Paul King’sWonka, the origin story ofRoald Dahl’s legendary chocolatier Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) opened worldwide this weekend, and if there’s one thing the movie’s launch has proven? Audiences still have a sweet tooth. The Warner Bros. movie has opened as the number one film both internationally and globally witha terrific haul of $43.2 million in international box office revenue, including a tremendous $11.1 million in the United Kingdom, where the movie was shot.
Director Paul King took the movie on instead of reprising his role as director of theupcomingPaddington in Peru, with some skepticism given the acclaim that came withPaddingtonand its sequel, the latter of which is consideredone of the greatest films of all time. However, King’s decision seems to have paid dividends with an excellent opening weekend as well as strong word-of-mouth.
What is ‘Wonka’ About?
Wonkasees Chalamet’s Willy Wonka arrive in an unnamed European city, armed with a can-do attitude and asuitcase full of dreams, chocolate and a sprinking of magic. Despite falling into trouble withOlivia Colman’s Scrubbit, he soon finds his way into the hearts of the localswho fall in love with his chocolate, while trying to avoid the local chocolate cartel, run by the Galeries Gourmet’s three main chocolatiers — Slugworth, Prodnose and Fickelgruber, played byPaterson Joseph, Matt LucasandMathew Baynton— who deem him a threat to their ongoing success.
Wonkacurrently sits at an 83% Certified Fresh rating onRotten Tomatoes.In his review of the film, Collider’sRoss Bonaimeadmitted the film wasn’t perfect, but found so much to like in it that the flaws didn’t matter. Bonaime alsoadored the performance of Chalametin the lead role.
Wonkais a bit shaggy, with too many moving parts, butits spirit and its optimism—and a fantastic performance by Chalamet—make up for the film’s weaknesses.From the script to the cast,Wonkais a film that feels like it was made with heart—much like Wonka’s chocolate.
Who knows if there’s moreWonkain the works, but considering the world of pure imagination that King shows us here, hopefully, there’s more chocolate to be saved for later.
Where Can I See ‘Wonka’?
Wonkawill open in the United States on December 15.
Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, ‘Wonka’ tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.
Find Tickets Now
