainbows as there are some viewers who had issues with the film.
Laura Sirikul from Nerds of Color called the story “underwhelming” while also expressing that many of the characters are not memorable. At the same time, she says that Chalamet is “charming and wonderful.”
Amelia Emberwing from IGN claims to “deeply, deeply disliked” the movie, comparing it to the director’s previous hits, Paddington and Paddington 2, stating that where those films feel warm and heartfelt, “Wonka just feels cheap.”
With mostly positive reactions to Wonka, it sure seems like this is going to be the perfect way for family audiences to spend their holidays at the movies.
Wonka hits theaters everywhere on December 15th.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She owns Mama’s Geeky, but also is a freelance writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for more than ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association. Her passion for film, television, video games, and comic books started when she was a little girl and has only continued to grow.