Movie Review: ‘Wonka’

Hey, who remembers the neighborhood candy houses? Those businesses were staples in the community!

As kids, you’d run to the candy lady’s crib and spend your little money on the quintessential hood goodies: Now and Laters (pronounced Nye-lators), Lemon Heads, Cherry Clans, Fortune Bubble, hot sausages, those big-a— dill pickles – the list goes on and on.

I promise you; I could eat a cherry freeze cup in record time! Thanks to the many sugar rush hood hustlers, candy made all our juvenile problems disappear.

Way across the pond, a candy man – whose name could be called repeatedly without repercussions – was bringing sweet delight to kids with an array of goodies, Willy Wonka, the O.G. of causing candy cavities.

In the new movie, “Wonka”, we see how he rose to the top of the junk food chain. Will this film give you chocolate bliss, or a tummy ache? Let’s go!

It’s like candaaaaay! I can feel it when you walk, even when you talk, it takes o-ver me! “Wonka” stars Timothee Chalamet, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, and Paterson Joseph.

Directed by Paul King, the movie presents the origin of Willy Wonka; a young bright-eyed, and bushy-tailed chocolate candy maker who travels to the big city, eager to make a giant gobstopper-like impression in the candy business.

However, his dream of fructose fame will not be an easy road because, you see, The Chocolate Cartel has a stronghold on the town’s candy supply, and they don’t take too kindly to strangers, especially one who has a superior product.

I must say, the plot of this film is super creative and extremely fun!

As soon as young Willy arrives in the area, he immediately becomes the small fish in a big pond.

Like a college kid ready to take on the world, reality smacks him in the back of the head, but watching him turn lemons into Lemon Heads is soooo entertaining.

Chalamet makes Willy Wonka his own.

Gene Wilder is undoubtedly the icon, and Johnny Depp’s range added an even more memorable portrayal, but Chalamet the God ain’t no slouch!

He’s truly attempting to bring happiness into the world with his treats and you can’t help but cheer for him, naivete aside.

He’s the embodiment of young hope.

Joseph, who plays the Cartel leader Arthur Slugwood, on the other hand, is the preeminent adversary.

Nah, he’s not about to let a newbie ruin his chocolate fortune and he uses whatever tactics necessary to crush the competition like a jellybean.

Key’s performance as Chief of Police is HILARIOUS!

This dude’s comedic timing mixed with seriousness is astounding.

The gem of the movie is the character Noodle, played by Lane.

She’s young but wise beyond her years, and you can’t help but cheer for her throughout the film.

Somebody get this girl more roles!

The musical numbers in “Wonka” are sublime.

Prepare yourselves, parents, the kids are gonna be singing these in the car and at home for a MINUTE minute.

But you might find yourselves humming them, too (I won’t tell anyone). 

“Wonka” is a magnificent family film.

It’s nostalgic for the adults – Hugh Grant’s Oompa-Loompa’s performance…lawd hammercy – and inspiring for the kiddies.

No one in the cast underachieves, not one scene is boring, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll even wonder why.

Therefore, I’m co-signing “Wonka” to the fullest!

Yep, you already know what I’m gonna say – check it out in IMAX.

This is the Apple AND Cherry Stix of films…with a little Ring Pop on the side. 

Watch the trailer below.

Have you seen “Wonka?” If not, do you plan to?

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