The characters in Wonka are based on the ones created by Roald Dahl but Paul King's story is original and imaginative. It depicts the beginnings of Willy Wonka and how he became big in the world of making chocolates. The film has a Disney-style treatment with lots of songs, fantasy, humour and madness. The emotional moments are touching and help viewers connect to the characters. The film drops in the middle portions but picks up in the climax. However, it gives a bit of a been-there-done-that feeling. Also, the film has too many cinematic liberties. Wonka can pull any magic trick in the world and yet, he does not pull himself out of poverty and misery! Speaking of performances, Timothée Chalamet is too charming and apt for the part, despite Johnny Depp leaving a mark as Willy Wonka previously. Calah Lane (Noodle) is an actor to watch out for. Tom Davis (Bleacher), Olivia Colman (Scrubbit), Paterson Joseph (Arthur Slugworth), Matt Lucas (Prodnose) and Mathew Baynton (Fickelgrube) are great as the villains. Keegan-Michael Key (police chief), Jim Carter (Abacus Crunch), Natasha Rothwell (Piper Benz), Rakhee Thakrar (Lottie Bell) and Rich Fulcher (Larry Chucklesworth) lend able support. Rowan Atkinson (Father Julius) and Hugh Grant (Oompa-Loopma) raise laughs with their cameos. All in all, Wonka is a sweet 'delicious' film.

My rating - *** out of 5!