Timothee Chalamet’s Enchanting Performance in “Wonka” Delights Fans as a Whimsical Treasure

Moviegoers have not been disappointed by Wonka after its theatre release on Friday which tells the origin story of Roald Dahl’s famous chocolatier.

Those who made the trip to see the film, which stars Timothee Chalamet as its title character, emerged with glowing references about an ‘amazing’, ‘glorious’ and ‘whimsical’ adventure.

One viewer even admitted that they had been brought to tears by the experience.

They said: ‘I’m probably the first to say this but there was sobbing in the movie theater and Timothee singing pure imagination was the perfect bow to tie that heartfelt moment all together.’ 

Wonka also features Keegan-Michael Key, Matt Lucas, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant, and newcomer Calah Lane.

Cinema goers have hailed the new Wonka movie after its full theatre release telling the origin story of Roald Dahl ‘s famous chocolatier, played by Timothee Chalamet

Countless X users joined in praising the new release, saying: ‘Wonka is a sweet and fun ride that’ll sure leave you in a sugar rush!…

‘It is an absolute delight! So full of whimsy and charm, music and colour – I smiled from start to finish… Wonka is an absolute delight. LOVED IT.’ 

Others were encouraged to ‘definitely go watch it if you get the chance’.

Unsurprisingly, the lead came in for particular praise.

Fans of the Dune actor’s display added: ‘I went to see Wonka today and it was amazing! I loved it so much, and Timothee was AMAZING!…

‘I had so much fun with Wonka – it is delightfully wholesome and the songs were incredibly catchy.

‘Also enjoyed Chalamet’s turn as the chocolatier – the dude can sing AND dance!’

Other members of the cast were also singled out, including Hugh Grant despite controversy surrounding his selection for the role as an Oompah-Loompah.

George Coppen, whose father played an Ewok in Star Wars, argued the part should have been offered to an actor with dwarfism.

But one viewer of the film on its opening day – December 8 in the UK – said: ‘Hugh Grant nailed the Oompa-Loompa!’

And there were also questions about whether the spin-off was necessary, but one viewer admitted that they were pleasantly surprised by the prequel.

‘Wonka was the biggest surprise of the year for me,’ they said.

‘My expectations were low for a prequel that I felt was unnecessary and unwanted. I was wrong. It was a whimsical, charming and overwhelmingly entertaining experience.’

The lead came in for huge praise, as did Hugh Grand despite his role as an Oompah-Loompah being criticised in the movie’s build-up

Those who didn’t make the trip to watch Wonka on its opening day were encouraged to do so if they had the chance

The director also drew praise.

Paul King has enjoyed success previously with the two Paddington films, and Wonka seems to have followed their lead when it comes to whimsical fun.

‘Paul King surprised me with Wonka as it’s sugar coated goodness left me smiling from head to toe,’ one X user posted.

‘It does enter familiar territory but it can easily be excused because of its wonderful nature. 

‘Timothee Chalamet is just so fun. I was swept up in the world of imagination.’

The origin tale on Willy Wonka – based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – is still yet to hit U.S. theaters, with it arriving on the other side of the Atlantic on December 15. 

Chalamet earned $9M to portray the titular character, according to Variety, beating Tom Holland, Donald Glover, Ezra Miller and Ryan Gosling to the position.

The eccentric genius, who delighted in punishing naughty children, was memorably originated by Gene Wilder in Mel Stuart’s 1971 beloved classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Wonka’s absence of an explanation for its star’s more sinister character traits is one area which has drawn criticism, or at least disappointment.

Dahl’s depiction of his famous Oompa-Loompas in the first edition of the book described them as almost black-skinned pygmies ‘imported direct from Africa!’

Fast forward nearly 60 years, and Chapter 16 of the latest edition of the book is significantly changed, with Wonka telling the children that the Oompa-Loompas were in fact ‘Imported direct from Loompaland.’ 

At the Roald Dahl museum and Story Centre, in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, a sign went up in the summer at its entrance declaring that the racism of the writer was ‘undeniable and indelible’. 

The director, Paul King, also earned praise as the movie followed on from his similarly fun Paddington films