The highly-anticipated ‘Wonka’ prequel, starring Timothée Chalamet as the iconic chocolatier, had its premiere in London on November 28, and the early reviews are in. Despite initial skepticism fueled by trailers that left some viewers uncertain, Chalamet’s performance in the role of Willy Wonka has garnered glowing praise.
Film critic Courtney Howard was effusive in her acclaim for both the movie and Chalamet himself, describing him as “intoxicating” in the role and a “charisma factory.” She noted that the film is a delightful blend of charm, whimsy, and poignancy, featuring an abundance of musical numbers.
Gizmodo film writer Germain Lussier agreed that Chalamet’s portrayal of Wonka is a standout, referring to him as “infinitely charming” and a “blast to watch.” However, he pointed out that the rest of the film doesn’t quite match the actor’s brilliance.
‘Wonka’ also features young talent such as Calah Lane, Olivia Coleman from ‘The Favourite,’ Matt Lucas, and, notably, Hugh Grant as the infamous Oompa Loompa from ‘Notting Hill.’ Paul King, known for his work on the Paddington movies, directed the film, with some critics drawing comparisons between the two and suggesting that fans of Paddington will find ‘Wonka’ equally enjoyable.
Film critic Perri Nemiroff praised Chalamet’s performance as “exceptional and pitch-perfect” and described the film as “impossibly sweet” and “a super charming delight.” However, she acknowledged that it can get quite silly at times, with thin plot points.
In a bold claim, writer W. Andrew Powell declared ‘Wonka’ as “one of the year’s best films,” while critic Rosa Parra hailed it as a movie that “cements Timothée Chalamet as one of the greatest up-and-coming actors.”
In a slightly less favorable review, writer Hannah Strong mentioned that seven of the nine songs in the film are “bad” and noted the inclusion of “fat jokes.” Some critics have characterized the film as pure silliness, though not necessarily in a derogatory sense.
As ‘Wonka’ approaches its December 8 release date, it appears that Timothée Chalamet’s performance is a highlight, earning him praise as an actor and solidifying his place in Hollywood as a rising star.