IMG via Warner Bros.
Paul King is like a masterful artisan crafting cinematic delights, evident in his previous works such as the enchanting “Paddington” films. With his latest endeavor, “Wonka,” King continues this trend, skillfully blending modern innovation with a profound love for classic cinema. In an era saturated with uninspired reboots, King stands out as a rebellious outlier, creating a delectable cinematic treat that captures the genuine magic of Roald Dahl’s writing and the iconic 1971 film without merely replicating it. “Wonka” is distinctly Paul King’s own, making it a delightful and wonderful addition to his body of work.
TOP FIVE THINGS ABOUT “WONKA”
5. The Production Design
From the moment the movie begins, the universe of “Wonka” is palpably distinct. Through the skillful use of physical sets, enchanting in-camera special effects, and seamless integration with digital work, production designer Nathan Crowley creates a world that authentically captures the essence of Roald Dahl’s vivid imagination.
The film’s portrayal is an elevated and beautifully exaggerated version of reality, mirroring King’s distinctive storytelling style, resulting in a truly enchanting experience.
4. Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka
The initial debates about whether Timothée Chalamet was suitable for the lead role in “Wonka” proved unnecessary, as under Paul King’s direction, Chalamet’s performance strikes an ideal balance of eccentricity, sincerity, and vulnerability.
In a notable departure from his usual roles, Timothée Chalamet embraces sincerity in his portrayal of Willy Wonka. The film’s opening scene, featuring Chalamet singing atop a ship mast with genuine charm and sincerity, showcases the actor’s successful embrace of a new style.
Navigating the challenging task of following in Gene Wilder’s footsteps, Timothée Chalamet’s performance in “Wonka” seamlessly weaves loving odes to the original while forging a distinctive path, resulting in a delightfully old-fashioned and effervescently charismatic portrayal.
3. The Writing
In terms of storytelling, emotional throughlines, and humor, I believe Paul King’s scripts offer some of the best structural integrity in Hollywood productions over the past decade.
Paul King expertly crafts character-driven, emotional narratives with flair. Characters undergo fully developed, deeply satisfying arcs, enhanced by clear setups and payoffs. Motivations are established early on, serving as guiding lights for the overall story.
Every element is intricately woven into the thematic fabric with symphonic precision. The film is laden with brilliantly funny, distinctly British gags. King’s mastery in crafting such well-executed and deeply immersive storytelling lends each development a profound and monumental quality, resulting in excellent, satisfying, and remarkably entertaining cinema.
2. The Musical Setpieces
Building on the orchestral excellence in storytelling, “Wonka” stands out as a fully-fledged blockbuster movie musical, marking a seamless transition for King, whose “Paddington” films were already infused with a musical identity. The result is a spectacular musical production that showcases King’s adeptness in this genre.
“Wonka” impressively features showstopping musical setpieces, impeccably written songs, and grand-scale song-and-dance choreography, presenting a rare spectacle in mainstream blockbuster cinema that captivates on every musical dimension.
1. King’s Direction
Collaborating with the legendary cinematographer Chung Chung-hoon, Paul King crafts a transportive and genuinely magical visual language for “Wonka.” From the full-bodied staging of grand musical productions to the intimacy of private conversations, King and his team capture every moment with a discerning eye for detail and cinematic finesse.
Every light, design choice, and camera movement in “Wonka” feels meticulously considered, contributing to a cinematic experience that encourages viewers to fully surrender to its enchanting charms.
RGM GRADE
(B+)
Ultimately, in “Wonka,” Paul King has made a film about making an original, bold, and genuinely creative work within the studio system. Just as Willy struggles to make a name for himself as a chocolatier in an environment where the big names in the business have conditioned the public to simply accept whatever they are peddling (in the film’s own words, a ‘watered down’ supply), “Wonka” is King delivering an audacious and ambitious work that believes audiences deserve better than cynically cyclical repackaging of ideas.
“Wonka” is a heartfelt ode to times gone by that is also unyieldingly optimistic about the future just around the corner, both for cinema and for one’s own self, making it impossible for me not to fall hook, line, and sinker for that.
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