Young Willy on the big screen

British writer Roald Dahl (1916-1990) had many of his works adapted for cinema, including "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Matilda," "The Witches," "Fantastic Mr. Fox," "James and the Giant Peach," and "The Marvelous Story of Henry Sugar." Dahl also wrote the screenplay for "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" (1968), a children's story by Ian Fleming, author of "James Bond," and the original screenplay for the Bond film "You Only Live Twice."

Among his novels adapted for cinema, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" received the most attention. The first version was directed by Mel Stuart in 1971, with Gene Wilder playing Willy Wonka, the owner of the chocolate factory. Tim Burton cast Johnny Depp as Wonka in his 2005 adaptation. The latest version was created by Paul King, known for the Paddington Bear films. This time, King tells the story of young Willy's journey before becoming the world's best chocolatier, his optimism, energy, imagination, and how with his mother's spiritual support, he overcomes all obstacles to eventually become the famous Willy Wonka.

HAPPINESS AND JOY OF LIFE

In the opening sequence, we see young Willy emerging from a thick fog layer reminiscent of a William Turner painting, his silhouette composed of pastel colors. After traveling the world for seven years, the young man lands on shore with dreams in his hat. The naive chocolatier's greatest dream is to open a shop in Galeries Gourmet and fulfill a promise to his mother. This country is dark, covered with shadows, and filled with hopeless poor people. Willy's first encounter is with capitalism; the greedy exploit those in need, seeing the poor's successes as threats. Exposed to the pessimistic side of the world, Willy distributes dreams, magic, and hope to the desperate and poor, only to find himself facing the chocolate cartel of Galeries Gourmet, a corrupt police chief, and 500 chocolate-loving priests. Inspired by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' musical comedies, and photographer Bill Brandt's foggy city frames, Paul King expresses his admiration for Jean-Pierre Jeunet:

"In Paddington Bear, I paid homage to Amélie, and in Wonka to Délicatessen. I'm thinking of writing him a letter one day."

IMPRESSIVE EDITING

The musical comedy Wonka features successful choreography, dances, production designs, music, songs, and actors. The funny timing of the seamlessly blended editing is impressive. Young actors Timothée Chalamet and Calah Lane shine. Casting Hugh Grant as a Umpa Lumpa is brilliant. "The Umpa Lumpas are mocking, judgmental, and cruel. Only Hugh could play such a bad character," says King. The scenes with Grant and Chalamet are very funny. Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) plays the lead role, Olivia Colman is the innkeeper, and Keegan Michael Key is exceptional as a police chief who becomes increasingly obese from constantly eating chocolate.

In Wonka, British cinema's stars, sharp and typical English humor, visual comedy, and fine details are masterfully used by Paul King, who co-wrote the screenplay with Simon Farnaby, conveying the message, "Even if you are poor, never stop dreaming and hold on to your dreams tightly." Wonka is a fun, energetic, warm, colorful, chocolate-rich visual feast full of happiness and joy of life, perfect to enjoy during the New Year and Christmas season.