Harkening back to the illustrious, colorful, and sometimes dark, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder in 1971, WONKA serves as a faithful prelude to the beloved character with a new story, renewed energy, and the benefit of an all-star cast that pulls no punches in delivering a whimsical and imaginative production.

Before Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) is the Willy Wonka we know and love, he first finds himself as a young man having spent years on the sea with a dream. Inspired by his mother and their time together, in which she would care for the child Wonka and, as a treat, make chocolate for the two of them, the now older Willy Wonka is trying to make his mark on the world with his aspirations of making chocolate and opening up a shop for all to enjoy. However, Wonka quickly finds himself in the crosshairs of competition as established chocolatiers Mr. Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Mr. Fickelgruber (Mathew Baynton), and Mr. Prodnose (Matt Lucas) perceive the newcomer as a threat to their business and their stranglehold on being able to charge premium prices for their product.

Quickly, Wonka finds that pursuing his ambitions is easier said than done as life in the city is not what he is accustomed to. It is expensive and there are so many rules and regulations he has to dance his way around if he is going to succeed, falling into a trap just in his first day on land after he realizes he does not have enough money to pay his way. But the intuitive and creative chocolate maker will not let anything stop him, as he comes up with a plan to get around his newfound predicament and the target he has on his back under the watchful eye of Slugworth, Fickelgruber, Prodnose, and the local police.

Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Willy Wonka is a younger, more hopeful, and simply delightful character. His quick thinking and his drive to share his passion with others and to make his name known as the best chocolate maker in the world sets this modern Wonka apart from the 1971 adaptation by Wilder, who is an older, more pensive, and weary man who has experienced life over the years and already has already found success. With Gene Wilder’s Wonka, he is turning over to a new chapter of his life by finding somebody to take over his factory and continue the legacy of Wonka chocolates. Chalamet illuminates the character in new and exciting ways as his story is just beginning.

Chalamet is a talent, which has been proven in many films as the young actor has built up his portfolio. But the tone and the mood in WONKA really allow the actor to let himself free with song and dance that really showcases the breadth of his abilities and the charm that Chalamet possesses. What he brings to this film is nothing short of delightful joy.

Along the ride with the young Wonka is Noodle (Calah Lane), a young girl who does not know what her life could have been like as she never met her parents and she lives day-to-day in the place that Wonka finds himself trapped in. Calah Lane’s portrayal of this character provides Wonka a healthy dose of reality as he navigates new challenges, but in turn, she also benefits from her new friend as she learns from him that life is something to be amazed by no matter what the circumstances are and that if you keep trying, things may just go your way.

The introduction of Slugworth, Fickelgruber, and Prodnose (and their relationship with law enforcement) provides a fun and clever way of showing just how important chocolate really is to people. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent how much trouble Wonka is getting himself into as he challenges these newfound rivals.

Director Paul King, who is responsible for the Paddington films, is at the helm of WONKA so it is no surprise that the production, sets, costumes, and story are as grandiose as they are. Similar to Paddington, both the character and the film, this adaptation of WONKA provides a few lessons to its viewers: the role of friends in your life and how they (and you) can provide love and support, the importance of pursuing your ambitions and being able to get back up when things seemingly do not go in your favor. With each song, dance, and choreographed movement, King has given us a magical experience to be appreciated.

WONKA is for any person and any family of every age and it simply cannot be missed. Along with still being in theaters, WONKA is now available to watch digitally.