The flood of sequels and prequels to childhood classics that nobody asked for shows no sign of abating. But one of these prequels turned out to be an absolute fantasy gem last year that can soften any bitter heart
No beloved children’s movie from the past is safe from unwanted sequels, reboots or prequels. But what if a team of enthusiastic filmmakers were brought together who unconditionally put all the passion and love in the world into their project? Could it be something after all?
The creators of Wonka answered this question last year at Christmas time with a musical, resounding “But yes!”. Which is no surprise when you consider the talents behind it – a dedicated Timothée Chalamet, completely out of his usual mold, and a director and screenwriter who have proven their knack for ingenious family films many times over.
If you’re only catching up on one fantasy movie from last year, let it be this one. It’s now easy to do so on Sky, where Wonka is now part of the streaming subscription.
Wonka on Sky tells the prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with great attention to detail
For years, the young, aspiring chocolatier Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) has been traveling to perfect his recipes. They are unusual, delicious and downright magical. Now he wants to give them to the whole world to try and put a smile on everyone’s face with his chocolate.
However, the culinary center of the world, where he wants to open his first store, is ruled by a nefarious chocolate cartel. The owners of the biggest chocolate stores don’t want any new competition and are constantly putting obstacles in Willy’s way. What’s more, he gets himself into big trouble with some petty criminals on his very first evening in town.
Watch another German Wonka trailer here:
But luckily Willy is not alone: along the way he meets some unexpected allies, including the clever Noodle (Calah Lane) and even an altogether strange creature who introduces himself as an Oompa-Loompa (Hugh Grant). With street smarts, trust in each other and lots of chocolate, they take on their overpowering adversaries.
Watch the enchanting fantasy adventure Wonka now on Sky
Wonka is a fantasy adventure full of wit, magic and childlike enthusiasm
Even before Wonka was released, there was a lot of skepticism among viewers and critics. A prequel to Roald Dahl’s children’s story, which had already been filmed twice, seemed like a financially motivated studio decision. But if you looked a little closer, you could see the good omens: It was directed by Paul King, who was already responsible for the two heart-warming Paddington films.
He also brought along some of his previous partners, including Hugh Grant and author Simon Farnaby. And as with Paddington, Wonka’s collaboration developed into an incomparable fantasy adventure. A creative surprise awaits at every turn, a colorful candy full of magic, a joke that can make even bad-tempered parents laugh.
(Wonka’s magic chocolate store)
In every detail there is an infinite amount of love, the world created here is bursting with unusual ideas that fire the childlike imagination in all of us. The course is set for friendship and hope. And even those who don’t like musicals should be able to get something out of the energy of the actors in the song and dance interludes.
The icing on the cake is a cast whose members thoroughly enjoy their roles: From a completely detached and unexpectedly quirky Timothee Chalamet to a hilarious Keegan-Michael Key and a delightfully mischievous Olivia Colman to guest appearances from absolute comedy veterans, the cast is also a tasty grab bag.
So if you need a little break from the gray reality and are in the mood for chocolate and magic, you can now take a vacation with Wonka on Sky’s streaming subscription.
