Opened: December 15, 2023

Directed by: Paul King

Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Matthew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Natasha Rothwell, Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant, Colin O’Brien, Rich Fulcher, Rakhee Thakrar, Tom Davis, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Simon Farnaby, Charlotte Ritchie, Ellie White, Millie O’Connell, Sophie Winkleman, Murray McArthur, Tracy Ifeachor, Isy Suttie, Phil Wang & Tim FitzHigham

Once you realize Wonka dives into its pure imagination instead of just being a cash grab for Warner Bros. based on the iconic character, you’ll fall for this movie musical lead by an outstanding Timothée Chalamet.

A young Willy Wonka (Chalamet) arrives in Europe to open his own chocolate shop in the Galleries Gourmet. Chocolatiers Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Prodnose (Matt Lucas) and Fickelgruber (Matthew Baynton) are against him, but he receives help from a kind orphan named Noodle (Calah Lane).

The musical numbers feature fantastic choreography that’ll make you smile. Chalamet’s vocal range is more limited, but the songs do well in catering to his voice, so it never sounds strained.

Being used to the older and more demented Wonka, it’s refreshing to see his journey as a young entrepreneur. It’s colorful, funny and magical.

Final say: Sweet as chocolate. ★★★★☆