Wonka

I was never a huge fan of “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” but Gene Wilder was one of my favorites, so I admired the film. The Johnny Depp/Tim Burton was technically quite good but it didn’t have the heart of the original. So I went to see “Wonka” without high expectations but was pleasantly surprised. First of all Timothee Chalamet was wonderful as a young Willie. Who knew he could sing and dance? He brought an amount of whimsy similar to Gene Wilder. Olivia Colman did a good job as the nasty lady and the three candy factory owners brought the right amount of villainy and comedy. The film has lapses of sentimentality, but it is tolerable. However it was Hugh Grant who stole the movie! He is as you have never seen him. Go for the story, music and overall acting but stay for Hugh Grant. And don’t leave until the credits are over.